Job Purpose:
Lead and develop the Propulsion Systems Engineering department by setting strategic direction, driving innovation, and managing resources to deliver high-quality engineering solutions that support the company’s projects, bids, objectives and growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Define and execute the strategic vision for the propulsion systems engineering team
Lead recruitment, define and optimise the team structure, and manage training and performance to build a highly effective engineering department
Headcount including forecasting and ensuring adequate resourcing for projects, bids, and technical studies
Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
Collaborate with internal departments, suppliers, and customers to ensure alignment and support business development efforts
Prepare and review project and bid estimates, to support delivery and business growth
Define and monitor key performance indicators and implement measures to achieve targets
Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
Required Behaviours:
Think Big:
Demonstrate strategic vision and anticipate future trends and challenges in propulsion systems engineering
Challenge the status quo and look for continually develop the teams skills and capabilities
Make It Happen:
Take ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality results on time and within budget
Exhibit resilience and decisiveness to overcome obstacles and ensure project success
Drive execution with a strong bias for action and continuous improvement
Together:
Foster collaboration across geographically separated teams, partners, and customers
Encourage open communication, knowledge sharing, and respect for diverse perspectives
Develop and empower team members through mentoring, skills development, and succession planning.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant Engineering discipline e.g. Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or Physics
Extensive experience in a comparable systems engineering role
Strong systems engineering expertise with the ability to oversee complex propulsion systems development from concept design and integration to testing and validation
Proven track record in resource planning, delivery and execution
Deep understanding of the space environment, requirements and space standards
Key Competencies:
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Leadership, team and skills development
Effective communication
Competitiveness and customer focused mindset
Performance Metrics:
Engineering delivery on time and within budget
Effective resourcing of projects, bids, and studies
Team performance, skills development and succession planning within the team
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