Principal Composites Engineer

We’re looking for a Principal Composites Engineer who can champion advanced composites across our organisation and play a pivotal role in shaping our future capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to become our recognised specialist in composite materials—providing expert guidance on material selection, manufacturing processes, and the delivery of high-performance products. You’ll influence design decisions from the outset to ensure we meet demanding operational, cost, support, and sustainability requirements.

Alongside structural composites, you’ll also have the chance to work with our electronics teams, who are increasingly using unique and emerging materials to meet challenging performance and environmental requirements. This offers an exciting opportunity to broaden your expertise into a unique area, developing new skills and contributing to innovative solutions that integrate truly advanced materials into next‑generation electronic systems.

This role sits within our newly established Materials and Processes Engineering Department, where you will play a key part in defining and expanding our composites capability. You’ll join a team of specialists who provide expert guidance on materials and testing across all our UK sites, supporting programmes from early concept through to production. The role will also support the Materials and Processes team to define the strategic direction for composites technology, helping to highlight high‑value opportunities to showcase the technologies benefits and grow its adoption across the business.

As part of this cross‑site remit, the role involves regular travel within the UK and occasional overseas visits to collaborate with partners and suppliers.

• Partner with design engineers to support the design and analysis of composite structures
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure smooth transition from design to manufacture
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Composites Design Guide
• Work with the Materials Conformity Lead to define requirements for future materials
• Contribute to the development and execution of our composite materials strategy
• Share expertise through internal knowledge‑sharing forum
• Support sustainability initiatives by assessing material carbon footprints and opportunities for circularity
• Work with Design Integrity and Airworthiness teams to ensure new composite materials meet regulatory expectations for safety‑critical applications
• Engage proactively with projects across the UK to drive effective adoption of new composite materials and processes

• A degree‑level STEM qualification (or equivalent recognised by professional accreditation bodies)
• A background in aerospace or another high‑performance engineering sector
• Broad knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated capability in composite structural design and stress analysis
• Confidence working cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, procurement, and external partners
• Experience contributing to design reviews
• Curiosity, enthusiasm, and the drive to lead the adoption of new materials across engineering teams
• Willingness to represent the company at external events

This list isn’t exhaustive—we’re interested in people with the right mindset as much as the perfect CV. If you bring a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for composites, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply; this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https //

• Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future – Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and…