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.

Test and M&PT Engineer

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

The Role

You will be responsible for supporting development, qualification, and implementation of materials, processes, and testing for commercial aircraft interior products. Coordinates testing from planning through execution and reporting while ensuring compliance with engineering, quality, regulatory, cost, and schedule requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities 

• Develop, evaluate, and qualify new materials, parts, and manufacturing processes for aircraft interior applications.
• Prepare test plans, specifications, drawings, setups, and documentation to support material/process qualification and product testing.
• Coordinate and execute coupon, static, dynamic, cycle, and other required testing, including instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Lead test setup, execution, troubleshooting, teardown, and validation in coordination with Stress, Flammability, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Analyze and interpret test results and prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Investigate material, process, and test failures using root-cause and corrective-action methods.
• Monitor manufacturing processes and recommend improvements to quality, cost, reliability, safety, and efficiency.
• Maintain material/process specifications and databases and support engineering package development.
• Support Supply Chain and Design Optimization in evaluating new materials and manufacturing solutions.
• Represent testing and M&PT at design reviews and technical meetings and coordinate activities across departments.
• Apply applicable ASTM, FAA, MMPDS, CMH-17, quality, safety, and industry requirements.
• Maintain awareness of industry standards and emerging materials/process technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Typically 4–6 years of related experience, including aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and material qualification/allowable testing.
• Experience with static and cycle testing of mechanical aircraft components; passenger seat experience preferred.
• Knowledge of metallic and composite materials, ASTM standards, MMPDS, CMH-17, FAA requirements, and statistical data analysis.
• Familiarity with test equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition, and industry-standard test methods.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• 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.

Test Engineer

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

The Role

You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and reporting testing of aircraft interior components and assemblies. Test programs primarily include full-scale static, fatigue, functional, and mechanical evaluations performed in coordination with Engineering and Operations.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Develop test plans, procedures, and reports in coordination with Stress, Design, Program Management, Procurement, and Production.
• Develop test fixture and tooling concepts and provide technical direction for detailed design and fabrication.
• Direct test technicians in test setup, instrumentation, data acquisition, and integration of actuation systems.
• Coordinate procurement, installation, calibration, and operation of test equipment, instrumentation, and control devices.
• Lead operational, functional, static, fatigue, and performance testing of aircraft interior components and assemblies.
• Monitor test execution and troubleshoot equipment, product, system, or data issues with engineering and technical personnel.
• Analyze and interpret test data and prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Use applicable computer hardware and software for test execution, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
• Represent Test Engineering at design reviews and technical coordination meetings.
• Support development and continuous improvement of test methods, processes, and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and aerospace experience.
• Strong test and development background involving mechanical structures, components, and systems.
• Working knowledge of mechanical/aerospace engineering principles, test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, procedures, regulations, test data, and engineering requirements.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, technical writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to work across technical and operational teams.
• 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.

Lead 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 Lead Mechanical Engineer to join their team in Everett, Washington.

The Role

You will be responsible for providing technical leadership for the design, modification, and development of commercial aircraft lavatories for production, retrofit, and product development programs. Serves as design authority for assigned projects and leads engineering activities to meet customer, OEM, regulatory, schedule, cost, and manufacturing requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design and modification of aircraft lavatories, including structures, interiors, installations, provisioning, and air, water, and waste systems.
• Develop and approve 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, engineering packages, and technical documentation using established standards.
• Ensure designs comply with customer/OEM requirements and applicable FAA, EASA, safety, and certification requirements.
• Serve as design authority and lead design reviews, technical decisions, and resolution of complex engineering issues.
• Support structural, flammability, certification, prototype, testing, and qualification activities.
• Lead resolution of production and in-service issues through engineering analysis, root-cause investigation, and corrective action.
• Manage engineering changes, design updates, configuration control, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with Stress, Certification, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and other functions to achieve program objectives.
• Drive improvements in weight, cost, manufacturability, reliability, quality, and passenger experience.
• Review project work scope and support RFQs through technical, resource, schedule, and engineering-hour estimates.
• Maintain monthly engineering-hour forecasts and monitor assigned project workload and commitments.
• Provide technical direction, mentoring, and performance input for engineering team members.
• Support engineering department initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering field plus 8–10+ years of relevant experience; equivalent experience may include a minimum of 18 years in an aerospace-related field.
• Typically 8–10 years of commercial aircraft lavatory design experience.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
• Advanced knowledge of aircraft lavatory structures, mechanical systems, design practices, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA/EASA requirements and aerospace certification processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering projects, serve as design authority, and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong planning, estimating, analytical, root-cause, configuration-control, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective leadership, mentoring, technical communication, and cross-functional/customer collaboration skills.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Provides technical leadership, work direction, mentoring, and performance input. 

