Director – Senior Executive, Aircraft Seating Program Management

Location: Everett, Washington, USA
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Industry: Aerospace / Aircraft Interiors / Seating
Level: Senior Executive / Director

About the Opportunity

Volantes Technical Recruitment is working with a leading aerospace organisation seeking an experienced Director of Aircraft Seating Program Management to provide strategic and operational leadership across its aircraft seating portfolio.

Our client is looking for an accomplished senior leader to oversee the full program lifecycle, including development, certification, production, delivery, entry into service and aftermarket support.

This is a senior executive opportunity with responsibility for portfolio profitability, program performance, customer satisfaction, organisational development and long-term business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, priorities, investments and execution of aircraft seating programs, ensuring alignment with business and customer objectives.

• Maintain executive accountability for program cost, schedule, quality, technical performance, contractual obligations and profitability.

• Oversee program budgets, financial forecasts, revenue, margins, cash flow and performance recovery initiatives.

• Establish and maintain effective program governance, including milestones, resource allocation, risk management and change control.

• Lead executive program reviews, customer meetings, production readiness assessments and performance improvement initiatives.

• Act as the senior customer interface and escalation point for commercial, contractual, technical, quality and delivery matters.

• Oversee contract negotiations, proposals, pricing, RFQs and commercial agreements.

• Collaborate with Sales and senior leadership to support business growth, new opportunities and strategic planning.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Certification, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Customer Support.

• Identify and mitigate portfolio risks while ensuring compliance with aerospace safety, quality and regulatory standards.

• Establish and monitor portfolio KPIs, providing accurate financial and operational reporting to executive leadership.

• Champion continuous improvement and consistent program management practices across multiple programs and sites.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Program Directors, Senior Program Managers, Program Managers and associated personnel.

• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and succession planning.

• Establish clear objectives, priorities and accountability across the program management function.

• Drive leadership development, operational efficiency and high-performing team cultures.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, Operations, Finance or a related discipline.

• 15+ years of progressive experience within aerospace, aircraft interiors, aircraft seating, manufacturing, engineering or program management.

• Significant senior leadership experience managing complex aerospace development, certification, production and delivery programs.

• Proven P&L and portfolio management experience, including budgets, revenue, cost control, forecasting and profitability.

• Strong understanding of aerospace contracts, commercial negotiations, change management and risk mitigation.

• Demonstrated experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams and senior professionals.

• Experience working with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers and certification authorities.

• Excellent strategic planning, financial management, negotiation, communication and decision-making skills.

Desirable:

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.

• Direct experience within aircraft seating or cabin interiors programs.

• Experience managing global or multi-site aerospace operations.

• Strong understanding of EAC/ETC, Earned Value Management (EVM) and aerospace program financial controls.

Working Environment & Travel

The position is based in Everett, Washington, and involves working across office and aerospace manufacturing environments.

Domestic and international travel will be required as necessary to support customers, suppliers and program operations.

Successful applicants will be required to complete relevant pre-employment screening and background checks.

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which includes:

• Medical coverage

• Dental and vision reimbursement

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Life insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Paid time off and public holidays

• Paid parental leave and family leave provisions

• Educational assistance and professional development support

• Flexible spending benefits

• Wellness programmes and gym reimbursement

• Additional personal leave and employee benefits

Benefits are subject to eligibility and applicable company policies.

If you are an experienced aerospace executive with a strong background in aircraft seating, program management and commercial leadership, we would be interested in hearing from you.

Seat Design Engineer 

Volantes Technical Recruitment are currently supporting a premier global provider of aircraft cabin interiors, engineering, and manufacturing solutions with their search for a Seat Design Engineer to join their team in Everett, Washington.

The Role

You will be responsible for supporting the design, development, and substantiation of mechanical aircraft seating systems for production, retrofit, and product development programs. Works with Lead and senior engineers to develop engineering solutions that meet customer, OEM, regulatory, and internal requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical aircraft seating systems, installations, assemblies, components, and specifications.
• Create and modify seat designs using approved modeling, design, and engineering processes and tools.
• Interpret customer and OEM requirements, aircraft layouts, installation drawings, and applicable design standards.
• Develop and maintain engineering packages and documentation in accordance with internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform engineering design checks, analysis, and validation with periodic technical guidance.
• Conduct preliminary stress, kinematics, and dynamic analyses and validate analytical models against test data.
• Troubleshoot mechanical seat-system issues and provide technical support for production, manufacturing, and in-service programs.
• Participate in design teams and coordinate technical activities with Engineering, Manufacturing, and other departments.
• Support engineering department goals, initiatives, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Engineering education and experience appropriate to independently perform intermediate-level mechanical design and analysis assignments.
• Experience with mechanical design, preferably involving aircraft seating, aerospace interiors, or related mechanical systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, OEM requirements, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with applicable CAD/modeling and engineering tools.
• Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, preliminary stress, kinematics, dynamic analysis, and design validation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functional teams.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Domestic or international travel may be required.

