Job Opportunity: Project Engineering Lead – Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Location: Southampton - Hybrid Join a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of cutting-edge aviation technology!
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Project Engineering Lead (PEL) to lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team on a flagship Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
This exciting initiative is set to deliver the next-generation Tempest fighter aircraft, replacing the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet by 2035.
About the Role: As a Project Engineering Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the development and delivery of advanced concept and system designs.
You'll work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of this complex and high-profile programme.
Collaborating with the Project Engineering Manager and Chief Engineer, you'll lead the engineering effort, ensuring technical excellence and seamless integration across all systems.
Key Responsibilities: Provide engineering leadership across the project lifecycle to deliver solutions on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Develop efficient and effective project plans, ensuring risks and opportunities are managed.
Oversee compliance with lifecycle management processes, including design and gate reviews.
Drive design maturity through validation, qualification, and certification.
Lead a multi-disciplinary Integrated Project Team (IPT), maintaining a high-performance culture and ensuring team motivation.
Promote modularity, re-use, and streamlined processes to ensure competitive, value-driven solutions.
Manage configuration, change management, and stakeholder communications.
Collaborate closely with the Project Chief Engineer to resolve technical challenges and ensure the design rationale is well-documented.
Support supplier management and make-or-buy decisions.
Report on project performance and communicate issues to senior management.
Foster effective working relationships with stakeholders across multiple locations.
What You'll Need to Succeed: Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, with strong leadership and teamwork skills.
Experience managing engineering projects through all lifecycle stages.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
Familiarity with engineering lifecycle processes and business operations.
Knowledge of Electronic Warfare (EW) or similar domains.
Commercial awareness and the ability to manage budgets and schedules effectively.
Eligibility for SC-level security clearance.
Desirable Skills: Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
A background in Radar, EW, EO/IR, or Communications systems.
Expertise in system integration for airborne environments.
Familiarity with agile methodologies and large-scale engineering projects.
Why Join Us?
Work on cutting-edge technology shaping the future of combat aviation.
Collaborate with a diverse and talented team of engineers and industry leaders.
Access opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career development.
Contribute to a landmark programme that will impact UK defence for decades.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of engineering innovation.
If you're ready to take on a leadership position in a high-profile programme and contribute to the future of air combat systems, we'd love to hear from you.