Design Engineering Manager – CATIA / SolidWorks

About the role

BPA, a precision aerospace subcontractor, is seeking a Design Engineering Manager who can both lead and actively contribute to design work. You will use CATIA V5/V6 as the primary modelling tool and SolidWorks as a secondary tool, while representing BPA’s technical capability to customers, suppliers and internal teams.

Key responsibilities

• Produce and modify 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using CATIA V5/V6 (primary) and SolidWorks (secondary).
• Interpret customer requirements—including statements of work, interface control documents and verbal briefs—and translate them into manufacturable designs.
• Liaise directly with customer technical teams (e.g., Leonardo, GKN) on design intent, concessions and approvals.
• Work with manufacturing suppliers and vendors to ensure designs are producible and cost‑effective.
• Collaborate with internal production teams to ensure designs are understood, achievable and correctly documented.
• Manage drawing issue and configuration control within BPA’s document management system.
• Support the Technical Authority on GKN Aerospace work packages and new product introductions.
• Identify and manage design risks, raising concession requests or deviation notices where required.
• Contribute to cost estimation and provide technical input for quotations and tender responses.

Required profile

• Degree or HND in Mechanical, Aerospace or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience designing components or assemblies for aerospace, defence or other safety‑critical industries.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and confidence communicating directly with customers and suppliers.
• Experience in team development and growth.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis and aerospace material and process specifications.
• Understanding of precision‑machined manufacturing processes such as turning, milling, grinding and EDM.
• Exposure to AS9100 quality‑management environments is preferred.
• Residence within 30 minutes of Martock Trading Estate.

Required skills

• CATIA V5/V6 (primary)
• SolidWorks (secondary)
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Tolerance analysis
• Aerospace material and process specifications
• Precision machining processes: turning, milling, grinding, EDM
• AS9100 quality‑management familiarity