Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job purpose:

We are seeking an additional experienced Chief Engineer to support our expanding engineering operations. Working alongside our existing Chief Engineer, this key role will help shape technical strategy and ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of our assets. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, project delivery, and collaborate with senior leadership to align engineering initiatives with business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Technical accountability for the engineering strategy and technical direction for the applicable Zephyr systems.

• Programme Ownership: Manage and deliver with programs, the system development schedule across the multidisciplinary engineering team, ensuring delivery to time cost and quality.

• Design Authority: Act as the final technical authority, ensuring compliance with safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Conduct trade-off decision making on interfaces and changes.

• Cross-functional Coordination: Provide the Engineering Leadership team with clear demand to ensure that they can plan for appropriate resource provision. Influence teams to deliver outcomes without direct ownership or resources. Collaborate with manufacturing, line maintenance, flight operations, and other business support functions to ensure seamless integration of engineering solutions.

• Innovation & Development: Own the technical roadmap for the system and drive innovation in design, materials, and systems to further enhance aircraft performance and sustainability.

Skills & experience:

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in aerospace engineering, with a track record of providing technical leadership and driving critical projects to successful delivery.

• Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary engineering initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and delivery to time, cost, and quality.

• Deep knowledge of aircraft systems, structures, and certification processes.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to influence and motivate teams for successful outcomes.

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for reporting issues and providing updates to internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority.

• Knowledge of uncrewed air systems (UAS), such as drones or fixed-wing aircraft, along with an understanding of their applications and operational considerations.

• Experience working with regulatory bodies, such as the CAA, EASA, or ICAO.

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enable you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

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