Functional Team Lead - Engineering - Design

Job Summary

Among the many Aircraft programs that GKN Fokker supports the NH90 program is looking for an energetic practical no nonsense Functional Team Lead for our Design team based in Papendrecht.

You will be leading a great team of Design Engineers who are working on the NH90 Helicopter program.

The NH90 helicopter is a medium size multi-role military helicopter developed by a collaboration of international European companies. Based on the 2 variants that exist (Naval & Trooper version) and the many customer requirements this team of NH90 Design Engineers (approximately 8 FTEs) takes care of many design modifications on several of major structural components (i.e. the Tail and Cabin Sliding Door) and the Landing Gear of the NH90 helicopter. These modifications accommodate new requirements of (new) customers and ensure optimal operation of the NH90 Helicopters in their challenging military environments.

What you will do

• Lead the team to deliver the assigned tasks to achieve the program/project objectives through planning work tasking and execution of required engineering activities;
• Create and verify overall design definitions including dimensions materials parts process notes assemblies and tolerances which are aligned to all design requirements and objectives;
• Provide product breakdown structures and create realistic schedules for each Project;
• Support and maintain Schedules with the Engineering Team Leads of several concurrent projects making sure that all these projects are delivered on time and within budget;
• Support technical and customer discussions and reviews including formal gate reviews the creation and preparation of technical data and presentations;
• Maintaining contacts with stakeholders in other departments in order to define work package scope and requirements and be able to deliver as agreed;
• Develop and implement methods plans toolsets and solutions that are appropriate and compliant to achieve the design and program/project objectives;
• Ensure designs are cost effective using appropriate techniques for design such as manufacture and assembly (DFMA) and design to cost;
• Use key performance indicators for all your team activities/ projects on hand in order to improve performance and provide updates / reports and standard measures to the senior management team as required;
• Assess manage and mitigate overall technical risk of assigned activities;
• Generate sign check or approve all assigned project deliverables documents and reports as required within limits of signature authorizations;
• Lead continuous improvement within the engineering team to improve quality and reduce waste and establish the best practice is followed within the team;
• Daily performance management (coaching/managing) of the NH90 Design team including managing team engagement capability development through the management of performance development plans and other initiatives;
• Ensure knowledge and data generated by the team is effectively captured transmitted and stored in compliance with applicable quality processes.

What you will bring

• A Bachelor or a Master Degree in (Aerospace) Engineering or equivalent working and thinking Level gained through experience;
• At least 8 years of relevant experience gained within an engineering discipline ideally within an aerospace environment and in multi-disciplinary engineering project teams;
• Possess project management planning and organizing skills based on recognized project management methods (KPI management);
• Experience in dealing with related functions (Operations/Production Sales/Customer Relationship Management Supplier Management and Development);
• A strong technical background and knowledge of design principles;
• Able to hold (internal) technical approval authority within the function;
• A solid understanding of delivery and tracking of engineering tasks is essential;
• Have excellent judgement in considering when escalation is appropriate;
• Able to define challenging objectives and achieve them;
• Able to work effectively across functions to achieve engineering objectives;
• Able to clearly present data reports and presentations to facilitate the decision making process at all levels of the business;
• Awareness of aerospace manufacturing techniques and methods
• Strong communication skills
• Speaking and writing fluently in English and preferable able to speak and understand Dutch;
• Able to work with CATIA V5 and experience with PLM systems
• You are strong minded convincing and committed focused on delivery and you must be able to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

What we will offer

Our organization demonstrates passion for innovation and our employees are rightly proud for what we engineer and build. This is truly a challenging work environment: a role where you contribute as an individual but also as a member of a diverse and international team of experts. At GKN Aerospace we not only provide you with the tools to perform at the best of your capabilities but we also support and promote your technical and personal development.

Furthermore we offer to you:

• A gross monthly salary based on the CLA Metalektro Grade M and in line with your experience and qualifications
• 8% holiday allowance
• 42 paid holidays for full-time employment
• Working conditions according to the CLA Metalektro including an excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance
• A pleasant and informal working environment in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers in a pleasant atmosphere.

Next to a competitive package we will offer you a world of opportunities: we want to see your career fly! We will support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. Thats the beauty of being part of a global business once you are on board you never know where your career journey may take you!

How to apply

Are you interested in the position and do you meet the requirements Use the apply now now button if you have any questions you can reach out to Ioanna Dimitriadi via We are committed to offer you a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. We want to offer you a career that can go to many directions thanks to our breadth of international opportunities. By being part of GKN Fokker Aerospace that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry you will know that you will be working towards being the most trusted partner in the aerospace industry.