Job Title: Lead Design Engineer – Aircraft Structures (eVTOL)

Contract Type: Fixed-term, 12 months (Inside IR35)

Location: Hybrid – on-site and remote (dependent on project/customer requirements)

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Aircraft Design Engineer to join our engineering team for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft development. This role focuses on the design and development of primary and secondary aircraft structures, including Wing, Empennage, and Fuselage, integrating cutting-edge technologies to achieve optimal performance. Experience with aircraft testing is an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and build of prototype eVTOL aircraft structures.
• Develop composite and metallic structure designs, including detail and assembly definitions.
• Create and cross-check model-based definitions within 3D Experience digital mock-ups (DMU).
• Collaborate with Systems Integration teams to ensure structural design accommodates system routing requirements.
• Report to the Design Lead and support the team in delivering design engineering solutions.
• Participate in technical and customer reviews, including formal gate reviews; prepare technical data and presentations.
• Define design solutions for new components and modifications to existing components, considering cost, weight, quality, manufacturability, serviceability, and performance.
• Provide evidence of design compliance with technical and customer specifications.
• Prepare drawings and engineering data required for manufacturing and customer submittals.
• Produce Engineering Change Notices (ECN) as needed to support manufacturing, quality, certification, and customer requirements.
• Ensure the quality of deliverables for self and team.
• Act as the technical interface with certification authorities to ensure compliance with airworthiness and certification standards.
• Attend customer facilities for key meetings and design reviews, with hybrid working as applicable

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in aircraft design, preferably with eVTOL aircraft.
• Proven design experience on primary and secondary structures: Wing, Empennage, Fuselage.
• Hands-on expertise with CATIA V5 and 3D Experience, including Composites Design 3 (CPD) workbench and Fibresim.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools, e.g., Windchill.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Familiarity with aerospace composite and metallic materials and their manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations and certification processes (e.g., FAA, EASA) is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills, able to analyze complex engineering problems and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
• Customer-focused, with the ability to establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and meet demanding project requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools and MS Project.
• Passion for innovation, sustainable aviation, and eVTOL technologies

Benefits

• 20 days annual holiday
• Pension contributions: 4% from company and 4% from employee (can be increased based on associate preference)
• Insurance benefits