Safety and Compliance Surveyor in Darlington

Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) is seeking an experienced Safety & Compliance Officer to join our UK CAA and EASA Part-145 approved aircraft maintenance organisation. This is a dual-responsibility role, primarily focused on aircraft maintenance safety and compliance, with additional oversight activities across Ground Handling and Aircraft Disassembly. It is an excellent opportunity for a motivated aviation professional who is passionate about safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within a highly regulated maintenance environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent safety and compliance oversight activities, including system and product audits, inspections, and assessments, in accordance with the WASL Management System and annual audit programme.
• Produce accurate and timely documentation, including audit reports, findings reports, investigation reports, and safety assessments.
• Carry out and support investigations (e.g. maintenance errors), assisting responsible managers to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Track, review, and follow up the closure of non-compliances and observations arising from internal and external audits.
• Review Part-145 maintenance personnel authorisation applications, participate in authorisation boards, and recommend issue where appropriate.
• Liaise with, coordinate, and host external audits from competent authorities, accreditation bodies, and customers.
• Support the development and implementation of the Continuation Training Programme.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by the Safety & Compliance Manager.
• Actively promote a positive safety culture, encouraging occurrence reporting, hazard identification, and continuous improvement using Human Factors principles.

Requirements

Professional Background (one of the following):

• Valid or previously held UK CAA / UK Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML).
• Aeronautical Engineering Degree from a recognised university.
• Substantial industry experience within an aircraft maintenance or continuing airworthiness environment.

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in aircraft maintenance or continuing airworthiness.
• Auditing skills and techniques training, with practical audit experience.
• UK CAA Part-145 Regulations training.
• Strong working knowledge of Maintenance Organisation Expositions (MOE), including development and amendment control.
• Technical knowledge aligned to the aircraft types/products maintained by WASL (e.g. AML type ratings, general familiarisation courses, or equivalent experience).
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Desirable / Training Provided:

• Human Factors.
• Fuel Tank Safety / CDCCL.
• Electrical Wiring Interconnect System (EWIS).

Benefits

Why Join WASL?

• Be part of a safety-focused, regulated aviation environment.
• Work closely with senior management and external authorities.
• Contribute directly to safety performance and regulatory compliance.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training support.

Willis Aviation Services Limited are part of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, a pioneer and provider of global aviation services for over 45 years. Our facility at Teesside International Airport provides base maintenance, return to service, aircraft disassembly, short and long term aircraft storage, and ground and cargo handling services. At Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL), we are committed to fair hiring practices and building a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We value every individual’s contribution and make employment decisions based on job-related criteria such as qualifications, experience, and the ability to perform the role. These are exciting times for Willis Aviation Services Limited as we continue to grow. If you’re ready to make a difference in aviation, apply today.

To Recruitment Agencies

WASL does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate submissions from agencies. All unsolicited profiles will be treated as the property of WASL, and no fees will be paid. This applies to any CVs sent directly to employees or managers without prior agreement with our internal Talent Acquisition team.