Lead Flight Test Engineer – Electronic Warfare & Operational Readiness Trainin
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to join a leading aviation and defence organisation operating at the forefront of airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training. This organisation supports military customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies, delivering advanced airborne EW capabilities and realistic training environments that enable military aircrew and ground radar operators to train as they would operate in real-world scenarios. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in the development, testing and certification of next-generation EW training systems while working with a diverse fleet of aircraft and highly experienced aviation professionals.
Role: Reporting directly to the Flight Test Manager, the successful candidate will lead the definition, planning, execution and reporting of flight test activities across a diverse and unique fleet. Working closely with Design Office teams, maintenance personnel and test pilots, you will lead flight test programmes from concept through to delivery in both UK and international environments. You will also play a key role in regulatory engagement and certification activities, securing approvals required to conduct safe, effective and compliant flight test operations. This is a flying role. When not conducting flight test duties, and depending on previous qualifications and experience, opportunities may be available to support Operational Readiness Training activities as rear crew across a variety of aircraft platforms and operational roles. The position requires international travel, including deployments across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities within the UK and at deployed locations worldwide.
- Plan and conduct airborne and ground-based 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 reviews and technical safety reviews.
- Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements.
- Produce clear, accurate and high-quality flight test reports.
- Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels.
- Ensure full regulatory compliance and maintain effective working relationships with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other regulatory authorities.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types.
- Qualified 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 capable of meeting, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical status.
- Category 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification.
- 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 commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
- Background in military Electronic Warfare (EW), RF jamming or specialist EW roles supporting military aviation operations.
- Previous UAS/RPAS experience.
Why Apply?
- Direct involvement in front-line military readiness programmes.
- Exposure to complex and challenging flight test programmes.
- Opportunities to work across a broad range of aircraft platforms.
- A collaborative culture built around integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
- The chance to work alongside some of the most experienced EW and aviation specialists in the industry.
- A genuinely international aviation career with global deployment opportunities.
About the Organisation
The organisation is a specialist provider of aviation and defence training solutions, delivering adversarial support, electronic attack capabilities and customised rotary-wing training programmes. Operating across the UK, United States and NATO-aligned countries, the business utilises a differentiated fleet, advanced technology and highly experienced instructors to deliver realistic operational readiness training and mission-critical support services to defence customers.
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