At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight test activities and develop innovative test strategies for advanced military training systems.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge defence company at Bournemouth International Airport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel opportunities, and hands-on experience with advanced technology.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for global deployment and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in military training while working with the latest electronic warfare technologies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Volantes Technical Recruitment are seeking an exceptional Lead Flight Test Engineer to join our clients growing team at Bournemouth International Airport. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role at the cutting edge of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training, supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies worldwide. Our client don’t just operate aircraft - they deliver mission‑critical capability. Their work directly enables military aircrew and ground radar operators to train as they will fight, using some of the most advanced and representative airborne EW effects available today.
The Lead Flight Test Engineer will report directly to the Flight Test Manager and will lead the definition, planning, execution and reporting of flight test activity across our clients diverse and unique fleet. Your work will directly support the continued evolution of next‑generation EW training systems, ensuring our client remains the partner of choice for complex, high‑end defence training. Working hand‑in‑hand with the Design Office, maintenance teams, and test pilots, you will lead flight test programmes from concept through to delivery, both in the UK and across global deployment locations. You will also play a key role in navigating regulatory and certification landscapes, securing the approvals required to conduct safe, effective, and compliant flight testing.
The Lead Flight Test Engineer role is a flying role. When not conducting flight test duties and depending on previous qualifications, opportunities to conduct Operational Readiness Training as a rear crew may be available in a variety of aircraft and roles. The role requires international travel, with deployments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
- Plan and conduct airborne and ground flight testing as a Lead Flight Test Engineer
- Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
- Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design and technical safety reviews
- Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
- Produce clear, high‑quality flight test reports
- Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
- Ensure full regulatory compliance, cultivating trusted relationships with the UK CAA and other regulatory authorities
- Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types
- Qualification as a Flight Test Engineer from a recognised and approved Flight Test Training Organisation
- Hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance (SC)
- Hold, or be able to meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard
- Cat 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification
- Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
- Degree (BSc / BEng or higher) in an engineering or science‑related discipline
- Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks
- Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Background in military EW / RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
- Previous UAS / RPAS experience
Lead Flight Test Engineer in England employer: Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd
At our client, located at Bournemouth International Airport, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of Electronic Warfare and Operational Readiness Training, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about defence technology. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering unique opportunities to lead critical flight test programmes while supporting military training efforts globally. With a commitment to employee development and a dynamic environment that encourages hands-on experience, we provide a rewarding career path for our Lead Flight Test Engineer.
Contact Details:
Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Flight Test Engineer in England
✨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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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 Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd for a Lead Flight Test 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 Lead Flight Test Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd, 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 Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd, 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 Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd
✨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 Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd.
✨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 Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd. 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 Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
