Job description
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior / Principal Airworthiness & Certification Consultant to join our growing Airworthiness team. Reporting to the Head of Airworthiness & Certification, this role will play a key part in delivering expert consultancy to our clients across defence and aerospace programmes, ensuring compliance with military and civil regulatory frameworks and advancing SQEP’s reputation for excellence in airworthiness.
The successful candidate will combine deep technical knowledge with a proactive, client-focused approach and the ability to mentor and support less experienced consultants. This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence airworthiness strategy and delivery across a range of high-profile projects.
Responsibilities
Technical Delivery
• Deliver expert Airworthiness & Certification consultancy in accordance with relevant Military and Civil regulations (MAA, EASA, CAA, FAA, or equivalent).
• Provide technical leadership and assurance on airworthiness activities, including:
o Type Certification / Military Type Certification – development of certification bases, compliance demonstration, and management of deviations/non-compliances.
o Design Assurance and Control – application of systems engineering principles to maintain integrity and traceability of design.
o Safety Assessment – execution and review of FHA, FMEA, FTA, and associated safety artefacts.
o Compliance with Design Standards – interpretation and application of EASA CS, FAA FARs, Def Stan 00-970, and other standards as applicable.
o Configuration Management – ensuring design documentation, change control, and audit trails are maintained to the required standard.
• Support and advise clients in meeting regulatory and organisational airworthiness obligations.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of internal tools, frameworks, and methods related to airworthiness delivery.
Leadership & Mentoring
• Act as a technical mentor to junior consultants, providing guidance, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to competency development within the Airworthiness team through coaching, training sessions, and peer review.
• Lead by example in applying SQEP’s values and professional standards in all work.
Client Engagement
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients, regulators, and partners.
• Act as a key interface between SQEP and client Airworthiness Authorities, Certification Bodies, or Design Organisations.
• Translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into clear, actionable advice for clients.
• Identify opportunities for business growth, cross-functional collaboration, and service improvement within client engagements.
Governance, Quality & Assurance
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and regulatory expectations.
• Support internal assurance activities, audits, and process reviews to maintain compliance and continuous improvement.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and professional excellence across all projects.
Qualifications
• Degree (BEng / BSc / MEng / MSc) in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
• Relevant training or certification in Airworthiness, Safety Assessment, or Systems Engineering disciplines.
A DBS and Security Clearance check will be required for this role.
Experience
Essential
• Significant experience delivering Airworthiness & Certification projects within the aerospace or defence sectors.
• Proven expertise in one or more of the following domains:
o Type Certification / Military Type Certification
o Design and Airworthiness Assurance
o Safety Assessment and Analysis (FHA, FMEA, FTA)
o Compliance demonstration and regulatory liaison
o Configuration Management and Change Control
• Strong understanding of airworthiness regulatory frameworks (MAA, EASA, CAA, FAA, or equivalent).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with experience engaging clients and regulators.
• Analytical and pragmatic problem-solving approach, with attention to detail and risk awareness.
Desirable
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards professional registration (RAeS, IET, IMechE, or equivalent).
• Experience leading small teams or work packages in a consultancy or engineering environment.
• Experience working with complex, multi-disciplinary systems in high-integrity environments.
• Knowledge of digital tools and data-driven approaches for Airworthiness and Certification management.