Director of AI Software Innovation & Strategy

Wates; Scunthorpe; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation services company based in Scunthorpe is seeking a Subject Matter Expert in AI development for aircraft maintenance. The successful candidate will drive the adoption of predictive maintenance solutions, enhancing efficiency in line operations. Ideal applicants will have a degree in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, with substantial experience in aircraft maintenance and transformation projects. This role presents an exciting opportunity to leverage AI technologies in a dynamic environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Health insurance

Pension

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance with strong exposure to line maintenance and short-term planning.
• Ability to lead transformation or digitalisation projects in aviation.
• Proven track record in applying data and AI for innovation.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the predictive maintenance digital roadmap for line operations.
• Coordinate teams across various departments to align on maintenance solutions.
• Lead deployment of AI tools for sensor data analysis.

Skills

Predictive maintenance methodologies

Health monitoring systems

Planning optimisation tools

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Aeronautical Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

development role. The successful candidate will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), working closely with AI labs, data scientists, and operational experts to guide the development and integration of AI-powered tools and other innovative technologies. The emphasis is on applying these solutions to drive business transformation within Technical Operations and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) functions. The role aims to increase aircraft availability, reduce operational disruptions, and optimise maintenance costs.

Key Focus Areas

• Optimisation of aircraft health monitoring and predictive failure detection in Line Maintenance environments
• Development of predictive scheduling and anomaly detection tools
• Short-term planning and task assignment optimisation for Line Maintenance
• Deployment of technician decision-support copilots
• Development of integrated operational and Line Maintenance performance dashboards
• Next-generation labour and skills planning for Line Maintenance

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the airline group's predictive maintenance digital roadmap/strategy with focus on line operations and short-term planning.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, line maintenance, operations control, and digital/tech units to ensure alignment and adoption of predictive maintenance solutions.
• Lead the deployment of AI-powered tools for sensor data analysis, predictive maintenance scheduling, and short-term planning optimisation.
• Validate use cases and ensure scalability of predictive maintenance solutions across multiple operating companies (OpCos).
• Drive change management and stakeholder engagement to embed predictive maintenance practices into day-to-day line maintenance workflows.
• Monitor and communicate KPIs to demonstrate impact on safety, operational reliability, aircraft availability, and cost efficiency.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance with strong exposure to line maintenance and short-term planning.
• Solid knowledge of predictive maintenance methodologies, health monitoring systems, and planning optimisation tools.
• Proven track record of leading transformation or digitalisation projects in aviation or related technical domains.
• Ability to bridge engineering expertise with data/AI-driven innovation.
• Strategic mindset with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Passion for driving innovation and digital transformation in the aviation industry.

About Us

We are part of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world's leading airline groups and owner of some of the biggest brands in the sky. IAG Transform provides creative and innovative solutions to drive sustainable transformation by delivering procurement and airline services, as well as group-wide systems across IAG. Each operating company benefits from the Transform centralised model, driving efficiencies, automation, and economies of scale.

What We Offer

The chance to enjoy a challenging career in an exciting, fast‑moving environment in a dynamic industry. We support our people in maintaining work/life balance, and provide benefits one would expect from a global organisation, including health insurance, pension, and performance bonuses. We are an equal opportunities employer and all.