Interested?

If you are looking for your next opportunity and meet the requirements above, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Volantes Technical Recruitment for further details.

Job title: UK CAA B1 Licensed Aircraft Engineer – B737NG / A320

Location: Wales, UK
Contract type: Long-term contract
Rate: £65.00 per hour (outside IR35)
Benefits: Accommodation allowance provided

About the role

Volantes Technical Recruitment is looking for experienced UK CAA B1 Licensed Aircraft Engineers for long-term contract work in Wales. You’ll carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, rectify defects and issue certification on B737NG and/or A320 family aircraft.

Requirements

• UK CAA Part-66 B1 licence
• B737NG and/or A320 type rating (we welcome applicants with either or both)
• Recent hands-on experience on type
• The existing right to live and work in the UK. We can’t offer sponsorship.

What’s on offer

• £65.00 per hour, outside IR35
• Accommodation allowance
• Long-term contract with stable, ongoing work

How to apply

Whether your current contract is coming to an end or you’re just looking for your next move, we’d like to hear from you. Apply with your up-to-date CV, or contact Billy McDougall directly:

Regional Engineer - Central

Base : Oxford

Our client is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain’s civil helicopter hub.

They offer considerable experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and spares support.  Its in-house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight-testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.

They offer a competitive base salary and a robust suite of benefits designed to support your health, wealth, and lifestyle:

• Holiday Allowance: We value loyalty and work-life balance; your annual leave entitlement grows with you, rewarding your commitment with an extra day of leave for each year of service (up to an additional 4 days) 
• Health: Private Medical Insurance (Bupa). You also have the flexibility to add family members to your policy at an additional cost. Other options include Health-care Cash Schemes and Den-Plan. 
• Future Wealth: up to 8% Company Pension contribution, when you contribute 6%. Plus Yearly Share Incentive Plans, and Discretionary Group Bonuses.
• Everyday Savings: Access to exclusive shopping discounts, including a cashback card to help your money go further.
• Lifestyle: Bikes to Work scheme (up to £3,000), Mydrive car purchase scheme, and Technology purchase schemes.
• Added Protection: Benefit from Personal Accident Insurance, Health-care Cash Schemes, and professional Financial/Legal advice. 
• Refer a friend Scheme : We offer a generous Referral Bonus for any successfully placed candidates you recommend to the business. 

The Opportunity 

As a B1 Licensed Field Engineer, you'll be responsible for the certification of maintenance and repairs on a variety of rotorcraft, including the popular H125, H135, H145 and the new H160. You'll play a crucial role in ensuring the safe, continued operation of our aircraft through:

• Conducting maintenance inspections and repairs
• Working independently within the Regional engineering team to maintain serviceability of the fleet.
• Managing customer’s expectations when on-site and upholding the Airbus standards at our line stations.

This is a field based working from home role that requires flexibility and initiative in order to provide a timely response to the needs of our customers in the field. This can vary from scheduled line maintenance tasks through to role equipment defect troubleshooting. 

The role will be based in the centre of England.

You will report directly to the Line Maintenance Manager, however this role will develop into a more autonomous position as the relationship builds with the customer.

A company pool van will be available for the engineer to use for this position. Tools will be provided.

After familiarisation it will be necessary to attend Oxford on occasions to supplement the staff there and assist when there are peaks in workload. 

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Expertise in engine and airframe systems, strong UK CAA regulatory knowledge, and excellent communication skills.

Education, Qualifications or Training

Essential

• Part 66 B1.3 Licence (Turbine Rotorcraft) with experience of Airbus Helicopters products.

