Senior Principal Technician

External Job Description

As a senior technical specialist, you will play a critical role in the precision assembly, balancing, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of advanced propulsion systems. Working alongside engineers, manufacturing specialists, and test operations teams, you will ensure engines are assembled and validated to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance.

If you enjoy solving complex mechanical challenges, working with cutting-edge technology, and leading hands-on technical activities, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Principal Technician, you will be responsible for delivering expert technical support throughout the engine build and test lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:

* Leading the precision assembly, overhaul, maintenance, and inspection of propulsion systems and rotating machinery.
* Performing static and dynamic balancing of engine rotating assemblies, including shafts, rotors, compressors, turbines, impellers, and associated components.
* Supporting engine commissioning, installation, troubleshooting, and operation within advanced engine test facilities.
* Preparing engines for development and qualification testing, including instrumentation and mechanical integration activities.
* Diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical, assembly, balancing, and operational issues during engine build and testing.
* Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, assembly procedures, and maintenance documentation.
* Maintaining accurate technical documentation, inspection records, balancing reports, and test documentation.
* Ensuring compliance with company quality standards, engineering procedures, and health and safety requirements.
* Supporting prototype development, product validation, and continuous improvement initiatives across assembly and test operations.
* Mentoring and coaching technicians while sharing best practices and promoting technical excellence across the workshop and test facility.
* Collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to improve reliability, efficiency, and product performance.

What We're Looking For

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• 10–14 years of hands-on experience in engine assembly, balancing, rotating equipment, gas turbines, aerospace propulsion, aviation maintenance, or similar high-precision mechanical environments.
• A Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A Master's degree is preferred.**
• Extensive experience with precision assembly techniques, mechanical inspection, alignment, balancing, and commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of rotating machinery, bearings, seals, mechanical tolerances, and precision measurement equipment.
• The ability to read engineering drawings and technical manuals with confidence.
• Excellent troubleshooting and fault-finding skills within complex mechanical systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• A commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Highly Desirable

• Experience working with gas turbine engines, microjet propulsion systems, UAV engines, aerospace or defence programmes, vibration analysis, rotor dynamics, or advanced manufacturing environments will be highly regarded.

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