Chief Engineer - Defence Aerospace
GKN Aerospace
Aircraft Manufacturing
7909 Hoogeveen, Drenthe - Niederlande
Director
Experteer Overview
In this Chief Engineer role, you lead the technical execution and engineering performance of complex aerospace and defence programs in the Netherlands. You serve as the primary technical authority, shaping the technical strategy and guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept to certification and product realization. You will ensure airworthiness, safety, and cost-effective delivery while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to meet program objectives. This role offers an opportunity to drive innovation and engineering excellence at scale within a reputable aerospace organization.
Compensation / Benefits
- salary range according to Metalektro CAO (Grade N)
- 8% holiday allowance
- 42 paid holidays per year
- pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance
- informal working environment
- opportunity for international exposure
Responsibilities
- Lead engineering activities across the full product development lifecycle from concept to certification and product maturity
- Deliver innovative, customer-aligned technical solutions while ensuring airworthiness, regulatory, and certification compliance
- Serve as the primary technical authority for the program, defining technical strategy
- Establish and maintain the Project Engineering Plan (PEP) and Engineering Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Manage scope, schedule, cost, and resources; implement planning, monitoring, and reporting including Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Identify and mitigate technical risks; drive corrective actions for deviations in performance, schedule, or budget
- Develop and maintain certification plans and compliance documentation; support delegated airworthiness responsibilities
- Lead and mentor Engineering Team Leads and engineers; foster collaboration and continuous improvement
- Engage customers and stakeholders; support business development and cross-functional collaboration
- Lead major design reviews (PDR, CDR); promote best practices and knowledge sharing
Key requirements
- Minimum 10 years of engineering experience in aerospace, defence, or a highly regulated industry
- Strong track record leading complex multidisciplinary programs
- Broad technical expertise across engineering disciplines
- Experience with certification, airworthiness, and product compliance processes
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority
- Solid understanding of project management, risk management, budgeting, and schedule control
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to make sound decisions in complex environments
Description
In this Chief Engineer role, you lead the technical execution and engineering performance of complex aerospace and defence programs in the N…
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