Lead Flight Test Engineer

Volantes Technical Recruitment are seeking an exceptional Lead Flight Test Engineer to join our clients growing team at Bournemouth International Airport. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role at the cutting edge of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training, supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies worldwide.

Our client don’t just operate aircraft - they deliver mission‑critical capability. Their work directly enables military aircrew and ground radar operators to train as they will fight, using some of the most advanced and representative airborne EW effects available today.

Our Lead Flight Test Engineer

Reporting directly to the Flight Test Manager, you will lead the definition, planning, execution and reporting of flight test activity across our clients diverse and unique fleet.

Your work will directly support the continued evolution of next‑generation EW training systems, ensuring our client remains the partner of choice for complex, high‑end defence training.

Working hand‑in‑hand with the Design Office, maintenance teams, and test pilots, you will lead flight test programmes from concept through to delivery, both in the UK and across global deployment locations. You will also play a key role in navigating regulatory and certification landscapes, securing the approvals required to conduct safe, effective, and compliant flight testing.

The Lead Flight Test Engineer role is a flying role. When not conducting flight test duties and depending on previous qualifications, opportunities to conduct Operational Readiness Training as a rear crew may be available in a variety of aircraft and roles. 

The role requires international travel, with deployments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground flight testing as a Lead Flight Test Engineer
• Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
• Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design and technical safety reviews
• Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
• Produce clear, high‑quality flight test reports
• Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, cultivating trusted relationships with the UK CAA and other regulatory authorities

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types
• Qualification as a Flight Test Engineer from a recognised and approved Flight Test Training Organisation
• Hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Hold, or be able to meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Cat 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification
• Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
• Degree (BSc / BEng or higher) in an engineering or science‑related discipline
• Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks
• Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Background in military EW / RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
• Previous UAS / RPAS experience