Airworthiness Review Lead

Position Overview

The Airworthiness Review Lead is tasked with guaranteeing the ongoing validity of aircraft airworthiness certificates. This role involves directing and managing the airworthiness review schedule to ensure that comprehensive, documented reviews of aircraft records and physical inspections confirm the aircraft's controlled status since delivery or the last review. The role strategically and tactically plans ARC activities to maximize operational effectiveness of the QEAF Typhoon fleet and advocates continuous improvement within CAMSS. The Lead also acts as the Continuing Airworthiness Subject Matter Expert (SME) during safety investigations as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation, generation, and issuance of QEAF Typhoon ARC certificates in accordance with scheduled, fully documented airworthiness reviews as per QEAFAR requirements.
• Manage the reconciliation of findings from airworthiness reviews, ensuring documentation, communication, timely action, and resolution of issues, including escalation and implementation of effective solutions.
• At a strategic level, coordinate maintenance planning and execution to prevent conflicts such as detachments or aircraft unavailability, ensuring optimal operational availability of the fleet, and identify fleet-wide risk indicators.
• At a tactical level, interact with stakeholders to align ARC schedules with other aircraft operations, ensure clear communication about ARC priorities and findings throughout the chain.
• Lead CAMSS continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and addressing process and policy weaknesses that could affect continuing airworthiness, generating reports and plans to drive necessary changes.
• Conduct and oversee safety investigations involving inherent continuing airworthiness risks by determining root causes, producing detailed reports with timelines and recommendations to reduce risks to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) levels.

Accountabilities

• Ensure effective management of continuing airworthiness review activities with full compliance to QEAFARs and the Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME) by setting schedules, monitoring findings, identifying trends, and driving continuous improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate policies and procedures governing airworthiness reviews and ensure strict adherence to these standards.
• Apply Safety Management System principles including Human Factors, Error Management, Risk Management, and Safety Assurance during the ARC process, proactively addressing hazards that may pose immediate flight safety risks.
• Ensure all airworthiness review, continuous improvement, and safety investigations comply with regulatory and assurance frameworks; facilitate audits and follow-up on audit findings, supporting implementation and monitoring of corrective actions.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of relevant continuing airworthiness regulations and support the integration of any regulatory changes into activities, ensuring compliance with ITAR, EaPW, ISO, and other statutory or contractual obligations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Technical Management discipline or equivalent.
• Formal training in aeronautical maintenance.
• Recent auditing experience within a Continuing Airworthiness controlled environment.
• At least five years of substantial experience as an engineering manager in Maintenance & Support, specifically managing continuing airworthiness.
• Extensive knowledge of Continuing Airworthiness (CAw) processes and best practices.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and project management skills, including familiarity with Lean Management principles.
• Highly effective communicator with superior interpersonal abilities.
• Proficient knowledge of standard aircraft maintenance systems and practices, especially fast Mil Air.
• Capability to analyze and interpret complex data and aircraft records.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.
• Completed Human Factors Standard Course, SMS A & B courses, E&PW Standard Course, and ITAR Awareness Standard Course.
• Proficient with IT systems.