The Team

You’ll be part of a specialist Design Organisation responsible for managing Part 21J approval for minor changes and repairs to aircraft design. The team includes Compliance Verification Engineers and Design Engineers who work proactively to support aircraft both in operation and during Aircraft on Ground events.

Working closely with teams across engineering, cabin safety, branding, Flight Ops and CAMO, this is a highly collaborative environment where safety, innovation and operational performance come together.

The Role

As Head of Office of Airworthiness, you’ll lead the oversight of both initial and continued airworthiness, ensuring the correct application and control of approved design data across the organisation.

You’ll act as the focal point for airworthiness within the Design Organisation, maintaining strong relationships with regulators and ensuring all activities meet the highest safety and compliance standards.

>   Coordinate all airworthiness matters across the Design Organisation

>   Act as the primary liaison with the UK Civil Aviation Authority for regulatory interpretation and approvals

>   Own and maintain the DOA Handbook, ensuring accuracy and timely updates

>   Oversee organisational procedures to ensure they reflect current practices and regulatory requirements

>   Monitor design activities to ensure alignment with Terms of Approval

>   Ensure classification decisions are robust, documented and supported by appropriate data

>   Support continued airworthiness through effective monitoring of products in service

>   Lead internal and external audits, including ISM and CAA audits

>   Manage audit plans, findings and closure within the safety management system

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a confident and collaborative leader who brings deep technical expertise alongside a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and commercial realities.

>   Strong working knowledge of aircraft certification requirements

>   Existing CVE approval preferred, ideally within cabin interiors

>   Proven experience generating and reviewing approved engineering data

>   Strong understanding of Design Organisation Approval scope and processes

>   Experience supporting engineering documentation and ensuring regulatory compliance

>   Ability to conduct safety investigations and identify root causes

>   Skilled in implementing corrective and preventative actions

>   Experience delivering modifications in response to regulatory changes

>   Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and build trust across stakeholders

>   Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency

>   Working knowledge of certification processes and tools such as AutoCAD is beneficial

What you’ll get in return

>   Competitive base salary

>   Up to 20% bonus

>   25 days holiday

>   BAYE, SAYE and performance share schemes

>   7% pension

>   Life assurance

>   Flexible benefits package

>   Excellent staff travel benefits

Practicalities

This full-time role will be based in Luton, and will be 40 hours per week, with some occasional travel required.