Desired

• Type rated on any of the following:  EC135 T2/P2 , H135, H145, H125, H160
• Familiarity with Police and/or Air Ambulance operations

Additional requirements

• This position is subject to National Security Vetting. Candidates must be able to obtain SC clearance, which generally requires having lived in the UK for the last five years. All successful applicants will also undergo a mandatory BPSS check. 
• Applicants must meet any/all requirements of Export Compliance Regulations.
• All candidates must possess the current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom. They will not be able to offer sponsorship for any employment Visas.

About our client

We are recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer on behalf of our client, a leading helicopter manufacturer with extensive experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and spares support.

Their in-house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.

The opportunity

Our client is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their mechanical design engineering team at their Oxford site.

You will lead the development of innovative helicopter customisations from early concept through to manufacture, taking ownership of the technical quality of your designs. You will guide and mentor a small team of engineers while ensuring every solution meets customer, regulatory and certification requirements.

The overall purpose of the role is to translate proposed mechanical systems concepts into detailed designs that meet certification and customer requirements. You will manage the integration of systems into helicopter products and provide leadership and direction for engineering work packages.

Main responsibilities

• Support the development of new product designs and their structure in the PLM system.

• Manage product maturity and development in the PLM system.

• Lead the design effort for work packages or modules, developing and managing the tasks and deliverables of a team of design engineers.

• Check module designs, including 2D drawings, 3D models and engineering bills of materials (EBoMs), against internal standards and take responsibility for technical accuracy before release.

• Design and model a variety of systems and components to meet customer, regulatory and OEM requirements.

• Monitor, manage and meet cost and weight targets.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and suppliers, managing data transfers as required for product development or other needs.

• Organise and participate in design reviews throughout each phase of the new product introduction process, ensuring all necessary follow-up actions are completed.

• Ensure the selection and application of materials and processes are appropriate to each design element and comply with relevant standards and guidance.

• Ensure the successful integration of assigned modules within the overall product.

• Manage design changes to support manufacturing, production, customers, quality and certification.

• Generate and revise specifications.

• Coach, mentor and develop less experienced design engineers, including apprentices and graduates.

• Work towards achieving design signatory or Compliance Verification Engineer status.

• Assist with the recruitment of team members when required.

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Ability to plan and schedule design activities across multiple design work packages.

• Understanding of the effective application of tolerances and a working knowledge of manufacturing processes.

• Working knowledge of manufacturing methods, including sheet metal fabrication, plastics vacuum forming, CNC machining and composite lay-up.

• Ability to read mechanical design drawings and specifications.

• Proven experience supervising a team of mechanical design engineers.

Education, qualifications or training

Essential

• A degree in mechanical, aerospace or structural engineering. Alternatively, an HNC/HND, equivalent qualification or relevant engineering apprenticeship, supported by extensive experience in mechanical systems design, concept development and detailed engineering solutions.

• High proficiency and experience in CATIA V5, Autodesk AutoCAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, including Enovia SmarTeam and ARAS.

• Understanding of national and international regulatory standards and codes of practice, including CAA Part 21, CS27/CS29 and Defence Standard 00-970.

Culture and wellbeing

Our client provides a supportive working environment, with facilities and resources including:

• Inclusive space: A dedicated multi-faith prayer room, providing a quiet, private space for prayer during the day.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access to confidential support, counselling and resources 24/7 for your professional and personal life.

• Canteen facilities: A dedicated space to take a break and recharge, with on-site vending machines for snacks and refreshments.

• Refreshments: Free tea and coffee throughout the day.

Salary and benefits

Our client offers a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday allowance: Annual leave entitlement increases with each year of service, up to an additional four days.

• Health: Private medical insurance through Bupa, with the option to add family members at an additional cost. Other options include healthcare cash schemes and Denplan.

• Pension and incentives: Up to 8% employer pension contribution when you contribute 6%, plus annual share incentive plans and discretionary group bonuses.

• Everyday savings: Access to exclusive shopping discounts, including a cashback card.

• Lifestyle: Cycle to Work scheme up to £3,000, a car purchase scheme and technology purchase schemes.

• Added protection: Personal accident insurance, healthcare cash schemes and professional financial and legal advice.

• Refer a friend scheme: A generous referral bonus for successfully placed candidates recommended to the business.

Additional requirements

• This position is subject to National Security Vetting. Candidates must be able to obtain SC clearance, which generally requires having lived in the UK for the last five years. All successful applicants will also undergo a mandatory BPSS check.

• Applicants must meet all applicable export compliance requirements.

