Senior Part 21 Design Engineer in Kidlington, Oxfordshire

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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