May perform delegated supervisory responsibilities as assigned by the Functional Manager. 

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.

Volantes is partnering with an established aviation operator to appoint a Head of CAMO in Brisbane. Reporting directly to the CEO / Accountable Manager, you will take full ownership of the continuing airworthiness of the fleet under CASR Part 42 – from maintenance programmes and airworthiness directives through to records, Part 145 relationships and CASA reporting. It is a senior, highly visible role with real influence over fleet reliability and operational performance.

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Employment: Permanent, full time

Reports to: CEO / Accountable Manager

Manages: Technical support staff

• Develop, manage and approve the aircraft maintenance programmes for the managed fleet
• Manage the approval of modifications and repairs, ensuring all changes meet an approved standard
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives and operational directives
• Oversee defect rectification and deferral, and coordinate scheduled maintenance, life-limited part replacements and component inspections
• Maintain continuing airworthiness records, current weight and balance status and valid Certificates of Airworthiness
• Manage the relationship and maintenance contracts with Part 145 organisations
• Report maintenance-related occurrences to CASA and the aircraft manufacturer
• Own and amend the CAMO exposition, and promote safety, quality and Human Factors principles across the function

What You'll Bring

Essential

• At least 3 years' experience in continuing airworthiness management
• One of the following: a current or previously held B1, B2 or C licence (or equivalent); a Certificate IV in aircraft maintenance; a Diploma in aviation maintenance management; or a Diploma-level engineering qualification (aeronautical, avionics, mechanical, electrical or electronics)
• Comprehensive knowledge of airworthiness regulations and standards, CAMO expositions and quality systems
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred

• Experience on ATR, Dash 8 or E190 aircraft
• Australian or New Zealand-based candidates are preferred, though overseas applicants will be considered

What Success Looks Like

• A fleet that meets all CASA airworthiness requirements
• Minimal AOG events and fleet downtime
• Efficient, well-forecast maintenance planning and engineering resourcing

Interested?

For a confidential conversation, contact Billy McDougall: billy@volantesrecruitment.com  |  +44 7384 617 027

Volantes Technical Recruitment is looking for an experienced Engineering Project Manager to take end-to-end ownership of significant aircraft base maintenance inputs – major scheduled checks, structural inspections, modifications, repairs and return-to-service activity.

You'll lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver the approved work package to scope, turnaround time, cost and quality, without ever compromising safety, airworthiness or regulatory compliance. This is a hands-on delivery role for someone who lives in Microsoft Project: building, baselining, resourcing and controlling integrated maintenance schedules and driving the critical path day to day.

Role: Engineering Project Manager

Sector: Aircraft Base Maintenance | MRO | UK Civil & Military Regulated

Reports to: Engineering Delivery Manager

Dotted line to: Chief Engineer

Works closely with: Maintenance Planners

Direct reports: None

Security: Must be able to obtain and maintain SC clearance

Project Leadership & Governance

• Lead engineering projects from initiation and definition through delivery, acceptance, transition and closure.
• Define and control scope, objectives, deliverables and acceptance criteria in agreement with sponsors and customers.
• Set up proportionate governance, reporting routines and decision forums, with clear accountability and timely escalation.
• Build and maintain an integrated base-maintenance schedule in Microsoft Project – WBS, task logic, milestones, access and inspection sequences, resources, material and tooling dependencies, customer decision points, testing and return-to-service requirements.

Delivery Planning & Control

• Own performance against scope, turnaround time, cost, quality, technical and safety baselines – spot variance early and drive recovery.
• Manage dependencies, constraints, resources, baselines, progress, float and the critical path in MS Project, producing reliable updates and recovery scenarios.
• Confirm work-package readiness before aircraft input: task cards, engineering instructions, manpower, hangar capacity, tooling, materials, components and technical data.
• Control the input from induction and access through inspection, rectification, modification, reassembly, functional test, records completion, release and return to service.
• Rapidly assess emergent findings and additional work for technical, material, resource, cost and schedule impact, and integrate approved work into the plan.
• Manage risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies with clear owners, dates, mitigations and escalation routes.
• Run effective change control, assessing impact on airworthiness, scope, TAT, resources, cost and contractual commitments.
• Keep accurate project records, daily progress data, forecasts and decisions in the relevant maintenance and project-control systems.