• All candidates must have the current legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Our client is unable to offer employment visa sponsorship.

Interested?

If you are looking for your next opportunity and meet the requirements above, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Volantes Technical Recruitment for further details.

MFTS Technical Records Administrator

Volantes Technical Recruitment are recruiting for an MFTS Technical Records Administrator on behalf of our client, an established aviation organisation providing helicopter engineering, maintenance and support services for civil and military applications.

Our client’s capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight-testing and certification, alongside technical support, maintenance, training and spares supply.

The Role

You will support the Technical Records Supervisor with the day-to-day activities of the Technical Records department. Your primary responsibilities will include reviewing aircraft technical records and updating the company’s Record Management System to support compliance and continuing airworthiness.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure all applicable legislative requirements and company procedures are followed to maintain compliance and aircraft airworthiness.

• Update the company’s Record Management System with regulatory, optional and non-routine task accomplishment details.

• Update aircraft and component logbooks.

• Copy and archive aircraft maintenance records.

• Return component log cards to the Material Management team for core returns.

• Assist with preparing technical documentation for regulatory audits.

• Generate monthly flying hour reports.

• Provide cross-functional support across the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) team.

• Complete other tasks assigned by the Continuing Airworthiness Manager.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• A methodical approach with excellent attention to detail.

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• A flexible approach to work, focused on meeting agreed deadlines.

• Proactive in identifying potential issues and taking corrective action before they affect operations.

• Strong computer literacy, including competence with Google Docs.

• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within an organisation.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of CAA regulations relating to Part CAMO and Part 145.

• Previous experience within a CAMO environment.

• Familiarity with continuing airworthiness management software used for technical records administration.

• Knowledge of helicopter products and their associated technical documentation.

• A good sense of humour.

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential

• A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above, or equivalent recognised qualifications, such as an NVQ or BTEC.

Desirable

• An aviation-related degree or equivalent qualification.

• Aviation human factors training.

• Completion of a recognised Part CAMO training course.

• Completion of a recognised Part 145 training course.

Salary and Benefits

Our client offers a competitive base salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Annual leave: An additional day of leave for each year of service, up to a maximum of four additional days.

• Private medical insurance: With the option to add family members at an additional cost.

• Healthcare support: Access to healthcare cash plans and dental plans.

• Pension: Up to an 8% employer contribution when you contribute 6%.

• Additional financial benefits: Annual share incentive plans and discretionary group bonuses.

• Shopping discounts: Access to exclusive discounts and a cashback card.

• Lifestyle schemes: Cycle to Work scheme up to £3,000, alongside car and technology purchase schemes.

• Additional protection: Personal accident insurance and access to professional financial and legal advice.

• Employee referral scheme: A referral bonus for successful candidate recommendations.

Additional Requirements

• This position is subject to National Security Vetting. Candidates must be able to obtain SC clearance, which generally requires having lived in the UK for the last five years.

• Successful applicants will also undergo a mandatory BPSS check.

• Applicants must meet all applicable export compliance requirements.

• Candidates must have the current legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Our client is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Culture and Wellbeing

Our client provides a supportive working environment with facilities and resources including:

• A dedicated multi-faith prayer room.

• An Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support, counselling and resources 24/7.

• An on-site canteen area with vending machines for snacks and refreshments.

• Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.

Interested?

If you are looking for your next opportunity and meet the requirements above, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Volantes Technical Recruitment for further details.

• Support the organization’s GCAA approval process, including preparation of documentation and readiness for audits.
• Develop and maintain the Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE) and associated quality procedures.
• Report directly to the Accountable Manager on quality matters and regulatory compliance.
• Responsible for establishing , documenting, developing and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS) based on FAA/EASA/ GCAA/AS9100 Standards.
• Lead internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory audits. Monitor supplier quality performance. Implement corrective actions to ensure that to comply with the regulatory requirements.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions using structured problem-solving tools. Manage First Article Inspection (FAI) processes per AS9102 standards. Verify compliance for new components and assemblies.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma. Reduced defects, scrap, and rework through process optimization.
• Led and trained cross-functional quality teams. Promoted a culture of compliance, safety, and accountability.
• Reported key quality metrics to senior leadership. Ensured alignment with GCAA,FAA, EASA &AS9100 standards
• Ensures that employees are trained, plans, assigns and directs all quality assurance work.
   

