Lead Design Engineer

Job ref: WSWLocation: Bristol, EnglandContract: PermanentSalary: 56,000 - 70,000 per yearSector: Aerospace and DefencePosted: Consultant: William Shaw ApplyLead Design Engineer – AerospaceLocation: Bristol – Hybrid WorkingEmployment Type: PermanentCompany: Morson PraxisThe RoleMorson Praxis is looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of aerospace engineering programmes from our Bristol office.You will lead multidisciplinary design activities across the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and preliminary design through detailed design, manufacture, certification and in-service support.This is a senior technical role suited to an experienced aerospace design engineer who can lead engineering teams, manage complex work packages and act as a technical focal point for customers and key stakeholders.Key ResponsibilitiesLead aerospace design activities across structures, systems and installations on multiple programmes.Provide technical leadership and direction to multidisciplinary engineering teams.Manage engineering work packages against technical, quality, cost and schedule requirements.Act as a technical focal point for customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.Review and approve engineering drawings, CAD models, design documentation and technical reports.Lead design reviews, technical governance and engineering decision-making.Ensure designs meet applicable airworthiness, regulatory, customer and internal engineering requirements.Coordinate activities across design, stress, systems, manufacturing, certification and project management.Identify and resolve complex technical issues throughout design, manufacture, testing and in-service operation.Manage technical risk, configuration control and engineering change.Support bids and proposals through technical input, resource estimation and risk assessment.Mentor engineers and contribute to the development of engineering standards, processes and best practice.Essential ExperienceDegree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.Significant aerospace design engineering experience.Proven experience leading technical teams and delivering complex engineering programmes or work packages.Strong understanding of the aerospace product development lifecycle and engineering governance.Experience managing engineering deliverables from concept through manufacture, certification and/or in-service support.Proficiency with aerospace CAD platforms such as CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, Creo or equivalent.Experience reviewing and approving engineering drawings, designs and technical documentation.Strong understanding of configuration management and engineering change control.Ability to manage technical risk and solve complex engineering problems.Strong customer and stakeholder management skills.Ability to lead multiple engineering priorities and programmes concurrently.Desirable ExperienceExperience in one or more of the following would be beneficial:Commercial or military aircraft programmes.EASA Part 21, CS-25 or UK CAA requirements.Military airworthiness environments.Aerospace OEM or Tier 1 engineering programmes.Metallic and composite aircraft structures.Aircraft systems integration and installations.Aerospace manufacturing and production support.Design approval and certification activities.Chartered Engineer status or progress towards professional registration.About Morson PraxisMorson Praxis is the specialist engineering consultancy division within the wider Morson Group, delivering engineering solutions across aerospace, defence and advanced engineering.Our teams support customers throughout the engineering lifecycle, providing expertise across design, analysis, certification, systems engineering, programme delivery and technical consultancy.Why Join Morson Praxis?You’ll have the opportunity to take technical ownership across a varied portfolio of high-profile aerospace programmes rather than being limited to a single product or platform.The role offers:Technical leadership across complex aerospace programmes.Exposure to multiple customers, technologies and aircraft platforms.A collaborative engineering consultancy environment.Career progression into broader technical and engineering leadership positions.Opportunities to mentor and develop engineering teams.Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where programme requirements allow.Security & EligibilityApplicants must have the right to work in the UK. Some customer programmes may also require candidates to obtain appropriate UK security clearance.