Stakeholder, Commercial & Supplier Management

• Act as the primary project point of contact, giving clear, evidence-based progress reporting to customers, sponsors and senior leadership.
• Lead project reviews and cross-functional meetings, aligning engineering, operations, quality, safety, finance, procurement and supply chain.
• Support commercial and contractual management – estimates, business cases, statements of work, supplier deliverables and acceptance of outputs.
• Monitor supplier and subcontractor performance so external dependencies stay aligned with the integrated plan.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure delivery complies with UK CAA, UK MAA and EASA requirements, the organisation's exposition, quality system and SMS.
• Make sure project decisions never compromise airworthiness, safety, security or quality, and report potential unsafe conditions promptly.
• Drive timely closure of audit findings, non-conformances and investigation actions using sound root-cause and corrective-action methods.
• Lead lessons-learned reviews and embed lasting improvements in project delivery.

Key Deliverables

• Significant base-maintenance inputs delivered safely to contracted scope, planned TAT, budget and quality standard.
• A logic-linked, resource-informed, baselined MS Project schedule with a credible critical path, daily progress position and forecast return-to-service date.
• Completed aircraft-input readiness reviews with work package, facilities, manpower, tooling, material and technical data confirmed.
• Emergent findings and additional work controlled through timely assessment, customer approval, schedule integration and cost visibility.
• Clear daily and weekly reporting on progress, critical-path threats, resource constraints, risks, decisions and recovery actions.

What You'll Need

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience project managing significant aircraft inputs, heavy checks, major modifications or comparable complex MRO activity. (Essential)
• Advanced, hands-on Microsoft Project capability – logic-linked schedules, baselines, dependencies, resources, progress updates, critical-path analysis, variance reporting and recovery planning. (Essential)
• Demonstrable control of work scope, TAT, cost, resources, material and tooling dependencies, risks, findings and change. (Essential)
• Experience leading multidisciplinary maintenance, engineering, planning, quality and supply-chain teams in a live aircraft-input environment. (Essential)
• Relevant aircraft maintenance, engineering or technical qualification, or equivalent substantial aviation experience. (Essential)
• Able to obtain and maintain SC-level security clearance. (Essential)
• Recognised PM qualification (APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner or PMP), or willingness to attain one. (Advantageous)
• Working knowledge of UK CAA, UK MAA or EASA maintenance regulations, SMS and quality-management principles. (Advantageous)
• Commercial awareness – estimates, budgets, quotations, additional-work approval, procurement or contract management. (Advantageous)

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership, ownership and sound judgement in complex, time-critical situations.
• Excellent communication, influencing, negotiation and presentation skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analytical and commercially aware – uses performance data to make timely decisions.
• Highly organised and resilient, comfortable with competing priorities and ambiguity.
• Collaborative, building effective relationships across organisational and contractual boundaries.
• Highly proficient in MS Project; competent in MS Office, maintenance information systems and project-control tools.

How Success Is Measured

• Aircraft inputs completed by the committed return-to-service date and within agreed TAT.
• Schedule quality and control – logic integrity, baseline discipline, timely updates, critical-path visibility and forecast accuracy.
• Performance against approved budget, labour, material and resource forecasts.
• Timely assessment and closure of emergent findings, additional work and critical-path threats.
• Delivery of the approved work package with controlled change, minimal avoidable rework and complete records.
• Full compliance with safety, airworthiness, quality, security and regulatory requirements.
• Customer and stakeholder confidence built on accurate reporting, clear escalation and effective engagement.

Interested?

For a confidential conversation about this role, contact Billy McDougall at Volantes Technical Recruitment.

UK CAA B1.3 Engineer (AW139)

Salary: £80,000 to £90,000 per annum
Shift pattern: 7 days on, 7 days off (11-hour shifts)

Volantes Technical Recruitment are supporting an aviation organisation with their search for a UK CAA B1.3 Engineer to work on AW139 helicopters.

The Role

You will carry out aircraft maintenance and certification in accordance with approved procedures, helping to keep the AW139 fleet safe and operational. AW139 type training is available for the right candidate, subject to a three-year bond.

Qualifications

• A UK CAA Part-66 B1.3 licence.
• Relevant helicopter maintenance experience.
• An AW139 type rating is desirable; type training may be provided for the right candidate.
• A thorough approach to maintenance, safety and technical documentation.

Salary & Benefits

• £80,000 to £90,000 per annum.
• Statutory pension contributions on qualifying earnings.
• Overtime available.
• 28 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Christmas shutdown observed, with overtime available.
• Cycle to work scheme with a £4,000 cap.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Bond transfers may be available for suitable candidates.

