Engineering Development Leader - A350 Fuel Systems / Fluids

Our client is a supplier to Airbus UK and is tasked with completing a fluids work package for the new Airbus A350.

Description of the job:

As the Engineering Development Leader (EDL) you will report to the Work-Package Leader (WPL) for A350 Fuel System, Fluids work-package. You will be a key support to the WPL in helping them deliver their entire remit by focussing on schedule adherence, supplier and cost management.

The fluids work-package has both an internal and external aspect: The internal focus is on the fuel system and sub-system analysis, design and test activities related to engine feed, refuel, vent, transfer and jettison functions. The outward looking focus will be on the specification, design overview and supply of the bill of materials from third party suppliers to meet test, MCA and FAL deadlines.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to work on the A350 project. The Fuel system interfaces with many areas of the A350 aircraft, as a result, this role offers an opportunity to work with many different people.

This role may require travel to France and also to the USA to visit suppliers, the frequency of which will depend on the project demands / direction.

Tasks:

In this role you will be the focal point within the team for making sure that tasks get actioned within set timescales and adhere to available budget:

- You will be driving the internal engineering teams to meet deadlines and commitments.
- You will also be liaising with many other internal departments to report progress and manage deliverables into and out of the team.
- You will be the programme focal point in front of the suppliers to make sure they are meeting their commitments, taking appropriate action where necessary to mitigate and recover difficult situations.
- You will need to ensure that programme, engineering, time and cost constraints are all managed in front of the supplier to ensure efficient decision making. In this regard tiy will work closely with the Lead Engineers and their teams to ensure they are taking technical decisions in time to support programme needs.
- Additionally you will need to be able to report confidently and accurately to a wide variety and level of stakeholders. Having all the facts to hand and understanding all aspects of the project are essential. This will include the generation and maintenance of appropriate KPIs to measure progress.
- You will be accountable for ensuring accurate budgets are submitted for the entire remit of the A350 Fluids team and that costs are managed to meet the agreed budget
- You will occasionally be required to deputise for the WPL primarily for programme and cost aspects and as such represent the team effectively and clearly
- You will be responsible for agreeing the joint programme schedule with the supplier on a monthly basis and ensuring this meets overall programme needs.
- You will manage the establishment and performance of engineering of engineering offload suppliers (fixed price packages).
- You will maintain the Level 3 Fluids Schedule and ensure that the Level 4 Lead Engineer schedules are maintained.
- You will maintain the A350 Fluids Risk Register ensuring appropriate actions are taken to mitigate the risks to the programme.

Skills:

- A good engineering degree or equivalent HND is a pre-requisite for this role.
- You will ideally have experience of Aerospace Fuel Systems or other Aerospace systems work.
- Project Management experience.
- A working knowledge of fluid mechanical components such as fuel pumps and power electronics such as power converters will be useful.
- Primarily though, you should be able to apply your engineering knowledge to the demands of this role.
- You will need to have an excellent level of English as you will be often presenting to suppliers and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of French is desirable
- Experience of dealing with suppliers of complex and varying equipment is essential.
- Experience and familiarity with lean / 6 sigma is essential.
- Have the confidence to challenge processes where required and support change for continuous improvement.
- Must be a good team player.
- Experience and familiarity with taking product from design into manufacturing is essential.
- Familiarity with GRESS AP1013 would be useful.

Please contact Russell Lambert at Innovate Recruitment for full details on the role and the company.