• 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.

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Oxford

Permanent

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.

Sheet Metal Worker – Fixed Wing (Contract)

Location: Retford / Gamston Airport
Duration: 2 months, starting ASAP
Rate: £35.00 per hour, Outside IR35

Volantes Technical Recruitment is looking for an experienced Sheet Metal Worker to join our client's fixed-wing maintenance team at Retford/Gamston Airport on a 2-month contract, starting as soon as possible.

The role

• Carry out structural repairs and modifications on fixed-wing aircraft
• Fabricate, fit and replace sheet metal components, including skin repairs, patches and doublers
• Drill, countersink and rivet to approved standards
• Work in accordance with the SRM, approved data and company procedures
• Complete all work documentation accurately and on time

What you'll need

• Proven experience as an aircraft Sheet Metal Worker / Structures Mechanic on fixed-wing aircraft
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and repair schemes
• Experience in a Part 145 or similar maintenance environment
• Own tools
• Right to work in the UK and available to start at short notice

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.

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.

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.