Design Engineering Manager — CATIA / SolidWorks

THE ROLE

BPA is a precision aerospace subcontractor with an ambition to grow its design and engineering authority. This is a role for someone who can do the work — not just manage those who do it. You will be designing, modifying, and reviewing components and assemblies using CATIA V5/V6 as the primary tool, with SolidWorks as secondary. You will also be the face of BPA's technical capability with clients, vendors, and our own production team.

The right candidate brings aerospace design experience, strong geometric modelling skills, and the confidence to sit across a table from a customer's chief engineer and hold their own.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce and modify 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using CATIA V5/V6 (primary) and SolidWorks (secondary).
• Interpret customer requirements — including statements of work, interface control documents, and verbal briefs — and translate them into manufacturable designs.
• Liaise directly with customer technical teams (Leonardo, GKN and others) on design intent, concessions, and approvals.
• Work with manufacturing suppliers and vendors to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
• Collaborate with the internal production team to ensure designs are understood, achievable, and correctly documented.
• Manage drawing issue and configuration control within BPA's document management system.
• Support the Technical Authority on GKN Aerospace work packages and new product introduction.
• Identify and manage design risks, raising concession requests or deviation notices where required.
• Contribute to cost estimation and technical input for quotations and tender responses.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Proven proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 — this is the primary requirement. Candidates without CATIA experience will not be shortlisted.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks for secondary design tasks.
• Degree or HND in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or demonstrably equivalent industry experience).
• Experience designing components or assemblies for aerospace, defence, or other safety-critical industries, this is the primary role from day one.
• A natural problem solver and creator of solutions.
• Confident communicator — you will deal directly with customers and suppliers without a technical minder in the room.
• Team development and growth is a must.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and aerospace material and process specifications.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to precision-machined components (turning, milling, grinding, EDM).
• Exposure to AS9100 quality management environments preferred.
• Based within 30 minutes of Martock Trading Estate.

THE OPPORTUNITY

BPA has recently acquired the assets and business of SFM Technology and is building its engineering team under new ownership. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the design function of a growing aerospace business with strong customer relationships and a serious long-term pipeline. The right person will grow with it.