Systems Engineer Team Leader (Avionics) in Carterton

This is an FTC opportunity until June 2029. We are looking for an experienced Systems Engineer Team Leader (Avionics) to provide technical leadership and oversight across avionics systems, fleet continued airworthiness, and subcontracted maintenance activities. This is a key leadership role within Fleet Engineering, combining deep technical expertise with people management, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory responsibility. You will act as a subject matter expert, supporting operational teams, maintenance organisations, and major programmes while ensuring continued compliance and safety across the fleet.

Why AirTanker? AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As a Systems Engineer Team Leader (Avionics), you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, compliant and effective management of aircraft systems and continued airworthiness. By leading technical activities, overseeing subcontracted services and working closely with maintenance organisations, OEMs and internal stakeholders, you will directly contribute to fleet safety, regulatory compliance and overall operational performance.

Whats in it for you?

• Stakeholder Exposure: Work closely with OEMs, regulators, maintenance organisations, and senior internal stakeholders.
• Operational Variety: Support fleet operations, modifications, reliability investigations, and major programmes—no two days are the same.
• Complex Problem-Solving: Tackle technically challenging issues involving aircraft systems, software, and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Impact: Shape continued airworthiness strategy, procedures, and long-term fleet performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more.
• Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days.

What you'll be doing:

• Provide oversight and management of Appendix II subcontracted services and Part 145 maintenance activities, both internal and external.
• Manage fleet continued airworthiness, including Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, modifications, and maintenance requests using company IT systems.
• Act as the technical liaison with manufacturers, OEMs, and Part 21 organisations, ensuring approved data is obtained and communicated clearly to the wider business.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental procedures and processes.
• Monitor and analyse aircraft systems performance, defects, reliability data, and design issues, producing reports and supporting reliability and engineering reviews.
• Provide technical leadership and expert support to major programmes and internal and external maintenance providers.
• Manage aircraft software and data, including navigation and EGPWS databases, CVR/DFDR readouts, and ELT registrations.
• Maintain and update regulatory and compliance documentation in line with Air Operations requirements.

What you'll bring:

• CAA/EASA licence with A330 type rating, or a recognised degree-level technical qualification, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience in a Technical Services, CAMO, or aircraft maintenance environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage relationships with subcontractors, OEMs, and regulatory authorities.
• High level of competence using complex IT and office-based systems for aircraft technical management.
• Experience developing and managing technical procedures, manuals, and regulatory documentation, with the ability to deliver to tight timescales in a pressured environment.