The Chief of the Office of Airworthiness (COOA) - Hill Helicopters : Job Details

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will have a proven track record for delivering aircraft certification and leadership of certification program, ideally in GA, small business jet or helicopters. The role will require the candidate to directly lead and supervise the delivery of our aircraft and engine approvals initially in the UK and then in over 50 countries globally.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for an ambitious and energetic individual to join a successful and fast growing business at an early stage in a critically important leadership role. The successful candidate will be joining a close-knit team of fantastically talented professionals on a journey to redefine general aviation. The role will particularly suit an individual looking to escape big-company hierarchy and bureaucracy.

Role and Responsibilities

The COOA has end-to-end responsibility for achieving and maintaining all airworthiness approvals required for airframe and engine. The successful candidate will, in particular:

• discharge the responsibilities of the Chief of the Office of Airworthiness as defined in UK CAA Part 21J regulations
• develop and lead the Airworthiness & Certification team, taking ownership of the approvals program
• review aircraft and engine designs and support design optimisation from a certification perspective
• take ownership of and manage relationships and communications with the UK CAA and other national airworthiness regulators including the FAA and EASA
• Ensure that the Design Organisation and Production Organisation handbooks and procedures are complete, adequate and effective
• together with the Chief Engineer, Director of Production and with system specialists, define and execute the testing, validation and certification plans for both the airframe and engine
• provide Part 21 training and awareness to both the design and production teams
• advise the Chief Engineer and Chief Executive Officer on all matters relevant to the delivery of safe and airworthy designs and products

Require Qualifications and Experience

Previously held the position of Chief of Office of Airworthiness or other senior airworthiness role within an aircraft airframe or engine manufacturer (OEM).

Expertise and experience with the achievement of initial airworthiness for new aircraft and/or engines for UK CAA and/or EASA Part 21J.

Qualified to be a UK CAA Form 4 holder as the Chief of the Office of Airworthiness.

A willingness to assume a key and evolving role in a small but fast growing organisation including the development and management of a new Airworthiness & Certification team.