Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer
Location: Hailsham
Industry: Advanced Materials / Aerospace / Defence / Engineering
Salary: Competitive, permanent role

An established international organisation specialising in advanced materials and precision process engineering is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead its technical function. The business focuses on advanced equipment design, and R&D activities that support aerospace, defence, and high-performance engineering sectors. The company name will not be disclosed. This position provides technical leadership across engineering design, process development, and product delivery. It requires a blend of hands‑on expertise and strategic direction, ensuring complex systems and equipment meet performance, reliability, and cost targets. The role reports to the Operations Manager and offers responsibility for shaping capability, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and guiding technology from concept through to customer deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering function, setting technical direction and supporting multidisciplinary teams
• Oversee design activities with full responsibility for technical governance and design processes
• Deliver engineering projects on schedule, within budget, and to defined quality and regulatory standards
• Work closely with R&D to progress new technologies from prototype to market-ready products
• Manage engineering resources, facilities, workflows, and capability development
• Support strategic planning, including new technology and business opportunities
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety requirements, and quality systems

Qualifications and Experience

• Master s degree in engineering; additional background in metallurgy or physics is advantageous
• Significant leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, or process‑equipment environments
• Proven record of managing complex engineering or R&D programmes in aerospace, defence, or similar sectors
• Strong capability in system design, process development, and equipment integration
• Effective leadership, communication, and team‑management skills
• Ability to combine hands‑on engineering knowledge with strategic decision‑making

Additional Information

Full UK driving licence needed

Working week: 37.5 hours

Holiday entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays

Contract: Permanent

Based on site in Hailsham, with occasional UK and overseas travel; on‑site role due to operational and security requirements.

TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process.