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Test and Operations Team Lead (Mechanical) – Aerospace and Defence
Permanent – Long Term – Milton Keynes Area – Attractive
An opportunity has arisen for Test and Operations Team Lead to join an Aerospace and Defence Organisation within the Milton Keynes area. The successful Test and Operations Team Lead will lead and manage a team of mechanical technicians, research engineers, and operators within an Aerodynamics and Test Department. The Test and Operations Team Lead is crucial to the successful delivery of aerodynamic test programmes across the company facilities. The Test and Operations Team Lead will be responsible for the mechanical assembly, preparation, and maintenance of models, rigs, and test equipment, as well as the coordination and development of a skilled and effective team. The Test and Operations Team Lead will work closely with key stakeholders across the business ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency are met, whilst also fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This Test and Operations Team Lead role is an excellent opportunity for someone ready to take the next step into a technical leadership position or further develop their management career in a unique, hands-on engineering environment. If you are passionate about precision engineering, developing people, and delivering high-quality testing then this is a great option for you.
Responsibilities of the Test and Operations Team Lead (Mechanical)
- Leading a small team including line management, performance reviews, training & planning.
- Planning and coordinating the team’s work across facilities to meet schedules and budgets.
- Mechanical assembly and rig preparation for aerodynamic test campaigns.
- Maintenance of test rigs, equipment & workspaces to ensure safe and consistent operation.
- Ensure the availability of tools, spares, and consumables.
- Liaise with Project Managers & Technical Leads to prioritise & allocate resource effectively.
- Develop and maintain a skills matrix for the team, supporting their technical growth.
- Promote a clean, safe, and high-performing working environment.
- Lead the documentation of processes, risk assessments, and method statements.
- Work with Design & Instrumentation teams to support development and improvements.
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills Required – Test and Operations Team Lead (Mechanical)
- Qualified to Degree, HND, or NVQ Level 5 (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Experience in a relevant aerospace test environment, with hands-on experience assembling and maintaining mechanical and electro-mechanical test equipment.
- Experience with high-pressure air systems and hydraulics is highly desirable.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to coach and support others.
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with drive to deliver results & continuously improve.
- Competent in planning tools and Microsoft Office (or equivalent).
- Flexible attitude towards shift work (when and if required) and evolving business needs.
There are excellent opportunities for career development. This is an exciting permanent opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. In return our client offers a range of benefits including:
- Competitive salary and pension scheme
- Free parking and shares incentive plan
- Employee assistance programme
- Private health insurance
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing after 5 year’s service)
**The successful candidate must be a British National able to satisfy security clearance (SC) requirements – including last 5 years continual UK residency due to projects/products involved**
If you feel you meet the requirements for the role of the Test and Operations Team Lead (Mechanical), then apply directly or contact Peter Heap at Jonathan Lee Recruitment. Either Direct Line 01384 446127 or Email suitable MS Word CV’s to peter.heap@jonlee.co.uk
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.
6665720 – Peter Heap