At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Structural and Fluid Dynamics team while driving technical excellence.
- Company: Join Stirling Dynamics, a leader in aerospace engineering with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and engaging social events throughout the year.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace by leading innovative projects and developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a related field; experience in technical leadership and team management.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
Stirling Dynamics is recruiting for a Technical Manager for the Structural and Fluid Dynamics capability group. The successful candidate will join the senior management team and will be responsible for the development and management of the Structural and Fluid Dynamics capability, ensuring that the team has the right technical capabilities and tools and processes in place to meet the various project requirements, both now and in the future. The Technical Manager is the focal point for technical excellence, resource planning for the capability and ensuring continuous improvement within the domain.
The Structural and Fluid dynamics group provides detailed analysis for loads and flight physics projects covering:
- Flight loads
- Ground loads
- Aeroelastics
- Vibration
- Test support
The group also contains the CFD capability, which carries out analysis for:
- External aerodynamic flow for support to new aircraft and aircraft modifications
- Internal aerodynamic flows
- Hydraulic flow for the support in the design of hydraulic equipment
- Thermal analysis
- Acoustics
The modelling toolsets that are currently used by the group include:
- Matlab
- Nastran
- Ansys Fluent
As Technical Manager you should have industrial experience in some of these above areas and a good appreciation and understanding of the others. You will also be expected to balance hands-on technical work and leadership together with the management activities of capability development, resource planning and line management. This role will be based in our Bristol office however as part of our commitment to flexible working, employees are able to work from home for part of the week. Due to security restrictions on some of our projects, the successful candidate must currently hold Security Check (SC) clearance or be eligible to obtain SC.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the Structural and Fluid Dynamics capability, including day to day management and longer-term strategy. This is a varied role covering the below areas:
- Technical
- Provide technical leadership or support on projects where required
- Ensure appropriate technical support is available for customer interactions, either through team members or personal involvement
- Manage external suppliers within the technical area, including tendering and quality audits
- Facilitate the team’s ability to deliver by ensuring the right people, tools, and processes are in place
- Act as the focal point for tools within the technical area
- Evaluate current toolsets and identify needs for new tools or upgrades, developing business cases where new tools are required and leading their implementation
- Ensure tools are used effectively to support delivery and innovation
- Process
- Allocation of the Structural and Fluid Dynamics team members in line with the project requirements
- Define and manage annual budget needs for internal development of capabilities and processes in line with company objectives
- Support business development activities
- Contribute to project proposals and bids, including technical solutions and estimated quantity of work
- Hold technical checks and/or approvals for the capability area in line with the delegated authority
- Act as the process owner for the technical domain, identifying missing or outdated processes and leading updates
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and push for process change where needed
- Own and manage bench tasks to support capability development and delivery readiness
- Collaborate with other Technical Managers to ensure cross-functional alignment and consistency
- People
- Support the capability team members to ensure that they have continued development in line with the individual's and company's needs
- Facilitate the recruitment of suitably qualified and skilled engineers to support the growth of the company
Qualifications:
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a related discipline
- Post-graduate qualification to a Master’s degree or Doctorate in a relevant specialisation (desirable)
- Membership of an Engineering Body (desirable)
- Chartered Engineer Status (desirable)
Essential skills:
- The personal qualities of the jobholder will be key to success in this role. The following characteristics and qualities are identified as essential for the role:
- Able to engage and successfully lead engineering teams in order to achieve a successful outcome
- A diplomatic and professional approach to dealing with a range of different people
- The ability to manage multiple, complex tasks
- Willingness to embrace change and to implement new processes
- The confidence and experience to propose solutions to technical and organisational problems
- Embracing the Stirling company values and promoting them among the team
Experience:
- Significant industry experience in relevant sectors (ideally aerospace)
- Demonstrable experience in line management and managing engineering teams
- Demonstrable experience in technical leadership
- Experience in a customer facing role, from a technical and/or business development perspective
Benefits:
- Competitive package - Grade 7-8 (£65,000+) depending on experience
- 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.
Technical Manager in Bristol employer: Stirling Dynamics Limited
Stirling Dynamics Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol where innovation meets aerospace excellence. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and development, alongside opportunities to influence cutting-edge projects in safety-critical software. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to work-life balance, this role promises not just a job, but a meaningful career in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager 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 Technical Manager. 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 Technical Manager 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.
