Lead Flight Test Engineer

Position

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Location: Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Work Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive plus a great benefits package

The Lead Flight Test Engineer will lead flight test programmes across a global fleet, supporting the next generation of Electronic Warfare (EW) training systems for the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies. The role involves concept through delivery, navigation of regulatory and certification requirements, and international deployments across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.

• Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground flight testing as a Lead Flight Test Engineer
• Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
• Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design and technical safety reviews
• Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
• Produce clear, high‑quality flight test reports
• Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, cultivating trusted relationships with the UK CAA and other regulatory authorities
• Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple aircraft types
• Qualification as a Flight Test Engineer from a recognised and approved Flight Test Training Organisation
• Hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Hold, or be able to meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard

• Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
• Degree (BSc / BEng or higher) in an engineering or science‑related discipline
• Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks
• Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Background in military EW / RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
• Previous UAS / RPAS experience

• Armed Forces friendly organisation welcoming applicants from veterans, service spouses and partners
• Disability confident employer providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process
• Intolerance has no place – all team members deserve respect, fairness and the opportunity to succeed