Aerospace Engineering Manager

Job title:  Aerospace Engineering Manager

Location:  Ashford, Kent

Company:  QinetiQ Target Systems

Salary:  Competitive

Hours:  37 hour per weeks, flexible hybrid working

About the role

We are currently recruiting an Aerospace Engineering Manager to join QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) within our Engineering Team.  QTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC, specialising in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems, including the world-leading Banshee target.

QTS targets are used to enable realistic weapons test and evaluation and operator training in over 40 countries worldwide, with QTS providing a complete managed service in over 15 of these countries.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will have direct responsibility for both managing the Aerospace Engineering team, as well as providing technical expertise to our cutting-edge new product development field.

Duties will include:

• Lead, plan, and direct a team of highly professional engineers, working in a design / development and analysis technical environment.
• Provide technical leadership to projects, ensuring successful integration of inputs from subject matter experts within the Aerospace Engineering domain.
• Line manage the Aerospace Engineering team, including the creation of personal development plans, and recruiting into the team, when required.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including design reports, drawings, flight test plans, and other product / project technical documentation.
• Ensure that Engineering activities are delivered in line with company procedures, and assist in the development of improved processes to facilitate the success of future development projects.
• Work closely with Programme / Project Managers / engineers, and other business functions, in the delivery of technical solutions, on time, within set budget milestones, and to required quality expectations.
• Provide technical support and advice to customers and internal stakeholders, including the Field Services team.
• Develop and mentor junior employees, to facilitate future growth of the business.
• Provide support to flight trials / customer flight tests, with estimated 10% travel overseas.

What do I need?

You will have a Masters’ degree in Aerospace / Aeronautical engineering, and extensive relevant engineering experience, ideally in an aircraft or missile design environment, at a platform level.

You’ll also have experience of managing complex engineering projects through full life cycle, from initial proposal, up to production release.

We also ask that you:

• Possess high level technical understanding of the following disciplines:  Aerodynamics, Aerostructures, Aeroelasticity, Flight Dynamics, Composite Materials development, alongside broad aerospace engineering knowledge,
• Have experience of working with Project Managers, ensuring projects are kept ‘on track’ and within project parameters (cost, time, scope, resources, etc.),
• Possess a strong understanding of other engineering disciplines, to enable effective systems integration, preferably having previously been part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team,
• Have strong leadership and organisational skills, with previous proven line management experience,
• Hold Chartered Engineer status,
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Are an open, honest, enthusiastic team player,
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills,
• Are self-motivated, with the ability to track and complete multiple tasks, without close supervision,
• Have had exposure to managing customer expectations / requirements, and presenting engineering solutions,
• Possess the ability to work in a fast-moving environment, maintaining focus on key tasks,
• Have the ability to manage a complex and demanding network of stakeholders,
• Present a considered and professional attitude to external contractors & customers,
• Knowledge of SolidWorks / MATLAB / CFD tools desirable

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum: UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What else do I need to know?

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of interesting defence-based projects with vast career progression across a global organisation, in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.

You’ll receive a competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive as we constantly review what’s happening in the market.

The range of benefits that we offer include, adaptive and flexible working, generous holiday entitlements, Pension, and the ability to purchase discounted Health Cash Plans, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance, plus much more.