Senior Propulsion Engineer

Job Title: Lead Propulsion Engineer

Job Type: Contract
Location: Fareham

Right to work: Must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible for Baseline Security Clearance.

We’re recruiting on behalf of a leading aerospace organisation seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to join their innovative team in Fareham.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring engines, powertrains, and associated subsystems deliver safe, efficient, and reliable performance across all flight conditions whilst supporting the introduction of new designs into production and operations.

This is a pivotal opportunity to shape propulsion architecture and ensure seamless integration between airframe, power, and control systems.

As a Senior/Lead Propulsion Engineer, you’ll collaborate across disciplines to bring innovative propulsion concepts to life, leading system development, testing, and verification while providing technical leadership that drives both product and team growth.

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• Propulsion Design & Integration: Lead the design and integration of propulsion systems, including engine installation, vibration isolation, cooling, exhaust, and power transmission. Define and maintain system requirements and interfaces across airframe, fuel, electrical, and control systems.
  
• Testing & Validation: Create and execute test plans and support ground and flight testing to verify performance. Conduct analytical assessments and simulations (structural, thermal, vibration) to validate designs.
  
• Collaboration & Documentation: Work with avionics, airframe, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure seamless integration. Maintain technical and compliance documentation, including maintenance and inspection records.
  
• Leadership & Safety: Provide mentorship to junior engineers and uphold company values, safety standards, and Health & Safety requirements.
  

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• Education & Experience: Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent). Proven experience in propulsion system or engine integration design within aerospace, UAV, or high‑performance sectors.
  
• Technical Expertise: Strong mechanical design knowledge for rotating and reciprocating machinery, with experience introducing and supporting new systems in production. Familiarity with air‑cooled engines, hybrid propulsion, or alternative powertrains is advantageous.
  
• Design & Analysis Tools: Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and familiar with PDM systems. Experience with FEA, vibration analysis, or CFD/heat transfer simulation is desirable.
  
• Systems & Collaboration Skills: Understanding of propulsion control and monitoring interfaces. Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage complex integration challenges.
  
• Additional Advantage: Background in UAV power system certification or qualification testing.
  

Technically rigorous and detail‑oriented, with a proactive, hands‑on mindset. A strong collaborator who leads effectively and delivers under pressure.

If you’re an experienced propulsion engineer ready to drive innovation in aerospace, apply now to help shape the future of UAV technology.