Our client, a leading organisation in the aerospace sector, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join its helicopter engineering team in Oxford on a permanent basis. The role will involve leading the design and development of helicopter customisations from initial concept through to manufacture, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory and certification requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead mechanical design activities for work packages and modules throughout the New Product Introduction process
- Develop, detail and integrate mechanical systems and components for helicopter applications
- Manage product maturity, development activities and associated data within PLM systems
- Review and approve 2D drawings, 3D models and electronic bills of materials for technical accuracy and compliance with internal standards
- Plan and schedule design activities across multiple work packages, managing tasks, deliverables, cost and weight targets
- Organise and participate in design reviews, ensuring that follow-up actions are completed
- Manage design changes to support manufacturing, production, customers, quality and certification requirements
- Communicate effectively with customers and suppliers while supporting technical data transfer and product development activities
- Ensure appropriate materials and manufacturing processes are selected for each design element
- Coach and mentor less experienced mechanical design engineers, apprentices and graduates
Job Requirements:
- Degree-level qualification in Mechanical, Aerospace or Structural Engineering, or an HNC/HND or equivalent qualification supported by extensive mechanical systems design experience
- Significant experience in mechanical or aerospace design, including concept development and detailed engineering solutions
- Proficiency in CATIA V5, Autodesk AutoCAD and Product Lifecycle Management systems such as ENOVIA, SmarTeam or ARAS
- Understanding of CAA Part 21, CS27, CS29 and Defence Standard 00-970
- Strong knowledge of mechanical design drawings, specifications, tolerancing and manufacturing processes
- Understanding of sheet metal fabrication, plastics vacuum forming, CNC machining and composite lay-up
- Experience supervising or leading a team of mechanical design engineers
- Ability to manage design work packages, meet deadlines and maintain a high standard of technical accuracy
- Commitment to progressing towards design signatory or Compliance Verification Engineer status
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to obtain Security Check clearance and complete the required BPSS screening
- Willingness to meet applicable export control and compliance requirements
- Current legal right to work in the United Kingdom, as sponsorship is not available for this position
