Job Vacancies

Job Description

Principle Systems Engineer (Structures & AIT)

KDC are looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to support our clients Structures and AIT functions. You will play a vital role ensuring the integrity, safety, and performance of structural components and systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the design, analysis, and verification of structures to ensure that they meet the industry standards and requirements for our first launch.

The Position
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience across the systems lifecycle but with particular emphasis on manufacturing and test enabling them to act as the primary interface between the engineering teams and AIT department. Additionally, there is a broader scope for the individual to act as a team lead within the System Engineering department taking on responsibility across all engineering domains, implementing and refining existing processes and developing new ones where required.

The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:
Perform structural analysis and simulation using industry-standard tools (e.g., FEA) to assess the structural integrity and performance of components and systems
Collaborate with system engineers to integrate structural components into larger aerospace systems, ensuring seamless functionality

Key Responsibilities:

• System Integration:Work closely with design teams to create aerospace structures, ensuring they meet aerodynamic, structural, and safety requirements. Lead the integration of complex systems during the manufacturing phase, ensuring all components work harmoniously. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration issues efficiently.
• Testing and Validation:Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for launch vehicle systems and structural subsystems to verify their performance and functionality. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Operational Support:Provide technical expertise and support during the operational phase of the system, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization.
• Design Reviews:Conduct in-depth review and evaluation of engineering work to identify any flaws, potential errors, or areas for improvement in engineering projects or solutions and ensure that the work meets industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements. Assess the quality and accuracy of engineering designs, specifications, and technical documentation created by other engineers.
• Configuration Management:Review and approve design changes and non-conformances to maintain the system baseline, ensuring that modifications align with project requirements and standards while ensuring that repercussions are accurately assessed and corrective measures are implemented promptly. Manage system configurations, including hardware and software changes, version control, and documentation. Ensure that changes are tracked and implemented efficiently.
• Quality Assurance:Ensure that engineers follow established PQ/QA processes and guidelines, conducting periodic assessments to verify compliance and assess their efficiency and effectiveness. Design and implement processes that uphold or improve quality and assurance throughout the project lifecycle, including reviews, audits, and quality control checks and ensure continuous improvement.
• Engineering Processes:Define and implement company-wide engineering processes and best practices to streamline development, integration, and testing of systems. Ensure adherence to these processes across all projects. Establish new engineering standards, guidelines and processes
• Risk Management:Identify potential risks or deviations from standards early in the engineering process and propose strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Team Leadership:Supervise and mentor a team of systems engineers, providing guidance and training to ensure they meet project objectives and develop their skills. Act as a key influencer and decision-maker in engineering discussions and strategic planning sessions. Lead by example in innovation, research, and the introduction of disruptive technologies or practices within the company. Present reports and updates to higher management.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Work closely with other departments, including project management, quality assurance, and legal teams, to align engineering processes with broader company goals and standards. Collaborate with various teams, including design, manufacturing, and operations, to drive seamless system transitions between lifecycle phases.
• Documentation:Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including technical manuals, standard operating procedures, and design specifications.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on the latter phases of the system lifecycle.
• Proven experience in aerospace structural systems.
• Understanding of aerospace standards and regulations (e.g., CAA, ECSS, EASA)
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, testing methodologies, and operational support for complex systems.
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools and software for systems engineering, such as modelling and simulation software, CAD tools, and data analysis software.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple initiatives involving cross-functional teams simultaneously.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Previous leadership experience and the ability to mentor and guide other engineers.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in structural analysis tools and software (e.g., FEA, CAD).
• Experience in safety and reliability analysis methodologies.

Benefits
For the right candidate, they offer an excellent benefits package that includes:-

• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful. 
• Their roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security, but they are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required which includes a relocation allowance and 1 month of temporary accommodation in the local area.