Job Description Summary
GE Aviation Systems is a leading global provider of electrical power, integrated avionics and mechanical systems including aerospace propeller and engine systems.
As a GE business, Dowty Propellers has advanced propeller systems fitted to engines from all the large turbo-prop engine suppliers. We are a world leader in the design and manufacture of carbon fibre composites blades and electronic propeller control systems. Dowty is also an EASA approved Type Certificate holder, giving us propeller design authority and responsibility for the continued airworthiness of propeller systems in-service.
The future of aviation is being shaped by the industries drive towards sustainability and low carbon applications, which is bringing propeller technology back into focus for many new platforms and transport concepts. To put Dowty in a position to exploit these opportunities, we now require a mechanical design manager who will drive the business forward delivering solutions to complex technical challenges, developing a world class design team and building design tools and systems fit for the future.
Dowty Propellers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, and according with all local laws protecting different status.
Job Description
Essential Responsibilities
- You will develop your team to provide the capability and experience to meet project demand, and where appropriate manage individual performance to promote the best outcomes
- You will work closely with established global design resources to augment your internal team
- You will engage a variety of sources to engage new talent, including direct recruitment, early career candidates, contingent workers and global resources
- You will lead the development of a mechanical design strategy that supports Dowty products throughout the product lifecycle, and prepares the team for future technological changes
- You will manage all mechanical design workload through your team, and establish a regular rhythm for control and prioritisation
- You will manage resource supply across the mechanical design community, and develop relationships with project engineers to facilitate high fidelity resource demand estimates for resource planning
- You will establish relationships with Operations team leadership, manufacturing engineering, etc., that allow you to better anticipate their support requirements and prepare your team accordingly
- You will develop a compelling vision for Dowty design tools, bringing in 3D design methods that can be exploited to improve performance across design and manufacturing disciplines
- Be champion for PLM tools, together with promoting improvements to design practices
- You will provide an initial escalation route for prioritisation issues
- You will develop and manage assigned departmental budgets, and contribute to annual budget cycle
- You will be prepared to travel internationally
- You will perform day to day team management, including administration of holidays, time-keeping, labour vouchering, etc.
Qualifications / Requirements
- 10 years experience in a mechanical design role, with 3 year leadership experience
- BEng in Mechanical Engineering or related subjects, or equivalent vocational experience
- Experience in coaching engineering teams to high performance levels whilst creating an inclusive environment that leads to high levels of commitment and belonging
- A broad range of experience in mechanical design environments, both with delivery of complex design solutions, support for productions and in-service products, and delivery of tools and process changes
- Demonstrated engineering acumen in a broad range of mechanical disciplines, including rotating machinery or composite materials
Desired Characteristics
- Aerospace background with understanding of regulatory environment
- Knowledge of Catia and Windchill will be beneficial
- Experience of introducing 3D design methods for complex products
- Knowledge of materials and processes, manufacturing technology and manufacturing engineering, especially for composite parts
- Propeller system domain knowledge
Flexible Working
GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.
Total Reward
At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.
As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;
- Non-contributory Pension
- Life Assurance
- Group income protection
- Private medical cover
- Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell
Security Clearance
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS
Right to Work
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Additional Information
Relocation Assistance Provided: No