Head of Airworthiness - Full Time

Flying Doctor; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Salary packaging benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDSSE) is seeking a strategic Head of Airworthiness to ensure continuing airworthiness across the fleet and act as Responsible Manager. You will lead a team, drive safety culture and maintain regulatory alignment.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager Aviation & Operations, this role influences aviation excellence and supports life-saving services across Australia.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in continuing airworthiness management and regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership of airworthiness teams and safety culture.
• Demonstrated scope in budgets, reporting and performance improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead RFDSSE's airworthiness function, meeting CASA compliance and maintenance control.
• Oversee continuing airworthiness programs and related manuals.
• Develop a high-performing team with a strong safety culture.
• Collaborate with leaders to meet organisational objectives and continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets, reporting and resource planning.
• Represent RFDSSE with CASA and aviation partners.

Skills

Airworthiness management

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Budgets & reporting

Education

Aircraft engineer licence (B1/B2)

Aviation maintenance qualifications

Regulatory knowledge

Tools

Maintenance tracking platforms

Part 42 Continuing Airworthiness Management system

Job description

Head of Airworthiness - Full Time

Date published

22 Oct 2026

Applications close

31 Dec 2026

Location

Sydney

Job ID

KYJtg0

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

Interested?

For a confidential discussion or further information about this opportunity, please contact: Gabby Suarez -Talent Acquisition Partner at [e-mail]

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.

Applications will be assessed as they are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible, as the position may close before the advertised closing date.