Lead Airworthiness Auditor, Air Arabia

Ifairworthy; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An aviation company is seeking a Lead Airworthiness Auditor to monitor compliance, develop audit plans, and advise on quality and safety matters. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Aircraft Engineering, 8+ years in aviation, and strong communication skills. The role also requires certificates in auditing and project management experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. This position is based in Sharjah, UAE.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aviation, 4 years in quality/safety functions.
• Fluent in English; Arabic or French is a plus.
• Certificates in Auditing or Compliance are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance with airworthiness and safety requirements.
• Develop and implement audit plans for all company hubs.
• Advise on quality and safety matters.

Skills

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Quality Assurance

Safety Management Systems

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aircraft Engineering

Project Management certification

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Lead Airworthiness Auditor, Air Arabia

Job Purpose

Nominated by Air Arabia, the Lead Airworthiness Auditor shall monitor and verify all activities in the areas of Airworthiness, Maintenance, Ground Operations, Safety, Quality, and Security. The role ensures these activities are carried out under the supervision of the relevant "Nominated Post Holder" in compliance with Air Arabia Group policies, third-party Regulatory Bodies’ requirements, and adopted standards such as IOSA.

Key Result Responsibilities

1. Assist the Head of Operational Audit to ensure compliance with all applicable Airworthiness, Maintenance, Ground Operations, Quality, Safety, and Security regulatory requirements across Air Arabia Group.
2. Partner with stakeholders to facilitate and support the deployment of QSS-related policies across hubs, including systems, investigation processes, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness. Identify deviations and create action plans for harmonization.
3. Develop and implement an annual audit plan for all company hubs.
4. Assess all hubs for conformance against IOSA ISARPS.
5. Stay updated with local and international legislation, regulations, guidelines, and practices related to the aviation industry.
6. Advise on projects, operational procedure changes, and new initiatives as assigned by the line manager.
7. Conduct assessments for the SMS to identify hazards and risks, evaluate overall status, and set preventive and corrective measures. Ensure timely actions.
8. Follow up on the closure of related findings with adequate CAPA.
9. Ensure safety manuals, risk registers, and documentation are reviewed and updated regularly and in line with departmental procedures.
10. Ensure operations, policies, procedures, and internal rules comply with conditions and restrictions of the AOC & OPS SPECS, maintenance approvals, applicable regulatory requirements, and standards set by Air Arabia Group (IOSA).
11. Monitor the annual audit and inspection plan, identify non-conformities, and propose corrective actions. Ensure timely and effective implementation.
12. Advise the Head of Operational Audit on quality, security, and safety matters, supporting with assessments and participating in management review boards.
13. Participate in developing and implementing group policies and procedures.
14. Monitor and address safety and security concerns, ensuring investigations and resolutions are in compliance with Air Arabia’s programs.
15. Conduct periodic health checks of management systems across hubs.
16. Share lessons learned in Safety, Quality, and Security with all hubs.
17. Monitor SPI and SPT metrics for each department in each hub.
18. Review aviation service agreements and interface procedures.
19. Monitor SAFA ratios at each hub and recommend improvements where necessary.

Qualifications (Academic, training, languages)

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License and/or a Bachelor's degree in Aircraft Engineering, Aeronautical, or Auditing, or equivalent.
• Diploma or certificate in a related field with relevant experience if applicable.
• Certificates in Auditing, Quality Assurance, or Compliance (e.g., ICAO, IOSA, ISO Lead Assessor) are highly desirable.
• Project Management certification or equivalent experience is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel and PowerPoint), Internet, and Web Search.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Fluent in English; Arabic or French is a plus.

Work Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in the aviation or airline industry, with a minimum of 4 years leading quality, safety, or compliance functions. Low-cost airline experience is a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory bodies’ rules and requirements related to engineering, maintenance, and ground operations.
• General knowledge of ICAO ISARPS.
• Experience with airline documentation and records control systems.
• Aircraft technical knowledge and maintenance exposure are advantageous.
• Deep understanding of safety and security requirements in airlines, including audit practices.
• Experience managing aircraft airworthiness in line with authorities, manufacturers, and OEM standards.
• Proven ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Strong influencing skills and experience managing relationships and diverse teams.
• Skills in data analysis, problem identification, and corrective actions.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.