At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects in aerospace and marine sectors, ensuring technical excellence.
- Company: Join Stirling Dynamics, a pioneer in cockpit control technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £65,000, flexible working, and exciting team events.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in software/electronic hardware within regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
Stirling Dynamics is recruiting a Chief Engineer with a focus on software/electronic hardware. Stirling Dynamics design, develop and produce a wide range of high-end aircraft simulator, ground control and flightworthy cockpit controls. Stirling’s products include both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ controls. The active controls primarily serve the engineering development and pilot training simulation market. They are feature-rich, highly reconfigurable, and suitable for single or dual (linked) aircraft cockpit configurations. Our range of active products includes side sticks, throttles, collectives, cyclics, tillers, pedals and their associated control systems.
The company is continuously bringing new products to market while enhancing and refining existing solutions. Although Stirling has passive product offerings for the pilot training and simulation sector, the primary demand is for flightworthy applications where Stirling design, develop and supply products that are integrated within certified aircraft. We have pioneered active control technology since the early 1990s and are proud to hold many industry and technology firsts, including supplying the controls for the first fully active fly-by-wire helicopter flight. Today, we supply active sticks and throttles for the new F-35 pilot training simulators and continue to innovate and push boundaries in cockpit control technology.
Due to a strong order book and sustained growth, Stirling Dynamics is seeking a highly experienced engineer to join the Chief Engineer team, providing technical leadership, guidance, and governance through the bid and complex project delivery phases. Our existing team brings a breadth of expertise across multiple disciplines. This opportunity is designed to complement that team by filling a key capability gap, with a focus on individuals with a software/electronic hardware background developed within regulated environments (e.g. rail, aerospace etc).
The Chief Engineer role sits within the delivery axis, working in collaboration with business stakeholders and technical teams to ensure that both bids and project solutions are technically robust, well-balanced (considering time, cost, and quality), and aligned with customer and regulatory requirements. The role is primarily based in our Bristol office, with occasional travel to client sites. We are committed to flexible working and offer the opportunity to work from home for part of the week.
Chief Engineers provide an important ‘governance’ function, offering independent, thoughtful review of technical solutions. They may also take on a more hands-on leadership role within particularly complex bids or projects, helping to guide direction and delivery. This is one of the most senior engineering roles within the organisation, reporting directly to the Operations Director. The work is diverse, spanning aerospace, marine, and training & simulation.
Within Aerospace, projects may include civil and military applications across fixed wing, rotary wing (including eVTOL), and a range of aircraft sizes. Projects can encompass airworthy equipment development, complex modifications, and new aircraft programmes. In Marine, the work includes submarine control system solutions and specialist consultancy. Within Training & Simulation, it involves the design and manufacture of a wide range of active and passive pilot COTS (standard Stirling product) and bespoke cockpit control solutions for a global customer base.
The ideal candidate will bring experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and successfully delivering complex engineering programmes in one or more of these areas. This is a highly visible role internally and externally. The ability to build strong, trusted relationships and work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders (customers, regulators, and colleagues) is essential.
Responsibilities
- Act on behalf of the Operations Director to support the successful delivery of technical bids and projects/programmes.
- Support the Business Development teams by providing customer-focused technical expertise and ‘solutioneering’ prior to formal bid activity. Proactively identify and nurture opportunities with both new and existing customers.
- During the bid phase, work closely with business managers and project management, taking ownership of shaping a compelling and cohesive technical response. Engage Technical Managers and the wider engineering community where needed, ensuring that solutions are robust, well-considered and aligned with requirements.
- Support a smooth and seamless transition from bid to project launch, ensuring technical continuity. Provide ongoing technical guidance and assurance to projects as needed (e.g. reviewing plans, facilitating design reviews, offering independent insight and support). On selected complex projects/programmes, take on a leading technical role to help ensure successful delivery of high-quality, compliant, and commercially sound solutions.
- Contribute to shaping the future technical direction of products and services, supporting innovation and continuous improvement.
Desired skills
- Current Security Check (SC) clearance or eligibility to obtain.
- Experience across the full product development lifecycle.
- Customer-facing technical or business development experience.
Success in this role will be supported by the following qualities:
- Ability to engage, support and guide multi-disciplinary teams towards shared goals.
- A collaborative and professional approach when working with diverse stakeholders.
- Confidence to question, challenge constructively, and offer solutions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance multiple complex priorities.
- Practical, logical thinking combined with sound judgement.
- Attention to detail and a proactive approach to quality assurance.
- A motivated and dependable approach to meeting commitments.
- Openness to change, with a positive mindset towards continuous improvement.
Experience
- Degree-qualified engineer in a relevant discipline.
- Significant experience in relevant sectors, particularly in software and electronic hardware within regulated/high-integrity environments.
- Proven experience contributing to and shaping technical bids.
- Demonstrated success leading complex engineering projects and teams.
Benefits
Competitive package. The role can cover grades 8-9 and therefore has a wide salary range (minimum of £65,000) as it will depend on the candidate's experience level. We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially.
Chief Engineer in Bristol employer: Stirling Dynamics Limited
Stirling Dynamics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Our culture fosters teamwork and creativity, making it an ideal place for engineers passionate about pushing the boundaries of aerospace and simulation technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Stirling Dynamics Limited for a Chief Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Stirling Dynamics Limited, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Stirling Dynamics Limited, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stirling Dynamics Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Stirling Dynamics Limited.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Stirling Dynamics Limited. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Stirling Dynamics Limited love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
