Stirling Dynamics is recruiting a Chief Engineer with a focus on software/electronic hardware.
Stirling Dynamics design, develop and produce a wide range of high-end aircraft simulator, ground control and flightworthy cockpit controls. Stirling’s products include both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ controls. The active controls primarily serve the engineering development and pilot training simulation market. They are feature-rich, highly reconfigurable, and suitable for single or dual (linked) aircraft cockpit configurations.
Our range of active products includes side sticks, throttles, collectives, cyclics, tillers, pedals and their associated control systems. The company is continuously bringing new products to market while enhancing and refining existing solutions.
Although Stirling has passive product offerings for the pilot training and simulation sector, the primary demand is for flightworthy applications where Stirling design, develop and supply products that are integrated within certified aircraft.
We have pioneered active control technology since the early 1990s and are proud to hold many industry and technology firsts, including supplying the controls for the first fully active fly-by-wire helicopter flight. Today, we supply active sticks and throttles for the new F-35 pilot training simulators and continue to innovate and push boundaries in cockpit control technology.
THE ROLE
Due to a strong order book and sustained growth, Stirling Dynamics is seeking a highly experienced engineer to join the Chief Engineer team, providing technical leadership, guidance, and governance through the bid and complex project delivery phases.
Our existing team brings a breadth of expertise across multiple disciplines. This opportunity is designed to complement that team by filling a key capability gap, with a focus on individuals with a software/electronic hardware background developed within regulated environments (e.g. rail, aerospace etc).
Stirling operates a matrix organisation with engineering capability on one axis (engineering teams/departments – organised by discipline, each led by a Technical Manager) and project delivery on the other (project management delivering on behalf of business units – project management is led by the Head of Programmes and each business unit by a Business Manager). The Chief Engineer role sits within the delivery axis, working in collaboration with business stakeholders and technical teams to ensure that both bids and project solutions are technically robust, well-balanced (considering time, cost, and quality), and aligned with customer and regulatory requirements.
The role is primarily based in our Bristol office, with occasional travel to client sites. We are committed to flexible working and offer the opportunity to work from home for part of the week.
Chief Engineers provide an important ‘governance’ function, offering independent, thoughtful review of technical solutions. They may also take on a more hands-on leadership role within particularly complex bids or projects, helping to guide direction and delivery. This is one of the most senior engineering roles within the organisation, reporting directly to the Operations Director.
The work is diverse, spanning aerospace, marine, and training & simulation. Within Aerospace, projects may include civil and military applications across fixed wing, rotary wing (including eVTOL), and a range of aircraft sizes. Projects can encompass airworthy equipment development, complex modifications, and new aircraft programmes. In Marine, the work includes submarine control system solutions and specialist consultancy. Within Training & Simulation, it involves the design and manufacture of a wide range of active and passive pilot COTS (standard Stirling product) and bespoke cockpit control solutions for a global customer base.
The ideal candidate will bring experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and successfully delivery of complex engineering programmes in one or more of these areas.
This is a highly visible role internally and externally. The ability to build strong, trusted relationships and work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders (customers, regulators, and colleagues) is essential.
General
Business Development
Bids
Project Delivery
Strategy
Success in this role will be supported by the following qualities:
Competitive package. The role can cover grades 8-9 and therefore has a wide salary range (minimum of £65,000) as it will depend on the candidate's experience level.
We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially
Stirling Dynamics is an advanced engineering company located in the UK and Germany that provides high-end engineering products and services. Our strength is not only in providing world-leading technical expertise but also in our ability to work collaboratively with customers to build strong relationships with a focus on open communication and transparency. With over three decades of experience and as part of the Expleo Group, we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge on multiple aircraft and marine platforms, delivered to both civil and military programmes around the globe.
Trading since 1987, we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge on over 70 different aircraft types and multiple marine platforms, delivered to both civil and military programmes around the globe. Furthermore, we are approved to the global aerospace quality standard AS9100 and a member of the ITAR Approved Community.
Exports make up over 70% of our business and our teams support clients in North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific. We respect the differences in international cultures and recognise that every organisation has their own preferred way of working. Our flexible contracting models, coupled with cultural awareness, ensure that customer satisfaction is achieved throughout the project lifecycle.
Stirling Dynamics was acquired by Expleo in 2018. Expleo is a world-class partner in engineering, quality and digital solutions for clients operating in the aerospace, automotive, defence, financial services, industrial, and transportation sectors. With around 15,000 employees in more than 30 countries, Expleo has the cutting-edge technical know-how and proven expertise in complex and critical systems. In 2020, Expleo achieved a turnover of around 1.1 billion euros.
