Head of Electrical Systems & Avionics Engineering (permanent or interim)

Head of Electrical Systems & Avionics Engineering (all genders)

Permanent or interim | Southern Germany | Start: as soon as possible

On behalf of our client, a design organisation with EASA Part 21J approval working on a new commercial aircraft, we are looking for an experienced engineering leader for its avionics, electrical systems and EWIS department. The goal is a permanent appointment. To fill the position quickly, our client is also open to starting with an interim mandate, without a fixed end date and with the option to move into a permanent role.

Two things are non-negotiable: a technical background in avionics, electrical systems or EWIS, and real disciplinary leadership experience. Beyond that, the quality of your experience matters more than the number of years.

Your role

You lead a department of more than twenty engineers, shape its structure, processes and people, and make sure it delivers its programme commitments on time, on cost and in quality.

• Lead the department disciplinarily and develop its strategy in line with company targets
• Bring structure, priorities and workload planning under control; close resource and capability gaps
• Define sub-structures, roles and responsibilities
• Plan workforce according to programme needs; steer engineering service providers and subcontractors
• Track progress through KPIs and manage technical and schedule risks
• Ensure sufficient design and compliance signatories (DRE/CVE) within your scope, together with the airworthiness office
• Define and maintain development processes for avionics, electrical systems and EWIS in line with certification requirements (CS-25)
• Develop high potentials and set up training paths for new engineers

Your profile

• Technical focus in at least one of the areas avionics, electrical systems or EWIS (mandatory)
• Proven disciplinary leadership experience (mandatory)
• Engineering degree in aerospace, electrical engineering or a related field
• Substantial experience in aircraft development or aircraft systems engineering
• Experience in at least two aircraft programmes, from new development or in-service engineering
• Good knowledge of certification requirements, system design and interfaces to other disciplines
• Ability to take over a team quickly and deliver under programme pressure
• Fluent English; German is an advantage

What you can expect

• Permanent employment directly with our client, or an interim start with the option to move into a permanent role
• Contract model for an interim start to be agreed individually
• A leadership role with real influence on structure and methods in a new aircraft programme
• Support with your move to Southern Germany
• Predominantly on site, home office on Fridays
• Confidential handling of your application