Configuration Engineer

Configuration Management Engineer / Product Configuration / PLM Engineer - (Mechanical Hardware) - Bristol (Hybrid – 2-3 days on-site per week) Job Type: Full time, Permanent Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain UK security clearance (British citizenship or dual UK/British nationality required) About the Role We are looking for a PLM / Configuration Management Engineer to join a Physical Design team working on a complex ground-based defence system currently in service with multiple international customers. The programme spans both ongoing series production and continued development of new capabilities and customer-driven enhancements. This role offers exposure across the full product lifecycle. You will be responsible for managing the technical configuration and product definition of a major hardware system, ensuring that design data, build standards and engineering changes are accurately controlled and delivered in support of production, development activities and in-service support. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, configuration management and customer-facing teams across the UK and Europe to ensure the product remains correctly defined and configured as it evolves. Key Responsibilities * Define, maintain and manage build definitions within the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system * Ensure product definition data is released and controlled in line with programme schedules and delivery milestones * Manage engineering changes, change notices and problem reports to support production, development and customer requirements * Support non-conformance management activities for both production and in-service equipment * Maintain the integrity of product configuration as new developments, upgrades and contract changes are introduced * Work closely with UK and international Configuration Management teams to ensure products are configured in accordance with company processes and governance * Take ownership of specific hardware assemblies, maintaining their technical baseline and supporting their ongoing development * Support the development and evolution of requirements in response to customer, programme and business needs * Collaborate with IT and cross-functional teams to support delivery of key contractual commitments * Work with manufacturing teams to understand build requirements, resolve configuration issues and support production activities * Provide technical support in response to customer queries and in-service issues What We're Looking For The following would be useful, but not necessarily essential: * Experience of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Configuration Management or Design Definition processes * Experience supporting delivery of complex engineering products within a regulated or technically challenging environment * Knowledge of mechanical assemblies and systems incorporating hydraulic and electrical equipment * Strong organisational, prioritisation and communication skills * Experience providing technical support to products in production and/or service * Experience contributing to product development and engineering change activities * Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes and best practice * Appreciation of requirements management at system, subsystem or component level * Knowledge of hardware design, manufacture or integration processes * Experience supporting non-conformance investigations and resolution activities * Awareness of project planning tools such as Primavera P6 * Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders * Polish (beneficial but no means essential) What We Offer * Company bonus scheme (up to £2,500, based on company performance) / Paid overtime opportunities * Pension: up to 14% combined employer and employee contribution * Up to 15 additional flexi-leave days * Flexible working arrangements * Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, with enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatment * Subsidised meals, free car parking and other on-site facilities / Healthcare Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health and wellbeing expenses