Senior Controls & Instrumentation Design & Project Manager

Aerospace Test Systems | UK-based with International Delivery

I am working with a specialist aerospace engineering organisation to appoint a Controls & Instrumentation Design & Project Manager.

This role is suited to someone who has strong experience with C&I and combines deep technical capability with project ownership and customer-facing confidence. You will also be comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy in a regulated, high-performance environment.

 

The Role

You will take senior responsibility for the controls, instrumentation, and software aspects of complex aero-engine test and ground support systems, supporting programmes from early requirements definition through detailed design, integration, commissioning, and customer handover.

While hands-on technically, this is not a purely delivery role. You will be expected to influence engineering approach, uphold standards, and act as a trusted technical interface with customers and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead controls, instrumentation, and software design activities across multiple projects

  • Translate customer and regulatory requirements into robust, compliant system solutions

  • Oversee LV electrical and instrumentation design and detailed drawings

  • Define software specifications and testing strategies for aerospace test applications

  • Manage integration of electrical, electronic, and software systems

  • Provide senior technical oversight during commissioning, installation, and calibration (UK & overseas)

  • Act as escalation point for complex system and software issues

  • Maintain control of technical documentation and configuration management

  • Develop project costings, schedules, and delivery plans

  • Work directly with customers, representing the business in technical and commercial discussions

  • Ensure compliance with quality systems, statutory legislation, and HSE requirements

Candidate Profile

  • HNC minimum in Controls & Instrumentation (degree preferred)

  • Proven experience delivering complex electrical, electronic, and software-based systems

  • Strong working knowledge of NI systems (C++/Labview/Matlab/Python etc.), networked control architectures, and modern computing platforms

  • Background in aerospace, test systems, or similarly regulated engineering environments

  • Comfortable operating at senior engineer / lead level, influencing decisions and outcomes

  • Commercially aware, with experience contributing to estimates, schedules, and negotiations

  • Clear, credible communicator with customers and internal leadership

Why This Role

  • Senior-level technical ownership within a specialist aerospace business

  • Meaningful influence over system design, delivery, and engineering standards

  • Exposure to complex international programmes rather than volume delivery

  • A role suited to experienced engineers seeking depth, autonomy, and long-term impact