Our client, a leader in the aerospace sector, is currently seeking a Configuration Manager to join their dynamic team in Kemble on a contract basis. This role is critical in managing the configuration management and documentation control function, which spans CM planning, configuration identification, change management, status accounting, and verification and audit. You will play a key role in maturing this function into a compliant and audit-proof capability under UK CAA Part 21J Design Organisation Approval.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute the five configuration management functions per EIA-649C: planning, identification, change management, status accounting, and verification and audit across the engineering organisation.
- Author, maintain, and enforce the Configuration Management Plan and supporting engineering standards, aligning them with the DOA handbook and design assurance processes.
- Establish and control design baselines, part and document identification schemes, product structure, and effectivity across development, ground test, and flight test configurations.
- Run the change management process, chair configuration control board sessions, and ensure change classification per Part 21 requirements.
- Maintain accurate registers of baselines, changes, deviations, and concessions, and report configuration health to programme and DOA management.
- Plan and conduct configuration audits ahead of major programme gates; support authority and internal audits, and lead closure of CM-related findings and corrective actions.
- Own the release process, controlled master generation, distribution, and records retention, supervising and developing document control staff.
- Define and continuously improve CM workflows within the engineering toolset, working with the digital engineering team to automate release, stamping, and status reporting.
- Define supplier and subcontractor CM requirements; flow them into statements of work and verify supplier configuration data on receipt.
- Coach engineers across departments on CM and documentation practices, embedding discipline at the point of authorship.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Substantial experience in configuration management within the aerospace sector, with direct involvement in certified or in-certification programmes.
- Command of EIA-649C and its application in a design organisation context.
- Working knowledge of UK/EASA Part 21 (Subpart J design organisation obligations, change classification, and the interface to production under Subpart G).
- Familiarity with ARP4754A/B development lifecycles to manage requirement, design, and verification baselines and their interdependencies.
- Demonstrated experience running change control boards and managing deviations and concessions on live hardware programmes.
- Experience planning and conducting configuration audits, and responding to authority or internal audit findings through structured corrective action.
- Proven leadership of a documentation control function, including supervision of document control staff and ownership of release and records processes.
- Hands-on proficiency with PLM systems (Teamcenter or equivalent) essential; experience with ALM tools (Polarion or equivalent) and appetite for workflow automation advantageous.
- Experience working on low-maturity or new product introduction programmes preferred.
- Ability to work effectively in small, high-performance engineering teams and to influence engineers over whom the role has no line authority.
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience considered.
If you have the relevant experience and are ready to take on this challenging role, we encourage you to apply now and become a key player in driving zero-emission aircraft propulsion systems forward.
