At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering programmes for innovative military aircraft and drive technical excellence.
- Company: Join Boeing, a global leader in aerospace innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid working options, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace industry while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in aerospace or safety-critical engineering and extensive leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Job Description
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place.
We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth.
Find your future with us.
Introduction
Boeing Defence United Kingdom (BDUK) is recruiting for a Chief Programme Engineer for the UK Fixed Wing Business Unit Strategy and Growth programmes, reporting to the BDUK Fixed Wing Chief Engineer.
The Chief Programme Engineer will hold accountabilities and responsibilities across the product/service lifecycle for a selection of Strategic and Growth programmes in the Fixed Wing domain, with delegations from the Engineering Director and Fixed Wing Chief Engineer.
We are looking for an experienced technical leader with an evidential background in both aircraft design, qualification and certification, and in sustaining aircraft capability in-service.
Experience of the in-service support of military aircraft or the civil Boeing 737 is preferred.
Applicants should have demonstrable experience in interacting and when necessary leading multi-disciplined engineering teams driving safety, ensuring technical excellence, and collaborating across business units, both in the UK and internationally.
Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to assist in the development of technical strategies to aid business growth and provide technical input, oversight and governance around future technical proposals.
While we work in agile and dynamic engineering environments, your wellbeing is important to us and we strive to find a healthy life balance and ethical team culture with a strong emphasis on openness, collaboration, innovation, safety, and first‑time quality.
This role can be based at BDUK sites in the south of England and provides opportunity for hybrid working subject to programme requirements.
Regular travel to multiple BDUK and Customer sites will be expected, with periodic international travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the UK Fixed Wing Chief Engineer in definition and stakeholder awareness/governance of the Fixed Wing Engineering strategy.
- Hold responsibility for engineering programmes of work related to strategic/growth objectives, of which a number are in the early gates of the Enterprise Standard Gated Process related to P‑8, E‑7 and the T‑7 product and services including:
- Participate in the U. K. investment fund allocation and governance process, where relevant creating business cases in support of securing funding.
- The provision of technical leadership and coordination of employees performing engineering and integration activities to deliver programme objectives.
- The development and execution of project and process plans, the implementation of policies and procedures, and the establishment of operational goals in concert with the relevant Fixed Wing Programme Managers.
- Execution of solution engineering and integration through effective resource allocation and leadership.
- The chairing of engineering reviews including those relating to requirements, design, safety (Product and Service), and programme readiness.
- Coordination and interaction with engineering departments to establish demand and availability of resources for delivery of engineering activity.
- Support the coordination of technical management of suppliers and provide overarching governance in concert with the supplier management function.
- The development and maintenance of relationships and partnerships with customers, worldwide business groups, and other key stakeholders.
- Support the management of technical scope against established budget including periodic reporting of progress to target.
- Participate in solution development for new business and provide governance and oversight to proposal development activity.
- Ensure and assure all Products and Services delivered from the BDUK Fixed Wing Strategy and Growth portfolio under delegation from the Engineering Director for Chief Programme Engineer PRO-6924.
- Drive engineering functional excellence in people, processes, tools, and practices for activity across the Fixed Wing Strategy and Growth portfolio; facilitating productivity improvements and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned across the wider BDUK portfolio.
- Support and champion a culture that is highly focussed on Product and Service safety together with first time quality across all engineering activities.
- Assist the UK Fixed Wing Chief Engineer, including deputising when necessary, in support of business unit and engineering functional reporting/interfacing.
Essential Qualifications
- Degree from an accredited course of study, in aerospace or safety critical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry.
- Extensive experience managing or leading teams in multi-disciplined matrix organisations (ideally with a global working aspect).
- Extensive experience working in a highly regulated safety critical engineering environment.
- Preferred Skills
- Broad knowledge of both Type and Continuing Airworthiness in UK military aircraft.
- Broad knowledge of the certification of UK military aircraft, their design changes and modifications.
- Demonstrated capability to develop and sell business cases, influence stakeholders at all levels, establish teams and execute programmes of work to quality, budget and schedule.
- Broad knowledge of the UK Defence Aviation Environment and its processes and policies.
- Proven record in delivering complex engineering change programmes in military aircraft.
- Evidential experience of through‑life aircraft sustainment and post design services.
- Experience in interacting and guiding cross‑functional engineering teams.
- Good analytical, planning, and problem‑solving skills.
- Comfortable in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
- Ability to provide an effective bridge between customers, the programme, and the BDUK and international engineering departments.
- Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- A true people partner, with matrix experience in a global environment.
- Preferably with a chartership from a relevant Institute.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with an ability to manage competing demands.
- Practical experience in managing complex project or bid budgets, particularly geared around balancing the cost of delivery with technical excellence.
- Work Authorisation
This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK.
Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom.
Boeing will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants.
Benefits and pay are determined at the local level and are not part of Boeing U.
S. based payroll.
Security Clearance
This position requires the ability to obtain a UK security clearance for which the Government requires UK Citizenship.
- Relocation
- This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate
- Export Control Requirements
This is not an Export Control position.
- Shift
- Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom)
- Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer.
We do not accept unlawful discrimination in our recruitment or employment practices on any grounds including but not limited to; race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military and veteran status, or other characteristics covered by applicable law.
We have teams in more than 65 countries, and each person plays a role in helping us become one of the world’s most innovative, diverse and inclusive companies.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities.
Applicants are encouraged to share with our recruitment team any accommodations required during the recruitment process.
Accommodations may include but are not limited to: conducting interviews in accessible locations that accommodate mobility needs, encouraging candidates to bring and use any existing assistive technology such as screen readers and offering flexible interview formats such as virtual or phone interviews.
- Applications
- Applications for this position will be accepted until Aug. 16, 2026
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Chief Programme Engineer – Fixed Wing in Bristol employer: The Boeing Company
Boeing is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and access to the renowned Learning Together programme, employees are empowered to enhance their skills while contributing to innovative projects in the defence industry. Join us at BDUK, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities for meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Programme Engineer – Fixed Wing 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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Programme Engineer – Fixed Wing in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at The Boeing Company, 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 The Boeing Company, 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 The Boeing Company
✨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 The Boeing Company.
✨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 The Boeing Company. 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 The Boeing Company love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.