Chief Engineer (Defence Aviation)

Chief Engineer – Defence Aviation
Location: Northern Ireland
Type: Permanent | Full-time

Volantes Technical Recruitment is working with a leading defence aviation services organisation to appoint a Chief Engineer to lead an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) function in Northern Ireland.

This is a senior leadership position suited to a licensed engineer or ex-military engineering leader who wants real ownership of safety, compliance and team performance across a varied, mission-critical fleet supporting UK and international operations.

The Package

• Up to 12% matched pension contributions
• Bonus scheme
• Discounted private medical insurance
• Electric car scheme, tech vouchers and wellbeing programmes

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager for Aircraft Maintenance, you will lead the maintenance function and make sure all activity is delivered safely, compliantly and efficiently. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the maintenance function in line with UK CAA, UK MAA, EASA and organisational requirements
• Making sure all maintenance is carried out safely and within the scope of the organisation's approvals
• Leading and developing Engineering Delivery Managers, Crew Chiefs and Team Leaders
• Building a strong safety, quality and compliance culture across the engineering team
• Making sure manpower, tooling, equipment and facilities are in place to meet operational demand
• Overseeing maintenance planning so programmes are delivered safely and on time
• Keeping maintenance records and Certificates of Release to Service accurate
• Supporting technical investigations, occurrence reporting and root cause analysis
• Leading the closure of audit findings, safety investigations and regulatory actions
• Maintaining compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001 management systems
• Mentoring engineering staff to build capability and succession
• Driving performance, accountability and continuous improvement
• Managing customer and stakeholder relationships across operational, regulatory and commercial priorities
• Supporting UK and overseas operations, with occasional travel and deployment
• Delivering maintenance programmes within agreed budgets

Essential Requirements

• UK unrestricted CAA Part 66 B1 or B2 licence, or equivalent military aircraft engineering background
• Extensive aircraft maintenance management experience in a highly regulated environment
• Experience running maintenance operations within an AMO
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA, UK MAA and EASA regulations
• Practical understanding of SMS and aviation compliance frameworks
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001
• A track record of leading and developing engineering teams
• Experience driving cultural change and continuous improvement
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Well organised, and able to deliver under pressure
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Able to obtain and maintain SC clearance
• Medically fit for engineering duties and operational travel

Desirable

• A background in military or defence aviation
• Experience supporting multiple fleets and maintenance programmes
• Experience leading regulatory audits and corrective action programmes
• Eligible for DV clearance
• Experience leading significant organisational change
• Experience in international maintenance environments
• Knowledge of contract delivery and budget management

Applications from service leavers, veterans and forces spouses and partners are actively welcomed. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the interview process.