Airworthiness Engineer - Agile Aircraft in Bournemouth

We are currently recruiting for an Airworthiness Engineer – Agile Aircraft (AWE‑AA). This role reports to the Airworthiness & Technical Support Lead (A&TS‑L) and is responsible for managing the continuing airworthiness of the Agile Aircraft Fleet in full compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and international standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for all continuing airworthiness management activities for the Agile Aircraft fleet, ensuring full compliance with applicable aviation regulations and operating strictly within the scope of approved regulatory privileges.
• Maintain aircraft in an airworthy condition, ensuring all operational/emergency equipment is serviceable, and manage the validity of key airworthiness documentation (PtF, CofA, ARC, radio licence, insurance, etc.).
• Lead the management and ongoing effectiveness of Aircraft Maintenance Programmes (AMP), overseeing all maintenance activity, variations, concessions and defect/damage rectification.
• Liaise with OEMs/DOAs, manage deferred defects (including RIEs), and ensure compliance with ADs, SBs, TOs, INs and ODs.
• Oversee modifications (mandatory and non‑mandatory), mass & balance data, technical logbooks, MEL, ICAs, maintenance check flights, and aircraft import/export processes.
• Support reliability/obsolescence monitoring and aircraft, engine, component and mission equipment trend analysis.
• Ensure all airworthiness management activities are accurately recorded and compliant, support Safety Management System (SMS) reporting and investigations, and contribute to managing audit findings through effective root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action.
• Support quality, safety, environmental and information security compliance (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001), and play a key role in delivering efficient operational, financial and customer outcomes.
• Act as a focal point for technical and airworthiness advice, contributing to a high‑performance, safety‑driven environment.

Special Conditions

• Deputising for the Airworthiness & Technical Support Lead (A&TS-L) as required.
• Ad Hoc / Out-of-Hours work during urgent / unforeseen business requirements.
• 24/7 on call responsibility as per Duty Roster.
• Domestic and International travel.
• Any other reasonable duties which may be requested that falls within the scope and/or capability of the incumbent.

Expert knowledge of commercial and/or military Continuing Airworthiness Management principles and practices – Extensive proven experience in a similar role – Required

Theoretical and practical application-level knowledge of AOC Operations – Advantageous

Expert theoretical and practical application-level knowledge of EASA, UK CAA, UK Military and FAA Aviation Regulations – Required

Knowledge and experience in BCAR A8-21, A8-23 & A8-25 – Advantageous

Theoretical and practical application-level knowledge of managing the continuing airworthiness of Agile / Ex-Military Aircraft within a civil airworthiness environment – Advantageous

Practical application-level knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001 & ISO 27001 as applicable in the aviation environment – Advantageous

Practical application-level knowledge of Safety Management System (SMS) principles and requirements as applicable in the aviation environment – Required

Demonstrable change management experience – Advantageous

Technical Qualifications:

• EASA / CAA / Other Part 66 Aircraft Engineer License, or equivalent, or Relevant Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering Degree, or 5 GCSE (O-Levels) at minimum Grade C / BTEC equivalent / Aviation Apprenticeship with proven relevant industry experience, or Extensive, relevant and proven Continuing Airworthiness Management experience.
• Relevant Aircraft (Airframe & Engine) Type Training or General Familiarisation Training – Advantageous.
• Able to hold an SC-Level security clearance – Required.

Personal Skill & Attributes

• Excellent in nurturing, mentoring, guiding, and influencing personnel.
• Excellent in communicating / presenting at all levels, across all boundaries, internal and external, both verbally and written.
• Excellent business acumen.
• Highly self-motivated, assertive, resilient with the ability to hold their own.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to achieve tight deadlines in challenging environments.
• Excellent use of MS Office Software and other Company Software as required.
• Ability to maintain high levels of integrity, work ethic and confidentiality and use discretion appropriately.

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who meet the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.

Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.