At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex aircraft finance and technical advisory projects, ensuring high-quality outputs.
- Company: Join ICF, a forward-thinking company tackling global aviation challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation finance while leading a dynamic international team.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in aviation finance or technical advisory with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
ICF is seeking a senior aviation technical adviser to strengthen our aircraft leasing and technical advisory capability. The role is suited to an experienced aviation professional with deep knowledge of aircraft assets, lease structures, maintenance obligations, technical records and aircraft lifecycle considerations. The successful candidate will have the judgement to challenge assumptions, resolve complex technical questions, translate detailed analysis into commercially relevant advice, direct analytical and delivery teams, and take accountability for the technical quality of client work.
In this role, you will lead fast-paced, complex and recurring engagements across the aircraft lifecycle, spanning leasing, maintenance, appraisals, asset management, technical due diligence and selected expert-witness assignments. You will have the opportunity to shape ICF’s aircraft technical capability, lead an international delivery team and work across leasing, maintenance, valuation, asset management and transaction assignments.
What you will do
- Lead technical delivery on aviation finance, aircraft leasing, maintenance, valuation support, appraisal and technical due diligence engagements.
- Set the technical and analytical approach on key projects, challenge assumptions and take accountability for accurate, commercially robust and client-ready outputs.
- Lead or directly undertake the most complex elements of assignments where senior technical judgement is required.
- Direct and quality-assure work across lease reviews, maintenance cash-flow analysis, aircraft, engine and inventory valuations, fleet analysis, technical records, lease returns and transaction support.
- Provide end-to-end oversight of key assignments, ensuring clear scope and ownership, appropriate project set-up, disciplined work planning, visible client communications, timely technical review, accurate project documentation and effective management of budget and delivery risk.
- Guide analysts and multi-location delivery teams, resolving technical questions, providing constructive review and strengthening team capability.
- Advise clients on aircraft leasing, maintenance reserves, return conditions, MRO, asset management and aircraft lifecycle matters, resolving or escalating technical and delivery issues promptly.
- Develop, embed and maintain the methodologies, tools, templates and quality standards used across aircraft finance and technical advisory assignments.
- Develop team capability through structured coaching, technical review, practical training and progressive delegation of responsibility.
- Contribute technical expertise to proposals, client development and industry activity.
What we are looking for
- Significant experience in aircraft leasing, lease management, aviation finance, aviation technical advisory, MRO, maintenance planning, asset management, appraisal support or a related aviation field.
- Deep understanding of aircraft leases, maintenance reserves, return conditions, technical records, fleet maintenance obligations and aircraft lifecycle considerations.
- Demonstrated experience leading and quality-assuring complex analysis involving aircraft and engine assets, leases, maintenance cash flows, valuations or technical due diligence.
- Ability to supervise junior team members and multi-location delivery teams, providing clear technical direction and constructive feedback.
- Credibility and confidence to advise senior clients on complex technical and commercial aviation matters.
- Understanding of the requirements of lessors, airlines, lenders, investors and MRO providers in relation to aircraft assets.
- Excellent judgement and attention to detail, with the ability to identify technical risks, analytical inconsistencies and commercial implications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex analysis into clear client advice.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, locations and cultures.
- Willingness to travel for client meetings, inspections and project work as required.
Preferred experience
- Typically 12+ years of relevant experience in aircraft leasing, aircraft appraisal, asset management, technical advisory, or airline fleet and lease management.
- Experience working with aircraft lessors, lenders, investors, airlines, MROs, OEMs or technical service providers.
- Experience with aircraft appraisals, portfolio valuations, maintenance cash-flow forecasting, lease return and redelivery analysis, technical due diligence, asset-backed financing or aircraft transaction support.
- Experience reviewing lease documents, technical records, maintenance status reports, inspection outputs or maintenance-related assumptions used in valuation or transaction work.
- ISTAT Appraiser or ISTAT Candidate status would be advantageous.
- Professional experience in aircraft engineering, CAMO, maintenance planning, technical records or aircraft asset management would also be valuable.
- Experience developing technical methodologies, training materials, quality-control processes or analytical tools.
- Established network and credibility within the aviation leasing, maintenance, aircraft finance or technical advisory community.
Principal - Aircraft Finance & Technical Advisory in Plymouth employer: ICF
ICF is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a hybrid working policy that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, ICF fosters a culture where diverse ideas are valued, and employees are empowered to develop their skills through structured coaching and training opportunities. The comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and a competitive recognition programme, further enhances the rewarding experience of working in the vibrant London office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal - Aircraft Finance & Technical Advisory in Plymouth
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ICF for a Principal - Aircraft Finance & Technical Advisory. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal - Aircraft Finance & Technical Advisory in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ICF, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ICF, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ICF.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ICF. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ICF love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
