Director of Maintenance & Airworthiness

Our Company

Our mission at DRONAMICS is to democratize airfreight and lower the cost of shipping in emerging markets. To achieve this, we developed a new type of cargo airplane, one that is small, remotely-piloted and extremely fuel efficient.

At first, it didn't sound possible, but we keep proving it is, which is why we've called it “The Black Swan”. It can land on short and unpaved runways, enabling on-demand point-to-point flights and speedy same-day delivery even to the most remote locations that would otherwise take days to reach over ground or sea.

With the successful first flight of our full-scale Black Swan cargo drone, we have achieved a significant milestone. This innovative aircraft can transport up to 350 KG over distances of 2,500 KM, all at a cost that is at least 50% lower than traditional airplanes. It operates autonomously, enabling remote monitoring and management through satellite connectivity.

Our initial focus is on establishing domestic air networks in Europe, Australia, and Canada, leveraging underutilized small airfields. We train local personnel as drone and logistics operators while fostering partnerships with local industries. This collaboration allows us to provide vital support by facilitating the swift movement of goods to and from small, remote, mountainous, and island communities within mere hours, often at a cost lower than that of road transportation. At the core of our vision is the belief that same-day shipping should be a universal right.

Our ultimate goal is to empower every individual on the planet with affordable same-day deliveries. Join us in shaping a future where logistics know no boundaries, and cost-effective shipping is accessible to everyone, everywhere.

The Role

The Director of Maintenance & Airworthiness is the nominated postholder for Maintenance and reports directly to the Accountable Manager. They are directly responsible for the safe, efficient and economic operation of the Company fleet of drones, in respect of all engineering and technical matters. 

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the required standards of quality are achieved for all tasks carried out within the Maintenance and Airworthiness Function, in accordance with the requirements of the NAA and company procedures

• Ensure strong collaboration with the Director of Flight Operations regarding technical matters, including the coordination and implementation of Company policy regarding drone fleet maintenance

• Operation of the maintenance activities to ensure project key performance indicators are met (including budget, schedule and quality targets)

• Establish, in cooperation with the Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilots, a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for each aircraft, and have it approved by the NAA

• Provision of a maintenance program approved by the NAA for each aircraft operated by the company, including the associated reliability programme, and for obtaining approval of all amendments to the program

• Ensure, through the actions of the respective maintenance contractors, that all maintenance is carried out on time, to an approved standard, and in accordance with the approved program, such that the maintenance responsibility requirements are met

• Ensure, through the actions of Flight Operations personnel and maintenance contractors, that pre-flight inspections are carried out in such a manner as to render aircraft fit for their intended flights and, including where these tasks are contracted to other organisations

• Manage the company’s system for keeping of maintenance records, in a manner acceptable to the NAA, in association with the respective contracted maintenance organisations

• Ensure that maintenance contractors have a Quality System for monitoring the contracted tasks that are being performed in accordance with the procedures accepted by NAA

• Ensure that the personnel under their control are competent to perform the tasks required of them, and to identify and provide any essential training and continuation training necessary to ensure that maintenance

• Ensure efficient communication, good customer relations, and technical liaison between the company and the relevant contracted maintenance organisations
  

• Define and execute the operating plan for the maintenance department, in accordance with strategic plans and financial requirements.

• Develop and maintain budgets, team capacity and schedules, procedures and policies to optimize utilization of all resources

• Set and define standards for ways of working and processes and rules and ensure they are used effectively and consistently across teams

What We Offer

• A competitive compensation package for a Series A company

• Lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth on a global level

• Tons of work, zero office politics - we are here to impact the lives of millions of people around the world

• A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to frame the future of how the world moves goods

• Benefits package in each of our many entities
  

• Hold a EASA 66 or FAA A&P License qualification or equivalent

• Possession Private Pilot's License (or equivalent experience and knowledge) is a plus

• Knowledge of the UAS Implementing Regulations and framework for the safe operation of UAS within the Open, Specific and Certified Category

• Direct experience with EASA/FAA aircraft certification processes

• Demonstrated successful leadership experience within a large aerospace organization (CAMO, MRO OEM or similar) including the growth and development of a team

• Broad knowledge of the aerospace industry, OEMs, and the regulatory framework

• Detailed understanding of airworthiness regulatory requirements for Civil Aviation Regulations Excellent track record of managing complex operations and achieving continuous process improvements Familiar with NAA policies, orders, advisory circulars and TSO Minimum Operations Performance specifications regarding the equipment already certified and equipment to be certified

• Relevant qualification preferred, i.e Diploma in Engineering, Facilities engineering or Management in a manufacturing/ production environment or related discipline or equivalent

• Strategic thinking that will inform the long-term growth of the Maintenance function

• Hands-on, results-oriented and quality-driven, with outstanding analytical skills

• Ability to influence clients, teams, and individuals positively, you lead by example and establish confident relationships with increasingly senior people

• Flexibility and adaptability