Obsolescence Engineer

Description

Company:

The company Defence United Kingdom Limited

The company Defence United Kingdom (BDUK) is seeking an Obsolescence Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide specialist support in the identification, assessment, mitigation, and management of obsolescence risks across existing the company product platforms, primarily within Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing aircraft.

This role will play a key part in ensuring product supportability and long-term fleet availability by helping to develop and deliver effective obsolescence management solutions that are aligned to customer requirements, regulatory standards, and the company’s wider through-life support strategy.

At the company, we are innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you will learn and grow while contributing to work that shapes the world.

We support a number of significant UK defence contracts, including E-7 AEW&C, P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Autonomous Systems, C4ISR Services, Chinook and Apache support, Logistics Information Services, and Training Services. The organisation is in a strong growth phase, with opportunities to influence and improve supportability across current and future programmes.

The BDUK Engineering function operates within a matrix structure, with specialist departments providing technical expertise across programmes. This role sits within the Product Support Engineering Department, which includes the following technical areas:

Reliability Centred Maintenance Analysis

Reliability and Maintainability

Logistic Support Analysis

Engineering Data Exploitation

Obsolescence Management

Technical Publications

Product Support Engineering

Role Responsibilities

As an Obsolescence SME, your primary focus will be to provide expert support in managing obsolescence risk and ensuring continued product supportability throughout the lifecycle of the platform.

In this role, you will:

Identify, assess, and monitor obsolescence risks affecting hardware, software, components, and support solutions.

Provide subject matter expertise to develop obsolescence management strategies, mitigation plans, and action recommendations.

Work closely with engineering, supply chain, programme, product support, and customer teams to understand impacts and drive timely resolution.

Analyse data to determine the scale, urgency, and operational effect of obsolescence issues.

Support the preparation of reports, briefings, and technical outputs relating to obsolescence status and mitigation activity.

Ensure obsolescence activities are aligned with applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and internal processes.

Contribute to through-life support planning by identifying risks to affordability, availability, and sustainment.

Liaise with UK and US stakeholders to gather information, share findings, and coordinate obsolescence-related actions.

Support continuous improvement in obsolescence processes, tools, and reporting.

Assist with internal and external reviews, audits, and customer engagement as required.

You may also have opportunities to support other programmes, business development opportunities, and wider engineering excellence initiatives as part of your ongoing career development with the company.

Basic Qualifications (Skills/Experience):

Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain the necessary clearance

Experience identifying and mitigating obsolescence risk across complex platforms or systems

Understanding of applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and product support processes

Strong understanding of obsolescence management within a support engineering or defence environment

Preferred Qualifications (Skills/Experience):

Degree-level education in a relevant STEM subject

Understanding of how obsolescence impacts supportability, availability, cost, and long-term capability

Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, supply chain, programme, and customer teams

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

What the company Offers You:

The company benefits package goes above and beyond, focusing on your physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

Competitive salary and annual incentive plans

Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next

Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way

An inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs

Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options

23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year

Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution

Company paid BUPA Medical Plan

Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks

Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week

6x annual salary life insurance

Learning Together Programme to support your on-going personal and career development

Access to the company’s Well Being Programs, tool and incentives

Work Authorisation:

This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom. The company will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants. Benefits and pay are determined at the local level and are not part of the company U.S. based payroll.

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Not Applicable

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain United Kingdom Security Check.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom)