Part 21J Design Engineer

Swansea
4 days ago
Create job alert

Part 21J Design Engineer (Structures & Mechanical)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Part 21J Design Engineer to join a highly specialised aerospace engineering environment, supporting aircraft-level design within a Part 21 Design Organisation.

This is a design-led position, ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning structural solutions from concept through to certification, with the opportunity to progress towards Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) status.

The RoleAs a Part 21J Design Engineer, you will take ownership of aircraft structural design activities, working across both new and in-service programmes. You will play a key role in delivering robust, certifiable solutions, whilst also carrying out independent technical checking to ensure the highest standards of engineering integrity.

Key ResponsibilitiesStructural Design

Own and deliver aircraft structural design solutions from concept through to detailed design and release

Produce high-quality engineering drawings, models, and supporting reports

Contribute to structural substantiation activities, including strength, fatigue, stiffness, and damage tolerance

Support design, modification, and repair work across metallic and composite structures

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including stress, systems, manufacturing, and airworthiness

Technical Checking

Carry out independent technical checking of design data, including drawings, models, and reports

Ensure outputs are compliant, consistent, and aligned with approved design methodologies

Provide constructive challenge in line with design assurance principles

Compliance & Development

Support certification and compliance activities through robust engineering design

Work towards CVE (Structures) authorisation, supported by the organisation

Contribute to maintaining high standards of design assurance and airworthiness compliance

About You
Degree qualified in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

Proven experience in aircraft-level structural design, not just component-level work

Strong background in producing and owning design data for certification purposes

Experience with structural substantiation and airworthiness requirements

Confident working within a regulated Part 21J environment (or similar)

Able to apply sound engineering judgement based on practical design experience

Desirable Experience
Previous CVE (Structures) authorisation

Experience working with the UK CAA and/or EASA

Knowledge of composite structures, fatigue, and damage tolerance

Experience across multiple aircraft platforms or modification programmes

Ability to mentor or support junior engineers

Working ArrangementsThis role is ideally office-based in South Wales, supporting collaboration and design integration. However, hybrid or flexible working options may be considered for the right individual.

Why Apply?
Flexible and Hybrid working

Work on complex, aircraft-level design projects

Clear pathway towards CVE authorisation

Join a highly technical and collaborative engineering environment

Opportunity to influence real-world aerospace design solutions

If you’re a Part 21J Design Engineer looking to take ownership of high-integrity aerospace design work and progress your career within a regulated environment, we’d love to hear from you

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Avionics Design Engineer – EASA Part 21 Projects

Avionics Design Engineer

Avionics Design Engineer

Avionics Design Engineer

Avionics Design Engineer

Avionics Design Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Space Industry Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a UK Space Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in the space industry — whether that’s spacecraft engineering, mission operations, space software, satellite systems, ground segment integration or space data analytics — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools, platforms and technologies mentioned in job adverts. One role wants experience with CAD and FEA software. Another asks for experience with GNSS simulation. A third mentions mission scheduling tools, RF link analysis suites, Python, C++, continuous integration — and it seems there’s always another acronym to learn. With so much listed, many candidates fall into the trap of thinking they must master every tool under the sun before they’ll be taken seriously. Here’s the honest truth most UK space hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you’ve heard of every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real space problems, explain your reasoning clearly, and deliver results. Tools matter, but they always serve a purpose: achieving mission goals, improving reliability, reducing risk, delivering data, or enabling collaboration. Tools are enablers — not trophies. So how many tools do you actually need to know to get a space job? The answer is much fewer and far more strategic than you might think. This article breaks down: what tools employers really expect which ones are core across most space roles which ones are role-specific how to present your tool proficiency on your CV and in interviews

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Space Sector Job Applications (UK Guide)

The space industry is one of the most exciting and multidisciplinary sectors in technology and engineering today. Whether you’re applying for roles in spacecraft design, aerospace systems, robotics, satellite communications, mission operations, payload engineering, space software, ground systems, or scientific research, your application must quickly show hiring managers that you are relevant, technically credible and ready to deliver. In the UK space jobs market — spanning organisations from startups to defence primes, agencies, research labs and commercial constellations — hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. They scan applications rapidly, often making a judgement about whether to read further within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in space sector applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, why specific signals matter, and how you can position your experience to stand out on www.ukspacejobs.co.uk .

The Skills Gap in UK Space Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

The UK space sector is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing high-tech industries in the world. From Earth observation and satellite communications to space robotics, launch systems and deep-space exploration, the breadth of opportunity is enormous. The UK Government’s ambition to capture a significant share of the global space economy has driven investment, policy support and a wave of innovative companies — both established and start-up. Yet despite strong academic programmes and a pipeline of graduates with relevant degrees, employers in the UK space sector consistently report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not prepared for real-world space industry jobs. This is not a matter of intelligence or motivation. Rather, it reflects a growing skills gap between what universities are teaching and what employers actually need from space professionals. In this article, we’ll explore why that gap exists, what universities are doing well, where they fall short, what employers want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build thriving careers in the UK space sector.