Senior Part 21 Design Engineer

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

This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to innovative helicopter customisation projects while supporting certification, manufacturing and technical development within the aerospace industry. Apply now to take the next step in this rewarding engineering career.