Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Technical Lead
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Job Description
At FTT the Technical Lead role is a key function within the business and within the program(s) they are assigned to. The role carries the authority to decide the technical direction taken by a project and leads the technical team by determining the technical scope of work content. The Tech Lead role will work in close collaboration with the Program Manager and the Discipline Leads as well as maintain alignment to the Chief Engineer’s advisory office.
The Tech Lead role is a central figure in the delivery of high-fidelity test rigs that support the validation and qualification of complex aerospace / turbo-machinery subsystems for FTT’s internal and external customers whilst controlling the scope of work pertinent to the program. The Tech Lead is also a prime contributor to the management of technical capability within FTT.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical execution of demo rig projects from requirements gathering to final delivery, ensuring performance, safety, and quality targets are met.
- Collaborate with customers (internal or external) to understand test requirements and define system/program specifications.
- Guide the design of mechanical structures, fluid systems, electrical/electronic controls, and instrumentation for rigs.
- Oversee and review CAD models, analysis models, detailed drawings, wiring diagrams, assembly instructions, and BOMs.
- Ensure designs and analyses comply with relevant aerospace standards and customer specifications.
- Provide leadership function and/or support for build, commissioning, and troubleshooting of rigs on-site or at customer locations.
- Mentor junior engineers and coordinate cross-functional teams.
- Participate in or lead technical reviews, FMEAs, and risk assessments.
- Manage technical documentation, including design reports, validation plans, and test procedures.
- Own the delivery of the program scope of work (in conjunction with the respective PM).
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Experience And Skills
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a relevant technical degree.
- 15+ years of applicable work experience in the aerospace gas turbine industry, with at least 5 years in a technical lead type role.
- Proven experience in modelling & draughting the complex gas turbine components (blades, blisks, ring-strut-rings).
- Proven experience in the design and development of rotating machinery test rigs or ground support equipment.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, analysis methods, manufacturing, assembly and instrumentation.
- Proficient with CAD (ideally NX) and stress analysis tools (ANSYS, SC03).
- Experience with integration of control systems, PLCs, DAQs, and LabVIEW or similar is a plus.
- Familiarity with aerospace testing standards and safety practices.
- Experience of gas turbine (or similar complex machinery) assembly and instrumentation application/routing.
- Experience with testing of gas turbine modules is preferred.
- Understanding of sensor calibration, data acquisition systems, and signal conditioning.
- Ability to lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis during commissioning and test phases.
- Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality systems is preferred.
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Work Environment
The work environment will include a combination of office and lab/workshop.
- Role is in person at FTT Derby’s office.
- Travel will be required from time to time throughout the UK, Europe and US.
- Employee will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.
Renumeration
Competitive salary and generous benefits included.
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