At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering operations to ensure safe and efficient aircraft performance.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a pioneering travel company focused on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in aviation and strong knowledge of regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: The VHQ, Crawley
Shift Pattern: 4x 07:00 - 19:00, 4x off, 4x 19:00 - 07:00
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 5th May 2026
At Virgin Atlantic, we believe in the extraordinary power of people to reshape what's possible. With our bold ambition to become the most loved travel company, we're redefining aviation through innovation, inclusivity, and a culture that puts people first. Individuality isn't just welcomed - it's celebrated.
In a nutshell, at Virgin Atlantic, we're driven by a passion for delivering safe, reliable, and exceptional flying experiences. We're looking for an Engineering Operations Manager to play a critical role in ensuring our aircraft operate safely and efficiently across our global network.
As a key member of the Engineering Operations leadership team, you will oversee day-to-day engineering operations, ensuring aircraft depart safely and on time. You'll lead operational decision-making, manage technical teams, and provide oversight of short-term maintenance planning while driving performance, safety, and customer experience. You'll also lead and develop a high-performing Technical Operations team, ensuring world-class standards across engineering operations worldwide.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead operational control and decision-making, including AOG (Aircraft on Ground) recovery and disruption management
- Oversee the immediate maintenance planning window, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency
- Provide 24/7 technical and operational leadership, including crisis management support
- Drive safety, regulatory compliance, and risk-based decision-making
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Flight Operations, and wider business teams
- Manage team performance, development, and engagement
- Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis and reliability initiatives
- Ensure accurate reporting, delay attribution, and cost control
About you:
- Proven leadership experience in an aviation engineering or technical operations environment
- Strong knowledge of EASA, CAA, and airworthiness regulations
- Skilled in operational decision-making under pressure, with a focus on safety and customer impact
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and drive insights
- EASA Part 66 B1/B2 Licence or Degree/HND in a relevant engineering discipline
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That's why we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive.
To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you'd like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, recruitment@fly.virgin.com, feeling confident that we've got your individual considerations covered.
Engineering Operations Manager in Crawley employer: Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values safety and excellence in aircraft maintenance. Located in London, employees enjoy a vibrant city life alongside a competitive benefits package, making it a rewarding place to build a career in aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Operations Manager in Crawley
✨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 Virgin Atlantic for a Engineering Operations Manager. 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 Engineering Operations Manager in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Virgin Atlantic, 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 Virgin Atlantic, 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 Virgin Atlantic
✨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 Virgin Atlantic.
✨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 Virgin Atlantic. 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 Virgin Atlantic love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
