Aircraft Engineer (Continuing Airworthiness)

This is a project-linked requirement in support of the NATO 2030 agenda to be filled as soon as possible.

In view of the nature and of the urgency of this temporary position, it is important for candidates to be available for project-linked employment asap. In practice, this implies being in possession of a valid security clearance at the time of application or having been in possession of such a clearance with the possibility to reactivate it swiftly. Therefore, candidates possessing a valid NATO or National security clearance will be given priority consideration.

BACKGROUND

NATO offers you more than a job. It gives you a mission: building peace and security for one billion people in Europe and North America.

We are a unique multinational flying force with operational capability located at the NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen. With its 14 E-3A aircraft, our organization plays a critical role in NATO and our mission is to deliver ready, responsive Airborne Early Warning, Battle Management, and Command and Control capability to operational commanders in support of NAC-approved tasks.

OPERATIONAL AIRWORTHINESS

The Operational Airworthiness (OA) Branch is part of the Operational Airworthiness and Safety Division (FHA) of the NAEW&CF Headquarters, and is responsible for the development and implementation of the Operational Airworthiness (OA) Programme on behalf of the Operational Airworthiness Authority (OAA). This programme ensures that the NE-3A fleet is maintained and operated safely and is a critical enabler for the readiness of the fleet, ensuring that it can conduct its mission as safely as is practicable. The staff of the OAA are separate from the staff of the NAWE&C Force though are co-located within the Force HQ.

This post is key in developing the regulations to ensure the Continuing Airworthiness of the NE-3A fleet, based on the relevant European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMAR), and conducting assurance inspections on behalf of the OAA.  The work will be particularly focused on the test phase of the Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP) of the NE-3A when the first modified aircraft is ready for testing. To successfully fill this position you will have a broad experience and knowledge of aircraft engineering and the processes implemented to ensure the Continuing Airworthiness of aircraft.

FHA is a small cross-functional team and you may be asked to support other activities within the Division such as: safety incident investigations, aviation safety risk assessments and the review of Permit to Fly (PtF) applications, in addition you may be called on to support the Maintenance Organisation oversight programme. Experience of these activities would be highly advantageous.

To find out more about the background, please visit our Homepage https://awacs.nato.int/

How to apply: Video

THE ROLE

Within this role, the incumbent will:

• Ensure the Continuing Airworthiness of the NE-3A Final Life Extension Programme (FLEP) test aircraft (N-1) during its test phase through developing the necessary regulations and implementing an assurance programme;
• Develop the OAA’s Continuing Airworthiness requirements for the NE-3A fleet;
• Develop and manage an assurance programme for Continuing Airworthiness activities within the Force;
• Participate in Airworthiness Reviews of NE-3A aircraft as an inspector;
• Review and provide advice on technical aspects on Permit to Fly applications and Military Restricted Flight Releases;
• Prepare written and oral risk assessments and briefings on aviation topics;
• Support NE-3A accident and incident investigation activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Aeronautical Engineering University Degree and 5 years post-related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational (Maintenance Technology) training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post-related and 2 years function related experience;
• European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMAR) / European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part M training and Aviation Auditor training or National Aviation Authority inspector training;
• The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English therefore sufficient English proficiency is essential;
• Adequate knowledge of Standard Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is required.

THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN ADVANATAGE

• Experience working in a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) / Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulating a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO);
• Experience working in a CAMO, or military equivalent, or a Maintenance Organisation;
• Experience conducting Maintenance Organisation audits, either external (for CAA/MAA) or internal as a part of a Quality Department;
• Experience conducting Airworthiness Reviews on large aircraft.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please attach any documentation (proof of highest education, diplomas, certificates, testimonials etc.) that you consider to be particularly relevant to the qualification requirements specified in this advertisement. Any documentation submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by at least an unofficial translation. Please note that upon taking up duties, candidates will be asked to provide original certificates of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

CONTRACT

The successful candidate will fill this post as a Project Related NATO International Civilian (PLN) with a three-year definite duration contract within the NATO 2030 Agenda.On expiry of this term, the PLN will be deleted or absorbed into the ceiling pending approval or, exceptionally, will be considered for extension.

SALARY

Salary values indicated in this vacancy notice are based on the new Single Salary Spine scale.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• Excellent tax-free salary, including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff;
• Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme;
• Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible);
• Retirement Pension Plan.

TEST/INTERVIEW

Our recruitment team will provide further guidance for invited candidates.