• Significant experience in quality assurance in aviation maintenance, preferably in CAR-145 component maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of GCAA CAR-145 regulations and aviation quality management systems.
• Proven experience in auditing, corrective actions, and documentation compliance.
• Ability to operate independently in a startup environment while establishing robust systems.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Lead Flight Test Engineer – Electronic Warfare / Defence Aviation – Bournemouth

Volantes Technical Recruitment is working on behalf of a leading provider of airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) and Operational Readiness Training, supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies worldwide. We're looking for an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to join their growing team based at Bournemouth International Airport.

The Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead flight test activity across a diverse, multi-platform fleet at the cutting edge of EW and Operational Readiness Training. Reporting to the Flight Test Manager, you'll define, plan, execute and report flight test programmes from concept through to delivery — both in the UK and at deployed locations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

This is a flying role. Alongside flight test duties, and depending on prior qualifications, there may be opportunities to conduct Operational Readiness Training as rear crew across a variety of aircraft and roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and effective delivery of flight test activities in the UK and at deployed locations worldwide
• Plan and conduct airborne and ground flight testing as Lead Flight Test Engineer
• Develop and own test strategies, test plans, and test procedures
• Maintain close collaboration with the Design Office, including participation in design and technical safety reviews
• Develop and manage certification plans in support of flight test requirements
• Produce clear, high-quality flight test reports
• Actively manage flight test risk to ALARP and tolerable levels
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, building trusted relationships with the UK CAA and other regulatory authorities

Essential Experience / Skills

• Proven experience as a Lead Flight Test Engineer across multiple air vehicle types
• Qualification as a Flight Test Engineer from a recognised, approved Flight Test Training Organisation
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Able to hold, or meet, a minimum CAA Class 2 medical standard

Desirable

• Cat 1 Flight Test Engineer qualification
• Military or civil aviation experience as flight crew or engineer
• Degree (BSc/BEng or higher) in an engineering or science-related discipline
• Knowledge of UK, US and European civil and military regulatory frameworks
• Experience with COTS or bespoke flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Background in military EW/RF jamming, or specialist EW roles supporting the RAF or RN
• Previous UAS/RPAS experience

The Package

• Location: Bournemouth
• Type: Permanent
• International travel/deployment required (Europe, Middle East, Far East)

Mechanical Engineer - Lavatory Design

Volantes Technical Recruitment are currently supporting a premier global provider of aircraft cabin interiors, engineering, and manufacturing solutions with their search for a Mechanical Engineer to join their team in Everett, Washington.

The Role

You will be responsible for leading and supporting the design, modification, and development of commercial aircraft lavatories for production, retrofit, and product development programs. Serves as a design authority and develops engineering solutions that meet customer, OEM, regulatory, manufacturing, cost, and performance requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and modify commercial aircraft lavatories, including structures, interiors, installations, provisioning, and mechanical systems such as air, water, and waste.
• Develop 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, engineering packages, and technical documentation using established design standards.
• Ensure designs comply with customer/OEM requirements and applicable FAA, EASA, safety, and certification requirements.
• Support structural, flammability, safety, certification, prototype, testing, and qualification activities.
• Evaluate existing designs and develop technical solutions to engineering, production, and in-service issues.
• Lead design reviews and serve as design authority for assigned engineering tasks.
• Manage engineering changes, design updates, configuration control, and associated documentation.
• Collaborate with Stress, Certification, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and other functional teams.
• Perform root-cause analysis and corrective action for production and in-service issues.
• Drive improvements in weight, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and passenger experience.
• Review project work scope and provide engineering estimates for schedules, RFQs, and resource planning.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and performance input to the Functional Manager.
• Support department initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.
• May provide technical leadership and delegated supervisory support when acting as Lead Engineer, including mentoring and performance input to the Functional Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering field plus 5+ years of relevant experience; equivalent experience may include a minimum of 15 years in an aerospace-related field.
• Typically 5–8 years of commercial aircraft lavatory design experience.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft lavatory structures, mechanical systems, design practices, and manufacturing requirements.
• Working knowledge of FAA/EASA requirements and aerospace certification processes.
• Strong engineering analysis, troubleshooting, root-cause, configuration-control, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective technical communication, customer interaction, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

 Moderate domestic and international travel may be required.

Interested?

If you are looking for your next opportunity and meet the requirements above, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Volantes Technical Recruitment for further details.