At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the certification of innovative aviation technology to reduce carbon emissions.
- Company: MAKO, a pioneering company in aviation decarbonisation.
- Benefits: Impactful work, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global aviation while working with groundbreaking technology.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in aircraft certification and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Aviation’s carbon footprint is growing, and "net-zero 2050" is too far away. At MAKO, we’re decarbonising the global fleet right now. By applying the biomimicry of shark skin to aircraft, our functional film is set to save billions in fuel and megatonnes of CO2 annually. We need a Head of Certification & Airworthiness to turn this breakthrough science into a global aviation standard.
The Mission: What You’ll Do
- Architect the Roadmap: Design the global master plan. You’ll identify the fastest, most tactical pathways to certification across the FAA, EASA, and CASA for a novel and highly impactful aviation technology.
- Code the DNA: Airworthiness is the foundation of our product’s implementation and impact. You will build the systems and culture that ensure compliance is baked into every molecule of our material, from the lab to the hangar.
- Lead the Charge: This is a high-stakes, "player-coach" role. You’ll get your hands dirty with PSCPs and test plans while simultaneously mentoring world-class product engineering, manufacturing systems engineering, manufacturing operations and delivery teams.
- Regulatory Diplomacy: Be our envoy. You will navigate the high‑level negotiations with regulators and DERs, winning trust and securing approvals for our novel shark‑skin technology.
- Translate Science to Standards: Act as the bridge between two worlds. You’ll turn dense regulatory jargon into clear, actionable design specs for our Aerodynamics and Materials teams.
Success Looks Like
- Month 1: Integration. You’ve audited our PSCPs, mastered our material behavior profiles, and built a shorthand with the Aerodynamics and Manufacturing teams. You know the tech, the gaps, and the players.
- Month 6: Ownership. Our certification programs are yours. You’ve streamlined requirements management and created a "single source of truth" where design data and compliance findings meet seamlessly. You have brought manufacturing operations and delivery in to ensure alignment for production authorisation and they are ready to install post certification.
- Year 1: Result. You’ve steered a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to the finish line. MAKO is now a trusted name with regulators. We are manufacturing and delivering Flightfilm and taking a bite out of global aviation emissions.
About You
- Experience: You have 15+ years in aircraft certification, specifically with TCs, STCs, or major modifications. Experience with Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) or Production Organisation Approvals (POAs) a plus.
- Technical Expertise: You possess a deep working knowledge of CS-25, FAA 14 CFR Part 21/25, and standards like DO-160 or ARP5412.
- Startup Ready: You thrive in fast‑moving, sometimes ambiguous environments where you need to build the playbook while playing the game.
- Leadership: You have a track record of leading interdisciplinary teams through the rigors of complex aerospace programs.
- Education: You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, or Materials Engineering.
Why Join MAKO?
- Impact: Aviation is one of the hardest to abate industries, and its share of global emissions is only growing. Join our mission to improve the efficiency of the global fleet and save millions of tonnes of CO2 every year.
- Technology: Our technology leverages the drag‑reducing properties of shark skin to make aircraft more efficient. You'll be exposed to expertise and developments in materials, photolithography, fluid dynamics, and scale manufacturing.
- Team: Our team focuses on achieving our mission. We live our values of Lift over Drag, Active Transparency, and Changing the Boundary Conditions, and we welcome new team members who want to do the same.
- Corporate Jet: We have (most of) a corporate jet. It won't fly, but it sure does look cool.
Ready to change the boundary conditions of aviation? Let’s talk.
Head of Certification & Airworthiness in London employer: PLP Group
At MAKO, we are not just transforming aviation; we are leading the charge towards a sustainable future. As an employer, we offer a dynamic work culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration, providing our employees with unparalleled opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment. Join us to make a tangible impact on global emissions while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and compliance in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Certification & Airworthiness in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend aviation events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role at MAKO.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with aircraft certification and regulatory standards in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to MAKO and express your interest in the Head of Certification & Airworthiness role. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow news about aviation technology and sustainability. Being knowledgeable about current developments will help you stand out in interviews and show your passion for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Certification & Airworthiness in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Aviation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for aviation and sustainability shine through. We want to see how much you care about decarbonising the industry and how your experience aligns with our mission at MAKO.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in aircraft certification and regulatory compliance. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of FAA, EASA, and CASA, so be specific about your past roles and achievements.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and how they relate to the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and remember that we want to understand your journey without getting lost in technical details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLP Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of aircraft certification processes, especially TCs and STCs. Familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations like FAA 14 CFR Part 21/25 and CS-25. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led interdisciplinary teams in complex aerospace projects. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them. This will highlight your ability to mentor and guide teams while getting hands-on with the technical aspects.
✨Understand MAKO's Mission
Dive deep into MAKO's vision of decarbonising aviation. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to making their shark-skin technology a global standard. Showing genuine interest in their mission will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Diplomacy
Think about your past experiences negotiating with regulators and how you built trust with them. Have a few anecdotes ready that illustrate your ability to translate complex regulatory jargon into actionable insights. This will demonstrate your capability as an envoy for MAKO.
