Lead Systems Optimization Engineer

Decisionsat Aon; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline group in the UK is seeking an experienced aviation professional to lead their digital transformation and innovate maintenance programme development. This role focuses on coordinating cross-functional teams to implement AI-powered tools and optimise processes in Technical Operations. Candidates must have extensive experience in aircraft maintenance and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. The position offers opportunities for professional growth while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Benefits

Opportunity for career advancement

Continuous development of skills in a collaborative environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance programme development within an airline, MRO, OEM, or aviation regulatory body.
• Native or bilingual in English.
• Knowledge of EASA Part-M, Part-CAMO, FAA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute digital transformation roadmap within Technical Operations for maintenance programme development.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure adoption of AI-enabled solutions.
• Monitor and communicate KPIs to demonstrate impact on operational performance.

Skills

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks

Proven track record of leading transformation projects

Strong knowledge of maintenance programme optimisation methodologies

Ability to bridge engineering expertise with data/AI-driven innovation

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Passion for driving innovation in aviation

Education

Degree in Aeronautical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced aviation professional to lead strategy and drive transformation through the coordination of teams implementing innovative projects in maintenance programme development. These initiatives will leverage data‑driven and AI‑enabled tools, as well as other advanced digital technologies, to optimise processes within the airline's Technical Operations. Please note this is not a data science or IT 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.

Key focus areas include:

• Optimisation of aircraft maintenance programme development
• Escalation processes for maintenance tasks and check intervals
• Optimisation of non‑mandatory maintenance tasks
• Standardisation of maintenance job cards and job instructions
• Development of optimised work packages
• Deployment of digital and AI‑powered performance dashboards

The role aims to enhance safety, increase operational efficiency, and optimise maintenance costs. It requires a strong understanding of airline maintenance processes and supply chain dynamics, combined with the ability to bridge the gap between maintenance and engineering technical teams, operational stakeholders, and the AI lab and data scientists.

The successful candidate will act as a key facilitator, ensuring that innovative tools and models are developed collaboratively and in alignment with operational realities and strategic business needs. This is a strategic leadership position that brings digital transformation into one of the most safety‑critical and capital‑intensive areas of the airline industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the airline group's digital transformation roadmap within Technical Operations and MRO for maintenance programme development.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams across engineering, planning, maintenance, and digital/tech units to ensure alignment and adoption of AI‑enabled solutions.
• Lead the deployment of AI‑powered tools for maintenance programme development, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and OEM guidelines.
• Collaborate with engineering and planning teams to integrate new maintenance tools and adapt programmes to fleet and operational needs.
• Validate use cases and ensure scalability of maintenance programme optimisation solutions across multiple operating companies (OpCos).
• Drive change management and stakeholder engagement to embed AI‑driven maintenance programme practices into operational workflows.
• Monitor and communicate KPIs to demonstrate impact on safety, operational performance, and cost efficiency.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical, CAMO Engineer / ARC Signatory.
• Extensive experience in aircraft maintenance programme development within an airline, MRO, OEM, or aviation regulatory body.
• Native / Bilingual in English.
• Location: Northamptonshire area.
• Department: Technical Services.
• Reporting to: Head of Technical Services.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (EASA Part‑M, Part‑CAMO, FAA equivalent).
• Proven track record of leading transformation or digitalisation projects in maintenance or operational settings.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance programme optimisation methodologies and compliance requirements.
• Ability to bridge engineering expertise with data/AI‑driven innovation.
• Strategic mindset with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Passion for driving innovation and digital transformation in the aviation industry.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to accelerate your career at the forefront of airline maintenance digital transformation, leading high‑impact projects across a global aviation group.
• Continuous development of technical, leadership, and digital skills in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and professional growth.