Engineering Lead - Composites

Engineering Lead - Composites
Banbury
SITE BASED

Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• Flexible working options
• Pension (10% employer contribution) and life assurance
• Early finish on Fridays
• Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
• Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
• Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies

Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.

Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world‑class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight‑control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.

Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

As part of Safran's global network, joining Safran Actuation Systems UK means becoming part of a highly skilled, collaborative and forward‑thinking team with opportunities to grow, innovate and make a meaningful impact in the future of aerospace.

As Engineering Lead, you will play a pivotal role within our Composite Value Stream leadership team, championing innovation and technical advancement across current production, Research & Technology (R&T), and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities. You'll provide strategic, technical, and organisational direction to a multidisciplinary team of engineers, supporting the design, development, manufacture, and lifecycle management of advanced composite tubular products for aerospace applications.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the engineering strategy, capability growth, and technology roadmap of a site poised for significant technical advancement and business growth. You'll drive continuous improvement, lead cutting‑edge R&T projects, and work alongside customers, research institutions, and industry partners. As a key member of both the site and engineering leadership teams, your vision and expertise will drive the business forward through a transformative period.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering or related technical discipline
• Extensive engineering leadership within aerospace, defence, or highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Deep expertise with advanced composite technology and manufacturing processes
• Proven experience managing engineering teams of 20+ people
• Demonstrated success supporting both production and new development programmes

• Master's degree or Post Graduate in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials Science, Aerospace, Automotive)
• Knowledge of Filament Winding, Dry Winding, Resin Transfer Moulding
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent professional registration
• Formal leadership or management qualifications
• Experience with aerospace OEM and Tier 1 customers
• Understanding of aerospace certification and qualification processes

At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.

Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.