Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems

Job Purpose:

Lead and develop the Propulsion Systems Engineering department by setting strategic direction driving innovation and managing resources to deliver high-quality engineering solutions that support the companys projects bids objectives and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the strategic vision for the propulsion systems engineering team

• Lead recruitment define and optimise the team structure and manage training and performance to build a highly effective engineering department

• Headcount including forecasting and ensuring adequate resourcing for projects bids and technical studies

• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement initiatives

• Collaborate with internal departments suppliers and customers to ensure alignment and support business development efforts

• Prepare and review project and bid estimates to support delivery and business growth

• Define and monitor key performance indicators and implement measures to achieve targets

• Ensure compliance with company policies industry standards and regulatory requirements

Required Behaviours:

• Think Big:

  • Demonstrate strategic vision and anticipate future trends and challenges in propulsion systems engineering

  • Challenge the status quo and look for continually develop the teams skills and capabilities

• Make It Happen:

  • Take ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality results on time and within budget

  • Exhibit resilience and decisiveness to overcome obstacles and ensure project success

  • Drive execution with a strong bias for action and continuous improvement

• Together:

  • Foster collaboration across geographically separated teams partners and customers

  • Encourage open communication knowledge sharing and respect for diverse perspectives

  • Develop and empower team members through mentoring skills development and succession planning.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in relevant Engineering discipline e.g. Aerospace Mechanical Engineering or Physics

• Extensive experience in a comparable systems engineering role

• Strong systems engineering expertise with the ability to oversee complex propulsion systems development from concept design and integration to testing and validation

• Proven track record in resource planning delivery and execution

• Deep understanding of the space environment requirements and space standards

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving

• Leadership team and skills development

• Effective communication

• Competitiveness and customer focused mindset

Performance Metrics:

• Engineering delivery on time and within budget

• Effective resourcing of projects bids and studies

• Team performance skills development and succession planning within the team

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