AW101 - Airworthiness Lead

Job Description:

Salary Range: £60k to £70k

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Are you an experienced engineer with a strong understanding of certification processes?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Airworthiness Engineer to act as the key interface between the Chief Project Engineering (CPE) office, Independent Verification Engineers (IVEs), and regulatory authorities for EH/ AW101 Programmes.

Your impact

You will be responsible for managing and standardising certification documentation, ensuring all submissions are compliant, consistent, and aligned with regulatory requirements. Working in close integration with the CPE function, you will coordinate certification activities, support documentation review and approval, and ensure effective communication with external authorities.

This role requires a strong engineering background, a solid understanding of certification processes, and the ability to interpret and produce high-quality technical documentation

What you will do as a Lead Airworthiness Engineer:

• Manage, define, prepare and execute the Certification Plan based on the inputs of CPE Offices and Technical Areas / Disciplines, in consistency with applicable airworthiness regulations
• Approve the Certification Plan and the Compliance Check List ensuring its completeness in compliance with regulations and monitoring its progress and updates
• Support CPE Office for correct classification of the predefined Minor/B changes and Minor/A changes as per 100-50-158
• Approve the classification of changes to the Type Certificate signing MTDC Sheet 1 and the relevant check list plus MTDC Sheet 2 for final classification
• Approve the classification of revisions to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual signing MTDC Sheet 1 and the relevant check list
• Organise the IVEs effort and manage prioritization of their involvement according to the progress of the activities defined in the Certification Plan
• Provide verification to the Head of Divisional Organisation (HDO) that all activities required for Type Certification have been properly completed
• Co-operate with the Head of Airworthiness and the Chief of Initial Airworthiness – UK on assigned tasks, which falls under the responsibilities of the Office of Airworthiness
• Collaborate for the approval process of repairs classified Minor/a or Major
• Be informed about the occurrences impacting on Initial Airworthiness of the Product (or family) of competence

What you’ll bring

• A Masters degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering is preferable, but a Bachelor degree with significant experience in an aerospace environment would also be suitable
• Strong knowledge of airworthiness principles and certification frameworks
• Proven ability to ensure compliance with aviation regulations, manage audits, and maintain approval standards
• Broad understanding of aircraft systems (structures, avionics, propulsion) and engineering lifecycle processes
• Ability to assess risks, conduct root cause analysis, and make sound airworthiness decisions
• Strong ability to liaise with regulators, customers, and internal stakeholders, and clearly present technical information
• Chartered Engineer status is preferable or willing to work towards achieving it

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

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