Job Description

Lead Flight Test Engineer – Electronic Warfare / Defence Aviation – Bournemouth

Volantes Technical Recruitment is working on behalf of a leading provider of airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training, supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies worldwide. We're looking for an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to join their growing team based at Bournemouth International Airport.

The Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead flight test activity across a diverse, multi-platform fleet at the cutting edge of EW and Operational Readiness Training. Reporting to the Flight Test Manager, you'll define, plan, execute and report flight test programmes from concept through to delivery — both in the UK and at deployed locations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

This is a flying role. Alongside flight test duties, and depending on prior qualifications, there may be opportunities to conduct Operational Readiness Training as rear crew across a variety of aircraft and roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground flight testing as Lead Flight Test Engineer
• Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
• Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design and technical safety reviews
• Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
• Produce clear, high-quality flight test reports
• Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, building trusted relationships with the UK CAA and other regulatory authorities

Essential Experience / Skills

• Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types
• Qualification as a Flight Test Engineer from a recognised, approved Flight Test Training Organisation
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Able to hold, or meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard

Desirable

• Cat 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification
• Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
• Degree (BSc/BEng or higher) in an engineering or science-related discipline
• Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks
• Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Background in military EW/RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
• Previous UAS/RPAS experience

The Package

• Location: Bournemouth
• Type: Permanent
• International travel/deployment required (Europe, Middle East, Far East)