Chief Engineer

The Opportunity
This is a senior technical leadership role for an experienced engineering professional who wants to shape and lead complex engineering programmes from concept through manufacture, test, installation, and in-service support.

You’ll take full ownership of engineering delivery across multiple high-value projects, providing technical authority, strategic direction, and inspirational leadership.
You’ll play a critical role in ensuring engineering excellence, managing risk, and driving continuous improvement in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

* Lead all engineering activities across the full product lifecycle: design, manufacture, assembly, test, installation, commissioning, and service support

* Act as the senior technical authority, accountable for engineering quality, compliance, and gated approvals

* Set and execute engineering strategy aligned to programme and business objectives

* Manage technical risk, ensuring robust governance, assurance, and sign-off

* Drive operational excellence, right-first-time delivery, and continuous improvement

* Influence strategic decisions around manufacturing, outsourcing, test capability, and productivity improvements

* Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams

* Collaborate closely with operations, quality, supply chain, and programme leadership

* Represent engineering at senior leadership and customer forums

What We’re Looking For

* Degree-qualified engineer (Chartered status preferred)

* Proven experience leading engineering teams within complex, regulated environments

* Strong background in mechanical engineering and complex systems (e.g. rotating machinery, gear systems, or similar)

* Deep understanding of engineering governance, design assurance, and risk management

* Experience working to recognised industry standards (e.g. ISO, AGMA, DIN or similar)

* Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance technical, schedule, and cost pressures

* Confident leader with the credibility to influence at all levels

* Strategic thinker with a hands-on, delivery-focused mindset

Why Apply?

* Senior leadership role with real technical authority

* Opportunity to influence strategy, capability, and long-term engineering direction

* Work on complex, high-impact engineering programmes

* Lead talented teams in a challenging and rewarding environment

Additional Information

* Full-time role (37.5 hours per week)

* Some UK and occasional international travel

* Role subject to right-to-work and security clearance requirements