We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership for Defence Special Research Projects at the National Composites Centre (NCC).

Part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is an independent, open-access technology centre focused on addressing some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges. You will join this dynamic organisation as it embarks on implementing its new 5-year strategy, one that is growth and impact focused.

Reporting to the Senior Chief Engineer for Defence you will be accountable for the technical governance and engineering delivery of some major customer research projects, contributing your technical leadership at the highest classification levels, boosting UK National Security. You’ll demonstrate strong technical leadership, using your skills and experience to grow this research function, support the organisation to embed a customer-focused approach to developing technical work programmes and work in lockstep with industry and academia to deliver even greater impact for UK Defence.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the NCC’s technology strategy for Defence Special Research Projects, including technologies adjacent to composites such as Nuclear Defence Manufacturing, Atomic Materials and Processes.
• Strengthen, develop, and maintain relationships with senior leaders across NCC Members, customers, and industry networks.
• Increase the NCC’s profile with industry and academic research clusters and develop innovative technical work programmes and communities, specifically focussed on delivering research impact for improving UK National Security.
• Ensure the Defence Special Research Projects technology roadmap is aligned with MoD Technology Priorities and compliments geopolitical, national government and industrial strategies.
• In partnership with the Senior Chief Engineer for Defence the Executive Director for Defence and the Chief Technology Officer, you will inform the NCC on capability investments and acquisition to boost the delivery of impactful, targeted technical campaigns.
• Be committed to developing the talents of a diverse and inclusive Defence Chief Engineering team, through effective line-management and mentoring and coaching.

Alongside technically leading day-to-day activities, this role will be central to driving forward high-priority projects and securing the public and private sector funding needed to deliver them.

So, what are we looking for?

• Experience of senior technical leadership within a research organisation, with strong scientific/engineering experience in the defence industry.
• A track record of developing and delivering on national technology strategy and of developing innovative technical proposals and work-programmes.
• An ability to forge technical and professional relationships and strong, senior networks across the defence sector research community (OEMs, academia and supply chain).
• Have highly developed written and oral communication skills with a proven track record in skilful navigation through senior stakeholders across business and industry.
• An ability to create and contribute to a culture of innovation and a collaborative approach to delivering engineering research programme outcomes.
• A track record of strong engineering leadership, of delivering through others in a matrix organisation and of developing high performing teams.
• The position requires successful completion of MoD Developed Vetting (AP) Security Clearance.

The post is based within the NCC (Bristol) however will require infrequent travelling to secure partner facilities.

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

Why the NCC?

We see our success in yours. The future of composites manufacturing relies on the NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they’re engineers or not!

Diverse challenges – the NCC isn’t just about aerospace. We’re working with over 16 sectors and a variety of customers, from private ventures to the global tier 1 companies, providing variety to your experience.

Innovation – a world-leading research and development centre, the work we do brings novel and innovative solutions to industry, with the future firmly in mind. So we need innovating thinking not just in Engineering, but across all support functions.

Development in composites, and you – if the scope of exciting work isn’t enough to sway you, our ethos of continued learning and development and flexible working patterns will.

We look forward to hearing from you. #fulltime