Principal Configuration & Change Control Engineer

Overview

In this role you will serve as the configuration governance authority across complex defence programmes, partnering with the Lead Configuration Engineer to embed robust change control and configuration practices. You will drive assurance, audits, and metrics to sustain a single source of truth for configuration data. Your work supports regulatory, contractual, and business requirements while shaping engineering decisions. The position offers hybrid working with sites in Luton or Bristol and the chance to impact defence capability at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• company-funded benefits package
• extensive annual leave and flexi-days
• pension with up to 15% employer contribution
• mental health support and inclusion networks
• bonus scheme eligibility
• access to 4000+ online courses

Responsibilities

• Advise on configuration risks, non-conformances, concessions, waivers and change impacts
• Oversee Configuration Items, baselines, structures, and lifecycle strategies
• Assure quality and compliance of Configuration Management Plans
• Govern and assure change control activities across key review boards
• Promote effective use of CM tools, processes, and data as the single source of truth
• Lead configuration audits, compliance assessments, and customer/regulator assurance
• Deliver CM metrics and risk insights for programme decisions
• Mentor Configuration Engineers and drive continuous improvement
• Act as trusted advisor to engineering, programme, quality, safety and leadership teams

Key requirements

• Extensive experience in configuration and change control in defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries
• Authority in configuration governance, baseline management, and change control
• Experience assuring and reviewing Configuration Management Plans
• Advanced user and SME in TCU
• Proven experience supporting regulatory, customer, and internal audits
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide authoritative technical direction
• Experience working with classified and export-controlled information

• stakeholder influence
• leadership
• ability to communicate complex concepts clearly
• Configuration Management
• Change control
• Configuration Management Plans

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