Head of Airworthiness

Royal Flying Doctor Service; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Fitness Passport

Relocation assistance

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Royal Flying Doctor Service in Melbourne, VIC is seeking a seasoned Head of Airworthiness to lead the airworthiness function, ensure fleet CASA compliance and maintain safety and reliability across RFDSSE operations.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager Aviation & Operations, you will build and mentor a high‑performing team, manage budgets and collaborate with CASA and industry partners to keep lifesaving aircraft mission-ready.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of CASA regulations and continuing airworthiness requirements.
• Experience with Part 42 Continuing Airworthiness Management systems and expositions.
• Experience managing budgets, reporting and operational performance.
• Proven people leadership and team development experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead RFDSSE's airworthiness function, ensuring fleet airworthiness, CASA compliance and maintenance control requirements are met.
• Oversee continuing airworthiness systems, maintenance programs and associated manuals.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team while fostering a strong safety and quality culture.
• Partner with cross‑functional leaders to deliver organisational objectives and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets, reporting and resource planning.
• Represent RFDSSE with CASA, industry stakeholders and key aviation partners.

Skills

Aviation leadership

Airworthiness expertise

Regulatory compliance

People leadership

Education

Aircraft engineer licence (B1/B2)

Certificate IV in Aircraft Maintenance

Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management

Diploma in Engineering (Aeronautical/Avionics/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics)

Tools

Continuing Airworthiness Management systems

Job description

Royal Flying Doctor Service – Melbourne VIC

Full Time | NSW - Sydney, Broken Hill, Dubbo, VIC –Melbourne, TAS, Launceston

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Through leading aviation, healthcare and communication technologies, we deliver emergency medical and primary healthcare services to people living, working and travelling across remote, rural and regional Australia.

At RFDS South Eastern Section (RFDSSE), aviation excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Every flight has the potential to change or save a life, and our commitment to safety, reliability and operational excellence ensures we can continue serving communities when they need us most.

The Opportunity

RFDSSE is seeking a highly experienced and strategic aviation leader to join our team as Head of Airworthiness.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager Aviation & Operations, this critical leadership role is responsible for the continuing airworthiness of the RFDSSE fleet and acts as the Responsible Manager for Continuing Airworthiness across our operations. You will lead a dedicated team of airworthiness professionals, ensuring our fleet remains safe, compliant, mission-ready and aligned with CASA regulatory requirements.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of aviation within a purpose-driven organisation where your expertise directly supports the delivery of life‑saving services across Australia.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Head of Airworthiness, you will:

• Lead RFDSSE's airworthiness function, ensuring fleet airworthiness, CASA compliance and maintenance control requirements are met.
• Oversee continuing airworthiness systems, maintenance programs and associated manuals.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team while fostering a strong safety and quality culture.
• Partner with cross‑functional leaders to deliver organisational objectives and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets, reporting and resource planning.
• Represent RFDSSE with CASA, industry stakeholders and key aviation partners.

About You

You are an accomplished aviation leader with deep technical expertise in continuing airworthiness, aircraft maintenance and regulatory compliance. You bring a collaborative leadership style, strong commercial acumen and a passion for fostering a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

Current or previous approval as:

• Head of Aircraft Airworthiness and Maintenance Control (HAAMC); or
• Approved Continuing Airworthiness Manager; or
• Responsible Manager.

Hold or has previously held an aircraft engineer licence (B1 or B2), or qualifications in one of the following:

• Certificate IV in Aircraft Maintenance;
• Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management; or
• Diploma in Engineering (Aeronautical, Avionics, Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics).

Extensive knowledge of CASA regulations and continuing airworthiness requirements.

Demonstrated experience with Part 42 Continuing Airworthiness Management systems and expositions.

Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance programs, reliability systems and maintenance tracking platforms.

Experience managing budgets, reporting and operational performance.

Demonstrated people leadership and team development experience.

Familiarity with quality management systems and continuous improvement principles.

Eligibility to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).

Why Join RFDSSE?

At RFDSSE, you'll be joining an organization where aviation and healthcare come together to make a genuine difference in people's lives.

We offer:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• The opportunity to work with a highly skilled and passionate aviation team

At RFDSSE, our values of Reliability, Care, Trust and Safety guide everything we do, shaping the way we support our patients, communities and each other.

RFDSSE is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.