Engineering Director- Rotary

JMC Aviation

Engineering Director- Rotary

JMC is seeking an exceptional Engineering Director to spearhead an Engineering Department of a well respected, leaving MRO based in Abu Dhabi. This is a permanent opportunity in a pivotal leadership role for an accomplished aviation professional ready to drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver world-class aircraft maintenance services.

The Role

As Engineering Director, you'll be the strategic leader responsible for planning, directing, and monitoring all engineering activities across the fleet. You'll ensure aircraft operations meet the highest safety standards while delivering cost-effective, timely maintenance services that exceed customer expectations. Acting as the official representative with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), you'll be at the forefront of aviation regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement departmental strategies, budgets, and organizational development initiatives
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full alignment with GCAA, CAA, FAA regulations and maintain all aircraft certifications
• Operational Excellence: Oversee aircraft maintenance, repair, and servicing operations to guarantee safe, on-time performance
• Team Development: Lead, coach, and develop engineering teams while managing recruitment, training, and performance
• Stakeholder Management: Build relationships with regulatory bodies, manufacturers, vendors, and internal customers
• Quality Assurance: Implement continuous improvement initiatives and address audit findings promptly
• Contract Management: Negotiate and administer major contracts and service acquisitions
• Risk Management: Conduct proactive risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in Maintenance Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Aircraft Mechanics
• Form 4 Postholder
• Valid GCAA-recognised international license with Post Holder authorisation
• CAR M & CAR 145 Training certification
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience
• 5+ years in senior leadership roles within aviation engineering
• Extensive rotary wing aircraft knowledge and experience
• Deep understanding of GCAA, CAA, FAA regulations
• Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proven ability to counsel and advise at all organizational levels

Highly Desirable:

• Master's degree in Aircraft Maintenance Management or Management
• Additional licenses (FAA, GACA, EASA, CARC)
• Arabic language proficiency
• ISO 9001 experience
• Policy and procedure development expertise

Core Competencies

We're looking for a leader with demonstrated proficiency in:

• Integrity and ethical leadership
• Negotiation and customer focus
• Change leadership and decision-making
• Planning, organizing, and attention to detail
• Coaching and performance management
• Results-focused approach with safety priority