Senior Avionics Electrical Design Engineer

 is a global engineering services and technology solutions company, we pride ourselves in being responsive to our customers and are committed to delivering our solutions in a timely way. Small enough to care, big enough to matter, we leverage the benefits of scale for our clients.

We are Smart People solving Complex Challenges

Nova Systems International’s Mission Solutions design team focus on equipping rotorcraft and aircraft for special missions that keep people safe, be that rescuing people from the sea, patrolling borders, or covert surveillance, we play a key part in keeping the global community safe. 

To ensure we can continue to successfully deliver this critical work we are hoping to expand our team in 2025 and keen to hear from anyone looking for a move. 

The Role

The Senior Avionics / Electrical Design Engineer requires accountability for the delivery of electrical / avionic compliance and design artefacts within the Nova DOA such as Drawing sets, compliance reports and test plans. Within the Nova Systems organization you are responsible for the effective creation of delegated tasks to meet the business and regulatory requirements for the work being undertaken. Depending on experience, the role includes the potential for check and CVE activities across the Special Missions arm of Nova System’s DOA. Where this is granted, the candidate within the role is to ensure informed and accurate technical and certification advice is being provided to the team.

Specific Requirements

Your responsibilities shall include but not be limited to:

• Taking ownership for electrical/avionics design aspects of the assigned project, ensuring compliance with airworthiness requirements, customer specifications and company objectives.
• Compilation of drawings, test plans and compliance documents to a high level of technical accuracy and in compliance with applicable airworthiness and environmental protection requirements.
• Deliver all electrical / avionic design artefacts, in accordance with both design and customer requirements, to the expected quality, cost and time budgets.
• Utilise your experience as an engineer to contribute to Compliance Verification activities associated with tasking within the organization in accordance with requirements.
• Where delegated, act as a checker and CVE within the electrical / avionic design team, using previous industry experience to drive compliant solutions.
• Selection of materials / processes appropriate to the design, including monitoring of industry trends to identify suitable new and innovative processes, building the future of the business.
• Ensure designs are appropriate for manufacturing requirements.
• Contribute to the creation and approval of schemes and concepts for customer presentations.
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with applicable stakeholders including Nova Systems Internal Design Stakeholders and peers, customers, suppliers and sub-contractors.
• Manage your own professional development and set an example for others within the business in this regard.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• Experience of operating appropriate tools (i.e. CAD, MS Office Suite etc.). Nova utilise AutoCAD 2D CAD Software for creation of drawing artefacts.
• Knowledge of applicable EASA law, regulation and design codes (e.g. Part 21, CS 23, CS 25, CS 27 and CS 29).
• Strong knowledge of applicable integration, down-selection and test and evaluation of software / firmware driven systems.
• Academic qualification(s) (or equivalent experience) sufficient to support the execution of the role.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels.
• Self-starter with a drive and intellectual curiosity to continuously improve and develop professionally.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• Current or previous Panel 5 / 6 (Electrical / Avionics) checker / CVE in appropriate disciplines (Small / Large Rotorcraft and Aeroplanes).
• Experience of working in and around the hangar environment from a design perspective.
• Practical application of electrical / avionic engineering skills.
• Member of relevant institution and Chartered Engineer status (or working towards).

What will I be doing? 

• Act as Certifying Staff and issue UK CAA Form 1 certificates for new and repaired parts as delegated.
• Managing the introduction of design product changes in a controlled manner.
• Ensure compliance with Part 21G Production Organisation Exposition and Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Exposition, and other company manuals, adapting to the changing requirements of the business as it grows.
• Promote a safety culture and adhere to Health, Safety, and wellbeing requirements.
• Assist in establishing, maintaining, and improving work processes, procedures, and production/maintenance planning system.
• Assist with the production, maintenance, and installation planning, working collaboratively with the project managers, design team, supply chain team and customer Part 145.
• Proactively identify opportunities for improving production and maintenance practices through a culture of continuous improvement.
• Be a visible and approachable leadership presence, build your team’s confidence to achieve commercial results and high-quality standards while identifying high potential leaders and completing succession planning.
• Supervise a small team of skilled technicians in the production of parts to meet or exceed customer, regulatory and company standards.

What are we looking for? 

• Completed a recognised civilian apprenticeship or military equivalent qualification.
• Sound knowledge of civil regulatory requirements.
• Strong background in aerospace production and maintenance, with at least 8 years’ experience working within the aviation environment, specifically in the areas of aircraft modifications, maintenance or production.
• Strong understanding of EWIS and the safety practices in the aerospace production and maintenance environment with a keen awareness of human factors.
• Flexibility to travel when required
• Eligibility to work in the UK

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• EASA or UK CAA Part 66 B2 license for multi-engine rotorcraft or multi-engine airplane.
• H135, H145, AW139, AW169, AW189 or S92 experience an advantage
• Experience in team leadership and people management

Nova's Benefits and Perks

💰 SIPP Pension – 7% Matched by Nova

🌱 £3000 Annual Personal and Professional Development Allowance

📚 Personal Development Study Leave - 5 days/yr

🌴 25 days of Annual Leave per year plus bank holidays 

⏰ Flexible working conditions

🐥 Enhanced Family Leave 

😷  (UK) Health Insurance

🧬Life Insurance 

🛒 Great discounts at leading retailers

🧠 Employee Assistance Program 

🤼 An inclusive and supportive culture

🥈 Reward & Recognition Programme

About Nova Systems 

Nova Systems is a global engineering services and technology solutions company with strategically located offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. What makes Nova Systems truly unique, is our people. Nova Systems is where the best and brightest minds come together to challenge, collaborate, and innovate. At Nova Systems we see things differently. We bring (and take) a different perspective.

We are a leading supplier of turnkey bespoke aircraft modification solutions, aerospace engineering and test & evaluation services to governments and industry. For our Special Missions aircraft modifications, certification is at the very heart of what we do. We are a niche EASA 21J DOA with a strong, employee-focussed culture and highly professional work ethic. We currently have design offices in Ireland, the UK and Singapore. Opportunities exist to work as part of a global and dynamic team environment both locally and abroad on challenging special mission aircraft modification projects in support of our global clientele. 

We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector as a whole. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role descriptions, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment and respect for every individual. We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively supporting the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.

Nova Systems does not accept any recruitment agency solicitation.