Engineer: Project Engineer in Chester

SII is an international group specialising in digital services and engineering, working alongside major industrial and service-sector companies to accelerate their digital transformation. Present in 21 countries and supported by the expertise of more than 16,000 employees, the group designs and delivers innovative and sustainable technological solutions. Joining SII means becoming part of a company where team spirit, autonomy, and professional growth are at the heart of the employee experience. Our promise, “Let’s Tech Together,” reflects our ambition: to build a technological future together that is useful, inclusive, and driven by innovation. With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions. SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies. Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment. True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer with strong mechanical engineering background, wing manufacturing knowledge, and proven experience of the LBIP (Lean Business Improvement Process). The role will support the delivery of wing related projects through defined maturity gates, from early concept through to fully industrialised solutions. The successful candidate will be a hands on problem solver, capable of operating close to the shop floor, leading structured investigations, and applying sound mechanical engineering judgement to resolve complex manufacturing and build issues. This role operates at the interface between Engineering and Manufacturing and requires a disciplined, methodical approach to project delivery and governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support projects through the LBIP framework, ensuring activities meet maturity gate criteria and governance requirements.
• Manage project plans, risks, actions, and deliverables to support successful progression through maturity gates.
• Generate and maintain robust maturity evidence, risk registers, and delivery documentation.
• Support and participate in project reviews, readiness assessments, and approval boards.

Mechanical Engineering & Wing Manufacturing Support

• Apply strong mechanical engineering expertise to ensure technical solutions are safe, robust, and manufacturable.
• Provide technical support to wing build and assembly activities, including interpretation of mechanical designs and tolerances.
• Support resolution of build issues related to structures, interfaces, tooling, and assembly processes.
• Act as an effective interface between Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations.

Problem Solving & Issue Resolution

• Lead and contribute to structured problem solving activities (e.g. root cause analysis, containment, and corrective actions).
• Investigate mechanical and manufacturing issues arising during production and project execution.
• Drive sustainable solutions that address root cause rather than symptoms, ensuring lessons learned are captured and reused.
• Support management and closure of non conformances, concessions, and deviations.

Required Skills, Experience & Competencies

• Proven experience as a Project Engineer (or similar) within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical engineering background, with experience applying mechanical principles in a production setting.
• Demonstrable experience using the LBIP process, including taking projects through defined maturity gates.
• Strong understanding of wing manufacturing, including structures, build processes, and industrial systems.
• Proven ability to lead and apply structured problem solving techniques.
• Experience working close to the shop floor and supporting live manufacturing activity.
• Ability to independently analyse issues, develop technically sound solutions, and drive implementation.
• Excellent communication, planning, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong focus on time, cost, quality, and safety.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with metallic and/or composite wing structures.
• Manufacturing Engineering or industrialisation experience.
• Experience supporting rate increases, major process changes, or new industrial introductions.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience producing maturity packs, technical justifications, and approval documentation.
• Familiarity with structured problem solving methodologies.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and delivery-focused mindset.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Collaborative team player with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality outputs.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Basic Salary
• 6% Employers Contribution + 6% as a salary sacrifice
• Private Medical Insurance, Life Cover and Income Protection
• 25 days holiday
• 10 days full sick pay per year
• Flexible working
• Cycle to Work & TechScheme
• Continuous professional development
• Corporate access to the Udemy platform