The Lead Industrial Designer will help shape the creative direction, innovation and passenger experience vision for TAS. This role combines creative vision with engineering awareness to deliver high-performance, user-focused, and regulatory-compliant design solutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining product aesthetics, functionality, ergonomics, and manufacturability within a highly regulated aerospace environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end industrial design activities from concept through to production.
- Develop innovative, functional, and aesthetically compelling aerospace product designs.
- Translate technical requirements, customer needs, and regulatory standards into design solutions.
- Produce high-quality 2D and 3D models, renderings, and prototypes.
- Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and certification teams to ensure design feasibility.
- Partner with airline customers & OEMs teams to interpret briefs, develop compelling design proposals, and support bids, RFPs, and customer engagement activities.
- Support design reviews, stakeholder presentations, and client engagements.
- Drive innovation in materials, processes, and design methodologies.
- Stay current with emerging aerospace technologies, sustainability trends, and user experience advancements.
- Contribute to IP development (patents, design protection).
Reward
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
- 37.5 hours per week
- Flexi time working
- £5,000 employee referral bonus
- Health cash plan
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
- Women in Business - Corporate Member
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee Recognition scheme
- Service Awards
- Local charity / sponsorship activities
- Dedicated employee parking
- Discounted Gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career progression
Requirements
Essential
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in industrial design, with a focus on aerospace, automotive, or high-performance engineering sectors.
- Proven track record delivering products from concept to production.
- Experience working within regulated environments (e.g., aerospace or defence).
- Exposure to certification processes and working with regulatory bodies
- Advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
- Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and aerospace design constraints.
- Experience in surface modelling, ergonomic design, and structural considerations.
- Understanding of aerospace certification requirements and documentation standards.
- Excellent concept generation and visualisation skills.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality industrial design, ideally within aerospace or transport sectors.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative mindset with the confidence to challenge and influence.
Desirable
- Relevant professional certifications or memberships (e.g., IDSA, Chartered Engineer)
- Exposure to certification processes and working with regulatory bodies
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.
Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The closing date for applications is the 26th July 2026 at 17:00.
For further infomation contact [email protected]
