BDUK Design Lead
Company:
Boeing Defence United Kingdom Limited
The BDUK Design and Support Lead will act as the primary technical and functional lead for the Design and Support Engineering team for BDUK.
This role provides expert-level support and will play a key leadership role in the delivery of all aspects of Design and Engineering support across the product lifecycle, provided to our internal and external customers.
The position requires deep knowledge of Design practices and processes, to produce design and configurations, and the ability to coordinate effectively across multiple Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations teams.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a multi‑discipline Design team: set objectives, mentor engineers, allocate work, and build capability to meet current and future programme needs.
- Act as primary design stakeholder manager: own relationships with internal stakeholders (systems, structures, manufacturing, test, certification, programme management) and external stakeholders (suppliers, customers, regulatory bodies).
- Own design decisions and trade‑offs: provide clear, decisive direction under general supervision; document rationale and accept responsibility for outcomes.
- Drive engineering excellence: establish and enforce robust design standards, best practices, verification/validation strategies, and continuous improvement in tools and processes.
- Manage supplier development and delivery: lead supplier selection, design optimisation, test planning and production ramp‑up to achieve programme goals, cost and schedule objectives.
- Represent Design in programme governance: present design status, risk, technical decisions, and resource need to programme leadership and customers.
- Lead proposal and bid support: define scope, author Statements of Work (SOWs), Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and technical sections that secure new business while protecting BDUK current portfolio.
- Promote inclusive collaboration and respectful working: foster open communication, encourage diverse viewpoints, and resolve conflicts constructively across teams and suppliers.
Technical accountabilities:
- Develop, integrate and document all system requirements to establish the Product design baseline.
- Lead the development, verification and lifecycle maintenance of product and component designs using 3D CAD and associated engineering tools.
- Integrate analytical and test results to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements.
- Lead design and manufacturing activities to support production, assembly, test and sustainment; optimise tooling for manufacturability, repeatability and cost.
- Provide materials and processes leadership: select materials, define processes, assess material characteristics, and drive manufacturability and serviceability improvements.
- Drive the adoption of enabling technologies (additive manufacturing, tooling/process improvements) where they deliver demonstrable value.
- Develop new design/analysis processes and tools to improve quality, reduce cycle time and increase design robustness.
- Coordinate multi‑discipline repair and sustainment activities, ensuring repair data and maintenance deliverables meet MRO and regulatory needs.
Basic Qualifications (Skills/Experience):
- Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain the necessary clearance
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)
- Experience in tooling design and manufacturing and demonstrable knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
- Supplier management experience including SOW/BOE preparation and supplier performance oversight.
- Demonstrated leadership experience: leading small to medium engineering teams, mentoring engineers and managing stakeholders to deliver complex technical outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications (Skills/Experience):
- 5+ years’ experience in design and repair/maintenance engineering environment.
- Strong decision‑making and ownership: proven track record of making timely technical decisions and accepting accountability for deliverables, quality and schedule.
- Experience with CAD and PLM tools: Catia / NX, and Enovia and TeamCenter experience desirable.
- Familiarity with MRO operations and regulatory administrative processes.
- Understanding of international standards (e.g., ISO, SAE/AS, EASA/ICAO standards) and experience working with UK legislation and regulations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills; able to influence senior stakeholders and customers.
- Collaborative, respectful leadership style; promotes psychological safety and continuous improvement.
Why join BDUK:
- Work in a growing, high‑impact engineering organisation supporting world‑class defence platforms.
- Access to flexible working, development resources, employee incentive programmes and study assistance.
- Collaborate with international Boeing colleagues to influence and deliver future capability.
What Boeing Offers You:
The Boeing benefits package goes above and beyond, focusing on your physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:
- Competitive salary and annual incentive plans
- Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next
- Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way
- An inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs
- Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options
- 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year
- Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution
- Company paid BUPA Medical Plan
- Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks
- Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week
- 6x annual salary life insurance
- Learning Together Programme to support your on-going personal and career development
- Access to Boeing’s Well Being Programs, tool and incentives
Work Authorisation:
This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom. Boeing will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants. Benefits and pay are determined at the local level and are not part of Boeing U.S. based payroll.
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain United Kingdom Security Check.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom)