Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer

Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for zero-emission flight.
  • Company: Join ZeroAvia, a pioneer in hydrogen-electric aviation technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private health care, mental health support, free lunches, and stock options.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of aviation while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in aerospace systems engineering and strong technical leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

ZeroAvia is at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission flight, developing pioneering hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for both civil and defence aerospace applications. As the world's only Design Organization Approved company dedicated exclusively to hydrogen-electric aviation, we have achieved major flight test and regulatory milestones with the UK CAA and FAA, while securing more than 3,000 pre-orders from airlines, OEMs, and defence customers worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Systems Engineer to play a key role in the development and certification of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. Contributing to technical leadership and direction across architecture, requirements engineering, and IVVQ activities, you will remain hands on whilst coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful delivery of safe, compliant, and certifiable zero-emission aviation technology.

Responsibilities

  • Lead systems engineering activities across architecture, requirements, integration, verification, validation, and qualification (IVVQ), ensuring delivery of compliant lifecycle data.
  • Develop and maintain system architectures, interfaces, configuration items, and end-to-end requirements traceability.
  • Own verification and qualification planning, approving test strategies, specifications, results, and compliance evidence.
  • Provide technical leadership to internal teams, suppliers, and customers, including requirements flow-down, test witnessing, and acceptance activities.
  • Collaborate with certification, safety, and airworthiness teams to support certified product development in accordance with ARP4754B and ARP4761/A.

Experience & Qualifications

  • Degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
  • 8+ years’ aerospace systems engineering experience on certified aircraft or propulsion programmes within an OEM or equivalent environment.
  • Strong technical leadership experience, with proven capability in system architecture, requirements engineering, and system-level verification & validation.
  • Deep knowledge of ARP4754B, with working understanding of ARP4761/A, DO-178C, DO-254, and DO-160G qualification processes.
  • Experience managing suppliers and complex development programmes; familiarity with Polarion (or equivalent) and propulsion, power, flight control, or emerging aerospace technologies is advantageous.

Benefits

We want to help you be your best self, at work and at home, that’s why we provide our employees with:

  • Private health and dental care – get access to services and support when you need them. Add your family members too.
  • Mental health support – enjoy a culture where positive mental health is front of mind with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programmes and wellbeing support.
  • Free lunch and healthy snacks – keeping you fuelled up so you can help us deliver the technology of the future.
  • Sports, games and culture clubs – connect and keep fit with other ZeroAvians by joining one of our clubs – such as, running, cycling, padel, trivia, theatre and gardening.
  • Stock options – so you can share in our success.
  • 25 days holiday, plus public holidays and additional days awarded for long service – to help you manage your work-life balance.
  • Free EV Charging and membership in our EV Club.
  • Salary Sacrifice Schemes for EV Club, Curry's Tech and Cycle to Work.
  • Weekly Spot Bonuses to reward excellence.
  • Income Protection and Legal Support for peace of mind.
  • Relocation Support to make your move seamless.

Diversity and Inclusion

As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal-opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Lead Systems Engineer employer: ZeroAvia

ZeroAvia is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the charge in zero-emission aviation while being part of a world-class engineering team. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide comprehensive health benefits, mental health support, and a vibrant work culture that encourages personal growth through various clubs and activities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with competitive perks like stock options and relocation support, makes ZeroAvia a truly rewarding place to advance your career in a pioneering industry.

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Contact Details:

ZeroAvia Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer

✨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 ZeroAvia for a Lead Systems 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 Systems Engineer

Systems Engineering
Technical Leadership
Architecture Development
Requirements Engineering
Integration
Verification and Validation (IVVQ)
Compliance Evidence Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ZeroAvia, 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 ZeroAvia, 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 ZeroAvia

✨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 ZeroAvia.

✨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 ZeroAvia. 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 ZeroAvia love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.