Director of Engineering

We are currently recruiting for a dynamic leader to join the engineering department based in our Glasgow Head Office. The Director of Engineering is responsible for leading the engineering and technical operations of the company’s fleet in compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. The Director of Engineering will report directly to the CTO, managing engineering teams and collaborating across departments to support the company’s strategic and operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead and manage the engineering department, overseeing operations, planning and technical personnel. Develop and support staff through mentoring, training, and performance management. Ensure that teams are fully compliant with CAA, EASA, and airline standards in their work procedures and processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with UK CAA, EASA regulations, and relevant aviation laws. Serve as the primary point of contact with UK regulatory authorities during audits, inspections, and investigations. Monitor changes to aviation regulations and implement required changes within the department.
• Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering: Develop, implement, and oversee scheduled maintenance programs, ensuring fleet reliability and safety. Ensure all maintenance activities comply with the company’s continuing airworthiness management organisation (CAMO) requirements. Coordinate with maintenance control and operational departments to manage maintenance schedules, AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations, and ensure efficient fleet utilisation.
• Safety and Quality Assurance: Lead the management of the safety management systems (SMS), ensuring all engineering practices and procedures prioritise safety and meet the company’s quality assurance and compliance objectives. Conduct regular independent safety and compliance audits, ensuring that any findings are raised and promptly addressed and corrected.
• Technical Innovation and Fleet Management: Identify and implement new technologies and processes that enhance fleet performance, reduce operational costs, drive efficiency and improve environmental sustainability. Oversee the integration of new aircraft into the fleet, including modifications and certification processes with the CAA and EASA requirements. Collaborate with aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) to resolve technical issues, implement upgrades, and optimise aircraft performance.
• Budget and Cost Control: Manage the engineering department's budget, ensuring cost-effective maintenance operations without compromising safety and regulatory compliance. Review and negotiate contracts with third-party maintenance providers to secure the best service and pricing. Implement strategies to reduce maintenance costs while maintaining fleet reliability and on-time performance.
• Strategic Planning and Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Participate in long-term strategic planning for the company’s technical operations, ensuring alignment with broader business goals. Work closely with flight operations, logistics, finance, and other departments to ensure a coordinated approach to fleet maintenance and technical operations. Provide technical expertise and support to other departments, particularly in relation to flight safety and performance.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, maintenance costs, and aircraft reliability. Use data analysis to drive improvements in operational efficiency and fleet performance.
• Stakeholder and Vendor Management: Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including the CAA, EASA, aircraft manufacturers, and third-party MRO providers. Ensure third-party maintenance providers adhere to the company’s safety and performance standards.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in aircraft engineering and maintenance, including significant leadership experience.
• Proven experience with UK CAA and EASA regulations and compliance requirements.
• Licensed Aircraft Engineer with a Part-66 certification or equivalent (desired).
• Experience in managing large, diverse teams and complex technical projects.
• Experience with regional aircraft types (e.g., Embraer, ATR).
• Familiarity with aviation maintenance software systems (e.g. Oases, AMOS).
• Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced airline environment, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Travel required to inspect facilities, meet with vendors, and oversee off-site maintenance operations.
• On-call for urgent operational or engineering matters.

At Loganair we strive at all times to be inclusive and welcoming to applicants for every role across our company. We recognise and value diverse talents allowing our people to grow and develop in a fair working environment. Loganair is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all their characteristics, attributes or choices as protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on applicants skills and experience.