Chief Design Engineer

Our client, operating in the aerospace sector, is currently seeking a Chief Design Engineer to join their team on a permanent basis. This role carries the internal Chief Designer badge and is aimed at providing senior aerospace design authority for the flagship stratospheric UAS programme, while also supporting other ongoing and future customer programmes and internal productisation avenues.Key Responsibilities:Lead or heavily contribute to airframe and platform design for the flagship stratospheric UAS programmeSupport aircraft configuration, layout, structures, mass properties, performance, and integration decisionsContribute to other customer programmes and internal productisation routes where aerospace design input is neededWork closely with technical teams across avionics, flight control, operations, software, productisation, and testProvide senior design judgement during trade studies, design reviews, and technical decisionsOwn or contribute to CAD, drawings, design rationale, configuration records, and engineering release packsSupport design-for-manufacture, maintainability, operations, and field supportHelp resolve design issues during build, integration, ground test, and flight testJob Requirements:Strong aerospace engineering backgroundExperience designing aircraft, UAS, UAVs, air vehicles, or similar aerospace systemsStrong mechanical, structural, aerodynamic, and integration judgementExperience with CAD, drawings, design documentation, and configuration controlUnderstanding of mass properties, airframe integration, manufacturing constraints, and system integrationHands-on engineering mindsetFlexibility to help shape team processes and engineering culture during a growth/facilities transitionDesirable Experience:Experience with fixed-wing, VTOL, hybrid UAS, HAPS, or stratospheric platformsKnowledge of lightweight structures, composites, advanced manufacturing, and rapid prototypingUnderstanding of aerodynamic analysis, performance modelling, flight-test support, or flight data interpretationUse of advanced simulation and optimisation toolsFamiliarity with aviation safety, airworthiness, certification, or regulated design environmentsExperience in building design processes, review discipline, and engineering standards in a growing teamBenefits:Permanent role within a leading aerospace companyOpportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace projectsProfessional development and training opportunitiesSupportive and collaborative work environmentComprehensive employee benefits packageIf you are a seasoned aerospace engineer with a passion for design and innovation, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dynamic and talented team.TPBN1_UKTJ