Lead Development Engineer

Job Opportunity: Lead Development Engineer - Shape the Future of Aerospace & Military Engineering

Location: Whitstable

Hours: 37.5 per week
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Product Development Manager
Salary: £DOE

Permanent

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the aerospace and military manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Development Engineer with expertise in mechanical engineering, glass-to-metal seals, and military/aerospace connectors. This role is essential in advancing and optimizing high-performance products for critical applications. You’ll work closely with design, production, and testing teams to meet the strict reliability and safety standards demanded by the industry, using your skills in mechanical design, material selection, and advanced manufacturing processes to drive innovation and ensure customer satisfaction.

Working pattern; Monday to Thursday; 8am to 4.30pm and Friday; 8am to 1.30pm

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Mentor and guide junior engineers in best practices for design, material selection, and testing. Lead design reviews and work cross-functionally on complex engineering challenges.
• Sales & Project Support: Assist the Sales team with new engineering opportunities, input on new product feasibility, and quote creation.
• Project Management: Oversee NPI gate stages from concept through to manufacturing handover, ensuring timely project delivery and supporting Engineering Revenue.
• Documentation & Compliance: Create manufacturing job sheets, product specifications, and ERP documentation while maintaining AS9100 compliance.
• Customer Engagement: Lead technical discussions with customers, both internally and externally, and manage customer drawing change requests.
• Quality Assurance: Control configuration for drawings and manufacturing documentation, review non-conforming products, and maintain accurate records.
• Continuous Improvement: Develop new process specifications and standards, adapt to customer needs, and drive innovation in product offerings.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

This role is best suited for a seasoned mechanical engineer with a background in product development and a strong understanding of the aerospace/military sector’s technical demands. You should excel in project management, collaboration, and leading technical advancements, with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field (preferred).
• Experience: At least 7 years in mechanical engineering, with expertise in materials science, glass-to-metal seals, and/or military/aerospace connectors.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Pro/Engineer) and FEA tools, with a strong grasp of project management principles.
• Skills and Competencies: Adaptability, customer focus, and excellent communication skills to drive success in cross-functional teams and client relationships.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

In this role, you will uphold health, safety, and environmental standards in line with company policies, ensuring all team members, contractors, and visitors comply with site safety guidelines.

Why Join Us?

Our client offers an exciting opportunity to lead technical innovation in the aerospace and defence sectors. You’ll work with a team that values integrity, quality, and technical excellence, delivering impactful solutions for clients and shaping the future of high-performance engineering.

Morgan Jones is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Morgan Jones

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