Head Of Airworthiness - Full Time

Royal Flying Doctor Service; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Relocation assistance (where eligible)

Flexible working arrangements

Fitness Passport

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDSSE) is seeking a highly experienced aviation leader to join as Head of Airworthiness. This pivotal role ensures the continuing airworthiness of the RFDSSE fleet, maintaining safety, regulatory compliance and mission readiness across operations.

You will lead a team of airworthiness professionals, oversee maintenance programs, and collaborate with CASA and industry partners to advance safety culture and continuous improvement across the

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of CASA regulations and continuing airworthiness requirements.
• Experience with Part 42 Continuing Airworthiness Management systems and expositions.
• Strong leadership and budget/operational performance track record.

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

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & reporting

Team leadership

Safety culture

Education

Certificate IV Aircraft Maintenance

Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management

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

Aircraft engineer licence (B1/B2)

Tools

Maintenance tracking platforms

Airworthiness management systems

Job description

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.

Essential Requirements

• 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 organisation where aviation and healthcare come together to make a genuine difference in people's lives.

We offer:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Generous salary packaging benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• The opportunity to work with a highly skilled and passionate aviation team