At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and certification of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for aviation.
- Company: ZeroAvia, a pioneer in zero-emission aviation technology.
- Benefits: Private health care, mental health support, free lunch, and stock options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a team transforming aviation and making a positive impact on the planet.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in aerospace systems engineering and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
ZeroAvia is leading the transition to zero-emission aviation through the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for civil and defence aerospace applications. As the world's only Design Organization Approved business focused exclusively on hydrogen-electric aviation, we have achieved significant flight test and regulatory milestones with the UK CAA and FAA and secured more than 3,000 pre-orders from airlines, OEMs and defence customers globally. Joining ZeroAvia means being part of a team pioneering the future of aviation and delivering lasting impact for the planet and its people.
Due to continued growth across our engineering organisation, ZeroAvia is looking to recruit a Head of Architecture & Test to lead the development, validation and certification of the systems that power our pioneering hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies. This is a strategic leadership role that combines deep technical expertise with people leadership, offering the opportunity to shape the architecture, safety and verification approach for systems that are transforming the future of flight.
As part of a world-class engineering team, you will be responsible for defining and governing system architecture, requirements engineering, safety methodologies, simulation strategies and testing activities across all levels of development. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, certification authorities and programme leaders, you will ensure our products are robust, certifiable and commercially viable while helping establish the engineering capabilities required to support ZeroAvia's continued growth and regulatory milestones.
Responsibilities
- Lead the definition and development of system architecture, requirements engineering, safety activities, simulation strategies and verification approaches for hydrogen-electric propulsion systems.
- Establish, maintain and continuously improve architecture, safety and testing processes in line with Design Organisation requirements, regulatory standards and company objectives.
- Oversee testing and validation activities across component, subsystem and full system levels, ensuring robust and certifiable engineering solutions.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, certification and programme teams to resolve complex technical challenges and support successful project delivery.
- Lead the Architecture & Test team, driving technical excellence, capability development, resource planning, training and career progression.
Key Requirements
- Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum of 10 years' experience in a systems engineering, architecture, testing or technical leadership role within aerospace or another highly regulated industry.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams responsible for system architecture, requirements management, safety engineering and verification activities.
- Strong understanding of aerospace development lifecycles, certification environments and systems engineering best practices.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience developing engineering capability and high-performing technical teams.
- Experience working within Design Organisation Approval (DOA) environments and familiarity with Part 21J, Part 23, Part 25, Part 33 and/or Part 145 requirements.
- Knowledge of hydrogen, fuel cell, electric propulsion or other advanced aerospace technologies.
- Experience with Teamcenter PLM or similar engineering data and configuration management systems.
Why Join Us?
We want to help you be your best self, at work and at home, that's why we provide our employees with:
- Private health and dental care - get access to services and support when you need them. Add your family members too.
- Mental health support - enjoy a culture where positive mental health is front of mind with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programmes and wellbeing support.
- Free lunch and healthy snacks - keeping you fuelled up so you can help us deliver the technology of the future.
- Sports, games and culture clubs - connect and keep fit with other ZeroAvians by joining one of our subsidised clubs - such as, running, cycling, padel, trivia, theatre and gardening.
- Stock options - so you can share in our success.
- 25 days holiday, plus public holidays - to help you manage your work-life balance.
- Free EV Charging and membership in our EV Club.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes for EV Club, Curry's Tech, Cycle to Work, and Ikea Furniture.
- Weekly Spot Bonuses to reward excellence.
- Income Protection and Legal Support for peace of mind.
- Relocation Support to make your move seamless.
Diversity and Inclusion
As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal-opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Thinking about joining the aviation revolution? Why join us?
Head of Architecture & Test Sector employer: ZeroAvia Inc
ZeroAvia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability in the aerospace sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, team members are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to groundbreaking hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies. Located at the forefront of aviation advancements, employees enjoy unique opportunities to shape the future of flight in a supportive and forward-thinking culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture & Test Sector
✨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 ZeroAvia Inc for a Head of Architecture & Test Sector. 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 Head of Architecture & Test Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ZeroAvia Inc, 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 ZeroAvia Inc, 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 ZeroAvia Inc
✨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 ZeroAvia Inc.
✨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 ZeroAvia Inc. 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 ZeroAvia Inc love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
