Part 21J Design Engineer (Structures & Mechanical)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Part 21J Design Engineer to join a highly specialised aerospace engineering environment, supporting aircraft-level design within a Part 21 Design Organisation.
This is a design-led position, ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning structural solutions from concept through to certification, with the opportunity to progress towards Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) status.
The Role
As a Part 21J Design Engineer, you will take ownership of aircraft structural design activities, working across both new and in-service programmes. You will play a key role in delivering robust, certifiable solutions, whilst also carrying out independent technical checking to ensure the highest standards of engineering integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Structural Design
- Own and deliver aircraft structural design solutions from concept through to detailed design and release
- Produce high-quality engineering drawings, models, and supporting reports
- Contribute to structural substantiation activities, including strength, fatigue, stiffness, and damage tolerance
- Support design, modification, and repair work across metallic and composite structures
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including stress, systems, manufacturing, and airworthiness
Technical Checking
- Carry out independent technical checking of design data, including drawings, models, and reports
- Ensure outputs are compliant, consistent, and aligned with approved design methodologies
- Provide constructive challenge in line with design assurance principles
Compliance & Development
- Support certification and compliance activities through robust engineering design
- Work towards CVE (Structures) authorisation, supported by the organisation
- Contribute to maintaining high standards of design assurance and airworthiness compliance
About You
- Degree qualified in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience in aircraft-level structural design, not just component-level work
- Strong background in producing and owning design data for certification purposes
- Experience with structural substantiation and airworthiness requirements
- Confident working within a regulated Part 21J environment (or similar)
- Able to apply sound engineering judgement based on practical design experience
Desirable Experience
- Previous CVE (Structures) authorisation
- Experience working with the UK CAA and/or EASA
- Knowledge of composite structures, fatigue, and damage tolerance
- Experience across multiple aircraft platforms or modification programmes
- Ability to mentor or support junior engineers
Working Arrangements
This role is ideally office-based in South Wales, supporting collaboration and design integration. However, hybrid or flexible working options may be considered for the right individual.
Why Apply?
- Flexible and Hybrid working
- Work on complex, aircraft-level design projects
- Clear pathway towards CVE authorisation
- Join a highly technical and collaborative engineering environment
- Opportunity to influence real-world aerospace design solutions
If you’re a Part 21J Design Engineer looking to take ownership of high-integrity aerospace design work and progress your career within a regulated environment, we’d love to hear from you.