Chief Engineer

Hailsham

1 month ago

Applications closed

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Chief Engineer
Location: Hailsham
Industry: Advanced Materials / Aerospace / Defence / Engineering
Salary: Competitive, permanent role
An established international organisation specialising in advanced materials and precision process engineering is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead its technical function. The business focuses on advanced equipment design, and R&D activities that support aerospace, defence, and high-performance engineering sectors. The company name will not be disclosed.
This position provides technical leadership across engineering design, process development, and product delivery. It requires a blend of hands-on expertise and strategic direction, ensuring complex systems and equipment meet performance, reliability, and cost targets. The role reports to the Operations Manager and offers responsibility for shaping capability, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and guiding technology from concept through to customer deployment.
Key Responsibilities

Lead the engineering function, setting technical direction and supporting multidisciplinary teams
Oversee design activities with full responsibility for technical governance and design processes
Deliver engineering projects on schedule, within budget, and to defined quality and regulatory standards
Work closely with R&D to progress new technologies from prototype to market-ready products
Manage engineering resources, facilities, workflows, and capability development
Support strategic planning, including new technology and business opportunities
Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety requirements, and quality systems
Qualifications and Experience
Master’s degree in engineering; additional background in metallurgy or physics is advantageous
Significant leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, or process-equipment environments
Proven record of managing complex engineering or R&D programmes in aerospace, defence, or similar sectors
Strong capability in system design, process development, and equipment integration
Effective leadership, communication, and team-management skills
Ability to combine hands-on engineering knowledge with strategic decision-making
Additional Information
Based on site in Hailsham, with occasional UK and overseas travel , On-site role due to operational and security requirements
Full UK driving licence needed
Working week: 37.5 hours
Holiday entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays
Contract: Permanent
TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process

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