Rolls-Royce
Chief Project Engineer
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Chief Project Engineer
Location: Derby
Employment Type: Full Time
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Chief Project Engineer to join our team in Derby.
The Chief Project Engineer will own and deliver packages of work to cost, quality and schedule for the whole product. In so doing you will provide leadership and governance for all the engineers in the project doing programme management as well as act as a delegate for the Chief Engineer. This role will have particular focus on delivering the portfolio of Critical Part (or Life Limited Part, LLP) Life management programmes for all products in the Trent Fleet Mature Airbus and Boeing portfolio.
What you will be doing:
- The Chief Project Engineer will create, evolve and maintain the product requirements through interfaces with the Customer (including airframer) and business across the entire life cycle of the programme.
- Define the technical programme of works that delivers a product that is fully compliant to all the product requirements & fully integrated with the other elements of the programme Work Breakdown Structure (supply chain, programme, Risk Revenue Sharing Partner etc.).
- Programme management and delivery of the optimised technical solution that satisfies all the product requirements (technical, business and schedule).
- Lead the change management process within engineering to ensure that the level of change and the incorporation of it are managed.
- Assist the Chief Engineer with assuring and managing product safety through compliant use of proven processes and lead closure strategies to timely completion.
- Establish and maintain the overall governance structure on behalf of the Chief Engineer to ensure that quality, schedule and cost targets are achieved.
- Implement effective Risk Management and Project Gated Review Processes for the package, including a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Lead the System Engineering and systems thinking in the engineering team in the project.
- Represent the Chief Engineer as required.
- Provide Programme and Technical leadership and support to the Work Package team and comply with the Engineers Function's policies throughout the life cycle of the work package.
- Manage the associated budget and deployed resources in support of this Portfolio.
- Lead regular Customer forums and discussions to commit delivery schedules of the Portfolio ensuring that work scoping and engine operational management are optimised for all parties.
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Preferred qualifications:
- Qualified to at least degree level or equivalent industry experience.
- Member of a professional body and working towards a Registered Project Professional (RPP) qualification or equivalent.
Preferred requirement:
- Substantial experience in the management of projects / programmes of increasing complexity.
- Has experience in all stages of a project lifecycle and has been responsible for the delivery of one or more of those stages.
- Exposure to non-core project management roles such as purchasing, commercial, engineering management etc.
- Experience of setting up and managing multi-functional teams.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with senior management.
Why join Rolls-Royce?
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
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Regional benefits:
- Generous Annual Leave
- Retirement Savings through the Rolls-Royce Retirement Savings Trust
- Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce
- Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate but is anticipated to be Level B.
This job is advertised at the grades shown, and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade.
It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.
Closing date: Midnight 12th October 2026
Job Category: Validation and Verification
Posting Date: 05 Oct 2026; 00:10
Posting End Date: 12 Oct 2026
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