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.

Seat Design Engineer Lead

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 Lead to join their team in Everett, Washington.

The Role

You will be responsible for leading the design, development, and substantiation of mechanical aircraft seating systems for production, retrofit, and product development programs. Serves as a design authority and provides technical leadership to Seat Design Engineers while ensuring compliance with customer, OEM, regulatory, and internal requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development of commercial aircraft seats, installations, assemblies, components, and specifications.
• Develop and modify seat designs using established engineering, modeling, drafting, and documentation standards.
• Interpret customer and OEM requirements, aircraft layouts, installation drawings, and applicable regulatory/design standards.
• Serve as design authority; perform design reviews, checks, approvals, and validation of engineering documentation.
• Perform preliminary engineering analyses, including stress, kinematics, design validation, and test-data correlation.
• Lead design teams of up to 6 Seat Design Engineers, assigning technical tasks and providing guidance and mentoring.
• Define project scope, schedules, resource requirements, time estimates, and RFQ commitments in coordination with Program and Functional Management.
• Review and approve engineering packages and ensure designs meet technical, manufacturing, customer, and program requirements.
• Troubleshoot mechanical seating issues and provide technical support to Manufacturing and in-service activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and other departments to resolve technical and program issues.
• Support department goals, process improvements, and engineering initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field with 8+ years of experience, or equivalent experience including a minimum of 15 years in an aerospace-related field.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial aircraft seat design, installation, and applicable OEM, SAE, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5 or higher and/or SolidWorks preferred, including complex layouts and design studies.
• Strong understanding of engineering design, drafting standards, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and provide technical/design authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex technical requirements and engineering data.
• Effective communication, leadership, planning, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides lead engineering direction and may perform delegated supervisory responsibilities, including mentoring and performance input to the Functional Manager. 

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.

Chief Engineer – Defence Aviation
Location: Northern Ireland
Type: Permanent | Full-time

Volantes Technical Recruitment is working with a leading defence aviation services organisation to appoint a Chief Engineer to lead an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) function in Northern Ireland.

This is a senior leadership position suited to a licensed engineer or ex-military engineering leader who wants real ownership of safety, compliance and team performance across a varied, mission-critical fleet supporting UK and international operations.

The Package

• Up to 12% matched pension contributions
• Bonus scheme
• Discounted private medical insurance
• Electric car scheme, tech vouchers and wellbeing programmes

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager for Aircraft Maintenance, you will lead the maintenance function and make sure all activity is delivered safely, compliantly and efficiently. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the maintenance function in line with UK CAA, UK MAA, EASA and organisational requirements
• Making sure all maintenance is carried out safely and within the scope of the organisation's approvals
• Leading and developing Engineering Delivery Managers, Crew Chiefs and Team Leaders
• Building a strong safety, quality and compliance culture across the engineering team
• Making sure manpower, tooling, equipment and facilities are in place to meet operational demand
• Overseeing maintenance planning so programmes are delivered safely and on time
• Keeping maintenance records and Certificates of Release to Service accurate
• Supporting technical investigations, occurrence reporting and root cause analysis
• Leading the closure of audit findings, safety investigations and regulatory actions
• Maintaining compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001 management systems
• Mentoring engineering staff to build capability and succession
• Driving performance, accountability and continuous improvement
• Managing customer and stakeholder relationships across operational, regulatory and commercial priorities
• Supporting UK and overseas operations, with occasional travel and deployment
• Delivering maintenance programmes within agreed budgets

Essential Requirements

• UK unrestricted CAA Part 66 B1 or B2 licence, or equivalent military aircraft engineering background
• Extensive aircraft maintenance management experience in a highly regulated environment
• Experience running maintenance operations within an AMO
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA, UK MAA and EASA regulations
• Practical understanding of SMS and aviation compliance frameworks
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001
• A track record of leading and developing engineering teams
• Experience driving cultural change and continuous improvement
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Well organised, and able to deliver under pressure
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Able to obtain and maintain SC clearance
• Medically fit for engineering duties and operational travel

Desirable

• A background in military or defence aviation
• Experience supporting multiple fleets and maintenance programmes
• Experience leading regulatory audits and corrective action programmes
• Eligible for DV clearance
• Experience leading significant organisational change
• Experience in international maintenance environments
• Knowledge of contract delivery and budget management

Applications from service leavers, veterans and forces spouses and partners are actively welcomed. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the interview process.