Head of Airworthiness

Matchtech; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Head of Airworthiness based in Manchester with hybrid working. The role oversees airworthiness matters across the Design Organisation, coordinating with the CAA and ensuring compliance with the DO Handbook and approvals.

The successful candidate will bring substantial aerospace airworthiness experience, strong leadership, and a proven ability to manage regulatory interactions and reporting to the Engineering Director.

Qualifications

• Significant airworthiness design and certification experience.
• Thorough knowledge of Part 21, CS and company procedures.
• Experience with design organisation handbook processes.
• Ability to judge airworthiness and resolve complex queries.
• Strong writing, presentation and stakeholder communication skills.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Oversee airworthiness matters for the Design Organisation.
• Coordinate with CAA on regulatory interpretation.
• Maintain the Design Organisation Handbook and procedures.
• Ensure activities comply with approvals and handbook.
• Act as technical checker or CVE when required.
• Prepare reports for the CAA and deputise for Head of Design.
• Support Safety Manager with SMS responsibilities.

Skills

Airworthiness expertise

Regulatory liaison

Project leadership

Technical reporting

Education

Engineering degree or HND

Tools

CAD systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, an established organisation within the aerospace sector, is seeking a Head of Airworthiness to oversee airworthiness matters across its Design Organisation. Based in Manchester with hybrid working available, this permanent role will report to the Engineering Director and play a key part in maintaining regulatory compliance, certification standards and continued airworthiness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take responsibility for all airworthiness matters associated with the Design Organisation's design activities
• Coordinate airworthiness activities and liaise directly with the CAA on regulatory interpretation and technical decisions
• Maintain the Design Organisation Handbook and ensure procedures remain accurate, current and compliant
• Ensure all design activities are conducted within the terms of approval and in accordance with the Design Organisation Handbook
• Oversee the classification and supporting justification for type-certificate changes and repairs
• Act as a technical checker, approver or Compliance Verification Engineer when required
• Sign declarations of compliance and ensure design products can be monitored for continued airworthiness
• Prepare regular reports for the CAA and deputise for the Head of Design on airworthiness matters when required
• Support the Safety Manager with responsibilities relating to the Safety Management System

Job Requirements:

• Form Four eligibility and the relevant knowledge and experience to support submission to the CAA
• Significant design and certification experience within the aerospace or aircraft industryl
• Thorough knowledge of relevant Part 21 requirements, certification specifications and company procedures
• Strong understanding of Design Organisation Handbook processes, including classification, compliance demonstration, certification and continued airworthiness
• Working knowledge of aircraft and aircraft systems design, manufacturing techniques, standard parts, technical publications and quality systems
• Ability to make reliable technical judgements affecting airworthiness and resolve complex project queries
• Strong management, technical report writing, presentation and stakeholder communication skills
• Confidence representing the organisation in meetings with the CAA, customers, suppliers and certification bodies
• Degree or HND-level qualification in an appropriate engineering discipline
• Computer literacy, including experience with CAD systems, Microsoft Office applications and internet-based tools

Key Attributes:

• Professional, collaborative and respectful approach
• Proactive attitude towards complex technical and regulatory challenges
• Resilience when working to demanding project deadlines
• Effective written, verbal and presentation skills
• Ability to bring teams together and work towards shared objectives
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required

Role Details:

• Permanent position
• Hybrid working between the Manchester design office and home
• Standard working hours of Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 16:30, with flexibility subject to agreement
• Reporting to the Engineering Director

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced aerospace airworthiness professional to provide technical leadership, support regulatory compliance and contribute to the continued development of a high-quality Design Organisation.