Capability Development Engineer

Location: Ramsgate, Kent
Company: AEM Limited (An AMETEK Company)

About AEM Limited

AEM Limited has been Europe's leading independent aircraft component overhaul and repair specialist for more than 60 years. Operating from three sites across the UK, we provide comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to international and regional airlines, helicopter operators, and airframe manufacturers.

With capabilities spanning over 5,000 aircraft components across electrical power, hydraulic systems, landing gear, safety equipment, and aircraft windings, AEM is recognised for its technical excellence and customer-focused solutions. Since 2007, AEM has been part of AMETEK Inc., a global leader in electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, operating within AMETEK MRO's Aerospace & Defense Division.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Capability Development Engineer to join our Engineering team in Ramsgate. This role will play a key part in expanding our component repair and overhaul capabilities through new product development, reverse engineering, tooling design, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will work closely with Operations and Engineering teams to develop innovative repair solutions, support production activities, and enhance operational performance within a highly regulated aerospace environment.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development (NPD)

• Evaluate aircraft components and associated systems to develop repair and overhaul solutions.
• Reverse engineer aircraft components and assemblies to support capability expansion projects.
• Design, analyse, validate and approve tooling solutions using engineering methodologies including FMEA and FEA.
• Lead and support NPD projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Produce engineering documentation including reports, technical drawings, specifications and supporting analyses.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including the development of workshop procedures and technical documentation.
• Facilitate the successful transfer of new capabilities from Engineering into Operations.

Sustaining Engineering

• Provide technical support to Operations through the management and resolution of Engineering Support Tickets.
• Maintain and control technical records, repair reports, standard operating procedures, local instructions and engineering documentation.
• Ensure all documentation remains compliant with the latest approved technical data, including CMMs, Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives and Service Information Letters.
• Design, develop and improve tooling, fixtures and test equipment to meet operational and testing requirements.
• Apply industrial engineering techniques to establish standard times and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Support root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Adhere to all Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety (QEHS) policies and procedures.
• Support Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including:
  • Kaizen activities
  • GEMBA walks
  • 5S programmes
  • Continuous improvement projects
  • Change management initiatives

About You

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience in an engineering role within aerospace, aviation, MRO, or a similarly regulated industry.
• Hands-on experience working with mechanical and electrical aircraft components and assemblies.
• Strong knowledge of engineering drawings, technical documentation and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience conducting root cause analysis and failure investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as:
  • FMEA
  • 8D
  • 5 Why
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, test equipment or test rigs.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software, preferably Fusion 360.
• Experience using engineering analysis tools such as FEA.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-marking, work quality, and to reduce costs.  The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs. 

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience within aircraft component repair and overhaul environments.
• Knowledge of aerospace regulatory and quality standards.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

AI & Digital Capability

At AMETEK, we embrace innovation and digital transformation. Candidates should demonstrate the ability and willingness to utilise AI-driven tools to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, increase work quality, and identify cost-saving opportunities. The successful candidate will be able to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs and apply them responsibly within an engineering environment.

Why Join AEM?

• Join a highly respected aerospace MRO organisation with over 60 years of industry excellence.
• Be part of a global AMETEK business with strong opportunities for career development.
• Contribute to cutting-edge engineering and capability development projects.
• Work within a collaborative and innovation-driven environment where continuous improvement is encouraged.

Ready to help shape the future of aerospace component repair and development? We'd love to hear from you.