Head Of Engineering – Aerospace Job at Waterlooville Full Time NEW

Company Overview

We are a fast-growing UK-based aerospace business specialising in the design, development, and supply of cabin interior upgrade solutions for commercial airlines worldwide. Our portfolio includes in-seat power systems, LED cabin lighting, and retrofit solutions that enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. We are CAA accredited as both a Part 21J Design Organisation and Part 21G Production Organisation.

The Role

The Head of Engineering is responsible for leading the company’s engineering capability across product design, OEM and subcontract programmes, and production support.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role combining technical authority, customer engagement, and team development whilst ensuring engineering output is robust, manufacturable, and aligning to regulatory and commercial requirements.

This role provides structure, oversight, and leadership delivering consistency, quality across all workstreams.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & role requirements

• Lead and provide clear direction for the engineering function
• Act as the senior technical authority within the business.
• Ensure engineering output is consistent, high quality, and aligned with business and customer expectations.
• Balance structure and governance with agility and delivery focus.
• Act as the senior technical interface with customers, OEMs, and third-party design organisations.
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and issue resolution.
• Translate customer requirements into practical, deliverable engineering solutions.

Design Oversight (In-house & OEM / Subcontract)

• Lead design activities across both in-house product development and OEM/customer-owned design programmes.
• Ensure appropriate separation where required between regulated and customer-controlled work.
• Maintain consistent engineering standards, tools, and design practices.
• Provide hands-on input to electronics design where required.
• Review and guide technical solutions to ensure robustness and manufacturability.

Production Support & Problem Solving

• Provide technical leadership and support to Production and Production Engineering.
• Support resolution of non-conformances, build and test issues, and design interpretation queries.
• Lead or guide root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure production feedback is captured and drives continuous improvement in design.

Business Contribution

• Contribute to business strategy as part of the management team.
• Support bids and proposals with technical input.
• Help define engineering capability and future technology direction.
• Promote a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in electronics design (schematics, PCB, system integration).
• Experience across both product development and customer-led engineering environments.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capability.
• Strong problem-solving skills, solution focused, particularly in production or real-world environments.
• Ability to operate as a senior technical authority while remaining hands-on.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.

To apply, please send CV and covering letter to hr@ifpl.com by 29th May 2026