Aviation Support Engineering Manager in Farnborough

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time, with a current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose

The Aviation Support Engineering Manager translates operational requirements into effective engineering solutions, driving asset availability, and leading continuous improvement across GSE, airport infrastructure, transportation equipment, MRO tooling and support equipment. This role is critical in ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable support to flight operations and maintenance activities in a complex and highly regulated aviation environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering oversight for powered and non-powered GSE, hangar systems, workshops and airport / MRO facilities.
• Develop and maintain engineering strategies, maintenance programmes and lifecycle plans for support assets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, company standards and safety management systems.
• Act as the engineering authority for GSE and infrastructure-related technical issues, design changes and risk assessments.
• Support business case development, execute infrastructure upgrades and drive asset management programmes.
• Drive reliability, availability and cost-efficiency, ensuring asset readiness as an operational priority.
• Coordinate closely with Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, Maintenance and Flight Operations counterparts.

Experience and Qualifications

• Significant experience in aviation support engineering, ideally within a military or similar, remotely deployed environment.
• Strong technical background in aviation and maintenance operations with proven track record in delivering aviation support solutions.
• Extensive experience in managing GSE and infrastructure assets.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience in aviation supply chain, material management or maintenance support.
• Solid understanding of aviation regulatory frameworks and engineering governance.
• Experience with asset lifecycle management, reliability engineering and maintenance optimisation.
• Proficiency with ERP and MRO information management systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics, SAP).
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work transversely across multiple functions.

Benefits and Culture

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you will experience the freedom of flexible working that enables you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

Equal Opportunity

AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.