Job Description

Overview:

Deputy Chief Engineer
62,000 starting

At Spirit, we don't just build aircraft structures - we build the future of aviation. At Northern Ireland's largest aerospace manufacturer, our highly skilled professionals work at the cutting edge of design, manufacturing, integration and after-market support. With world-class facilities spanning over 3 million square feet across six locations, we deliver advanced aerostructures - including wings, fuselages, and engine nacelles - for global leaders like Bombardier, Airbus and Rolls-Royce. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our Belfast operation is a recognised centre of excellence for advanced materials and ultra-light structures, including our unique composites capabilities.

Joining Spirit AeroSystems means being part of an industry leader that values talent, fosters innovation, and offers exceptional career growth.

These opportunities, based at our Belfast site, offer:36-hour working week (half-day Friday) Generous holidays Range of flexible schedules Defined Contribution Pension Scheme Generous Life Cover Company occupational sick scheme On site Occupational Health Department Employee Assistance Program Professional development and growth Coaching and mentoring Opportunity for advancement Free car parking Enhanced maternity pay


PURPOSE OF THE JOB
In fulfilling this role, the Deputy Chief Engineer will take responsibility for the execution and delivery of New Product Development programmes and is empowered to make judgements on technical matters which may affect safety, certification, performance, weight, cost and schedule. The Jobholder will deliver the Engineering solution on a program to ensure customer satisfaction is realised.


Responsibilities:

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

For new product development programmes, direct and co-ordinate the activities of the Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT) including Engineering, Manufacturing, Tooling, Quality and Supply Chain departments to deliver the specific outputs of the product teams to ensure that they meet the overall programme requirements. Ensure compliance with the appropriate and applicable airworthiness requirements (e.g. FAA/EASA), consistency of design, build and tooling philosophy across product teams. Ensure that interfaces between Belfast products and all other mating aircraft components are correctly controlled so that they meet the assembly and interchangeability requirements. Promote appropriate communication and co-ordination between the Belfast product development teams and partner/co-contractor companies. Co-ordinate the appropriate allocation of resources across the project teams. Assist in developing and motivating a team of highly skilled and professional engineers and support staff. Manage the total Programme EAC during product development and provide updates on a regular basis to ensure budget adherence Analyse programme performance with a view to improving the EAC. Deputise for the Senior Manager in all technical, certification and management matters, where necessary.

Qualifications:

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that sufficient detail is provided on the application form to demonstrate how the applicant meets essential job criteria, as this alone will be used for vetting purposes.

The position requires the jobholder to be knowledgeable in aircraft engineering philosophy and requires a comprehensive knowledge of engineering processes. Such understanding will be gained by way of considerable experience and therefore candidates must:Possess a minimum of a BSc/BEng degree together with a minimum of 5 years' relevant management/professional experience.

ORPossess a minimum of an engineering related HNC together with a minimum of 8 years' relevant management/professional experience.


ANDAlso have a minimum of 3 years' relevant project management experience in a multi-disciplined environment. Be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of all aspects of the organisation and working practices and capabilities across all disciplines including Engineering and Production. Be able to demonstrate extensive experience in the development, analysis and testing of aircraft and aero-structures. Be able to demonstrate the ability to resolve conflicts both within Engineering and across functions to achieve an optimum solution for the programme. Be able to demonstrate sound appreciation and working knowledge of budgetary and financial control mechanisms. Be able to demonstrate the ability to build and maintain team spirit within a multi-disciplined environment. Candidates should preferably be members of a professional engineering institution. Proven experience in leading structural aero-thermal design and design for high temperature operation is desirable.

Completed applications must be submitted by Monday 6th October 2025 at 4PM

We employ people from all sections of the community and are committed to the appointment of the best candidate based upon the merit principle alone. In pursuit of our equal opportunities programme, we would particularly welcome more
applications from Catholics and females, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce.