Chief Engineer

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

• Act on behalf of the Operations Director to support the successful delivery of technical bids and projects/programmes.

Business Development

• Support the Business Development teams by providing customer-focused technical expertise and ‘solutioneering’ prior to formal bid activity.
• Proactively identify and nurture opportunities with both new and existing customers.

Bids

• During the bid phase, work closely with business managers and project management, taking ownership of shaping a compelling and cohesive technical response.
• Engage Technical Managers and the wider engineering community where needed, ensuring that solutions are robust, well-considered and aligned with requirements.

Project Delivery

• Support a smooth and seamless transition from bid to project launch, ensuring technical continuity.
• Provide ongoing technical guidance and assurance to projects as needed (e.g. reviewing plans, facilitating design reviews, offering independent insight and support).
• On selected complex projects/programmes, take on a leading technical role to help ensure successful delivery of high-quality, compliant, and commercially sound solutions.)

Strategy

• Contribute to shaping the future technical direction of products and services, supporting innovation and continuous improvement

• Current Security Check (SC) clearance or eligibility to obtain
• Experience across the full product development lifecycle
• Customer-facing technical or business development experience

Success in this role will be supported by the following qualities:

• Ability to engage, support and guide multi-disciplinary teams towards shared goals
• A collaborative and professional approach when working with diverse stakeholders
• Confidence to question, challenge constructively, and offer solutions
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance multiple complex priorities
• Practical, logical thinking combined with sound judgement
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to quality assurance
• A motivated and dependable approach to meeting commitments
• Openness to change, with a positive mindset towards continuous improvement

• Degree-qualified engineer in a relevant discipline
• Significant experience in relevant sectors, particularly in software and electronic hardware within regulated/high-integrity environments
• Proven experience contributing to and shaping technical bids
• Demonstrated success leading complex engineering projects and teams

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