Head of Hydrogen Systems

Head of Hydrogen Systems

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ZeroAvia Inc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of hydrogen systems for zero-emission aviation.
  • Company: Join ZeroAvia, a pioneer in clean aviation technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private health care, free lunches, and stock options.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of flight with innovative hydrogen solutions.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering and significant leadership experience in aerospace required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

At ZeroAvia, we're pioneering the transition to zero-emission aviation. As a leader in clean aviation technology, we are seeking an experienced Head of Hydrogen Systems to lead the strategy, development, certification and industrialisation of hydrogen fuel cells, aircraft fuel systems, and hydrogen infrastructure that will help transform the future of flight. This senior leadership role will provide technical and organisational leadership across hydrogen systems engineering, encompassing gaseous and cryogenic hydrogen technologies, controls, safety, integration and certification. The successful candidate will drive technology roadmaps, lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensure the delivery of safe, compliant and commercially viable hydrogen solutions across multiple aerospace programmes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, validation, certification and delivery of hydrogen fuel cell systems, aircraft hydrogen fuel systems, and ground-based hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure.
  • Define and execute technical strategies, system architectures and technology roadmaps for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across multiple programmes.
  • Provide technical governance and oversight across systems engineering, controls, safety, integration, verification and validation activities.
  • Build, lead and develop high-performing multidisciplinary engineering teams, including workforce planning, capability development and succession planning.
  • Manage programme delivery through effective control of resources, budgets, schedules, technical risks and stakeholder expectations.
  • Drive certification readiness and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to engineering standards, DOA requirements and aerospace safety practices.

Role Requirements

  • Degree-qualified in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline; Chartered Engineer status and/or a Master's degree desirable.
  • Significant engineering leadership experience within aerospace or another highly regulated industry, leading complex system development programmes.
  • Strong expertise in hydrogen technologies, including gaseous hydrogen storage and distribution; experience with fuel cell integration and hydrogen infrastructure is advantageous.
  • Proven experience with cryogenic systems, safety management and, ideally, liquid hydrogen storage, transfer and conditioning technologies.
  • Deep understanding of systems engineering, system integration, requirements management, verification and validation within safety-critical environments.
  • Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing technical, executive, regulatory and external partners.

Why Join Us?

  • 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 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 and additional days awarded for long service – 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 and Cycle to Work.
  • 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.

Head of Hydrogen Systems employer: ZeroAvia Inc

ZeroAvia Inc. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our UK headquarters in Cotswold Airport, where innovation meets sustainability in the aerospace sector. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that encourages creativity and problem-solving. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to revolutionising aviation with hydrogen-electric technology, while enjoying the benefits of a supportive workplace that values your contributions.

ZeroAvia Inc

Contact Details:

ZeroAvia Inc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Hydrogen Systems

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 Hydrogen Systems. 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 Hydrogen Systems

Hydrogen Technologies
Gaseous Hydrogen Storage
Fuel Cell Integration
Cryogenic Systems
Safety Management
Systems Engineering
System Integration

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.