Part 21J Design Engineer (Structures & Mechanical)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Part 21J Design Engineer to join a highly specialised aerospace engineering environment, supporting aircraft-level design within a Part 21 Design Organisation.

This is a design-led position, ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning structural solutions from concept through to certification, with the opportunity to progress towards Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) status.

The Role

As a Part 21J Design Engineer, you will take ownership of aircraft structural design activities, working across both new and in-service programmes. You will play a key role in delivering robust, certifiable solutions, whilst also carrying out independent technical checking to ensure the highest standards of engineering integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Structural Design

• Own and deliver aircraft structural design solutions from concept through to detailed design and release
• Produce high-quality engineering drawings, models, and supporting reports
• Contribute to structural substantiation activities, including strength, fatigue, stiffness, and damage tolerance
• Support design, modification, and repair work across metallic and composite structures
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including stress, systems, manufacturing, and airworthiness

Technical Checking

• Carry out independent technical checking of design data, including drawings, models, and reports
• Ensure outputs are compliant, consistent, and aligned with approved design methodologies
• Provide constructive challenge in line with design assurance principles

Compliance & Development

• Support certification and compliance activities through robust engineering design
• Work towards CVE (Structures) authorisation, supported by the organisation
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of design assurance and airworthiness compliance

About You

• Degree qualified in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience in aircraft-level structural design, not just component-level work
• Strong background in producing and owning design data for certification purposes
• Experience with structural substantiation and airworthiness requirements
• Confident working within a regulated Part 21J environment (or similar)
• Able to apply sound engineering judgement based on practical design experience

Desirable Experience

• Previous CVE (Structures) authorisation
• Experience working with the UK CAA and/or EASA
• Knowledge of composite structures, fatigue, and damage tolerance
• Experience across multiple aircraft platforms or modification programmes
• Ability to mentor or support junior engineers

Working Arrangements

This role is ideally office-based in South Wales, supporting collaboration and design integration. However, hybrid or flexible working options may be considered for the right individual.

Why Apply?

• Work on complex, aircraft-level design projects
• Hybrid working available
• Clear pathway towards CVE authorisation
• Join a highly technical and collaborative engineering environment
• Opportunity to influence real-world aerospace design solutions

If you’re a Part 21J Design Engineer looking to take ownership of high-integrity aerospace design work and progress your career within a regulated environment, we’d love to hear from you.