Chief Engineer

Phoenix Scientific Industries Ltd; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An advanced materials technology firm is seeking a Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership and drive engineering design in Hailsham, England. The successful candidate will manage a multidisciplinary team, oversee complex engineering projects, and collaborate with R&D to deliver innovative solutions. A Master's in engineering, experience in advanced manufacturing, and excellent communication skills are essential. The role requires occasional travel within the UK and internationally, with a full UK driving license required.

Benefits

37.5 hour working week

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Full UK Driving Licence required

Qualifications

• Broad based educational background with a masters in engineering.
• Extensive experience in a technical leadership role within advanced manufacturing or process engineering environments.
• Proven track record managing complex engineering or R&D projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering function and provide technical mentorship.
• Oversee the design team and manage engineering resources.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and to required quality standards.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Process development

System design

Education

Masters in engineering

Qualification in metallurgy or physics

Job description

PSI Ltd is an international science and engineering company working at the forefront of Advanced Materials innovation. With a strong focus on Powder Metallurgy, PSI designs and builds advanced process equipment, conducts extensive R&D, and manufactures high-performance specialist powders not widely available on the market. Our technologies support a diverse range of sectors including aerospace, defence, and general engineering.

The Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership with a hands‑on approach in driving engineering design team and supporting R&D activities, ensuring that PSI’s products, systems, and processes meet the customer performance specification, reliability and are delivered to design cost targets on time. Reporting to the Operations Manager.

Main Responsibilities & Duties:

• Lead the engineering function, providing technical direction and mentorship to multidisciplinary teams.
• Oversee the design team providing the technical oversight of design processes.
• Ensure engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards and directives
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams to transition new technologies from concept to customer release.
• Manage engineering resources, facilities, and processes to support company objectives.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the development of new business and technology areas.
• Maintain compliance with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality systems.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Broad based educational background with a masters in engineering, ideally also a qualification in metallurgy or physics
• Extensive experience in a technical leadership role within advanced manufacturing, process engineering, or materials technology environments.
• Proven track record of managing complex engineering or R&D projects, ideally in aerospace or defence sectors.
• Strong background in system design, process development, and equipment integration.
• Excellent management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance hands‑on engineering with strategic decision‑making.

The role is based at PSI’s Hailsham site but may involve occasional UK travel and short overseas visits in support of our worldwide customer base. Due to the nature of the work this role cannot be fulfilled by working on a remote basis.

Essentials:
Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel globally as required
Working Hours:
37.5 hour working week
Holiday entitlement:
25 days (Plus, Bank holidays)
Location:
Hailsham, East Sussex