Technical Director

DOA21 Ltd is a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved Design Organisation (DOA) based in Malta. We specialize in offering tailored aircraft modifications and repairs across a wide range of disciplines, including Structural, Electrical, Avionics, ECS, Cabin Safety, including Flight Conditions/Permit to Fly.

Role Purpose:

The Technical Director is a key member of the leadership team responsible for directing and managing all technical, design, and certification activities within the EASA-approved Design Organisation (DOA).
The role combines technical depth with strategic oversight, ensuring that all design projects are executed safely, compliantly, and in accordance with contractual, schedule, and financial objectives.

The Technical Director leads the DOA engineering staff, provides technical governance, and ensures robust project management discipline across the organisation. The role also provides technical input at a design level and may act as a Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) within the holder's area(s) of expertise.

Technical and Organisational Leadership

• Lead and manage the technical organisation to maintain compliance with EASA Part 21 Subpart J, including oversight of engineering, airworthiness, and compliance teams.
• Provide leadership to all technical disciplines — structures, systems, avionics, interiors, flight, and certification — ensuring design integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adequate resources, competence, and succession planning within the DOA.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and open communication.
• Act as the primary technical interface between the DOA Head of Design Organisation (HDO) and the CEO for all engineering matters.

Project and Programme Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of design and certification projects from concept through to approval.
• Define and monitor project milestones, deliverables, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Ensure that all design and certification activities are executed in accordance with contractual commitments, customer specifications, and schedule requirements.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, dependencies, and change controls in line with the organisation's project management framework.
• Drive cross-functional coordination between engineering, airworthiness,
• Report project status and key performance metrics to the CEO

Contractual and Commercial Awareness

• Support the CEO in reviewing technical statements of work (SOWs), contractual obligations, and deliverables.
• Ensure technical proposals and schedules accurately reflect the scope, risks, and resource requirements of the DOA.
• Monitor progress against customer contracts and ensure timely delivery of compliant design data, reports, and certification packages.
• Assist with contract negotiations and technical clarifications where required.
• Support cost estimation, bid preparation, and resource planning for new work packages.

Technical Contribution and Compliance Oversight

• Provide high-level technical direction and decision-making on design and certification issues.
• Support compliance demonstration and the approval of design data in accordance with 21.A.239.
• Participate in design and airworthiness reviews, risk assessments, and safety analyses.
• (Where authorised) act as a Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) for designated disciplines.
• Ensure effective document control, configuration management, and traceability of design changes.
• Maintain strong relationships with EASA, National Aviation Authorities, and other regulatory or airworthiness stakeholders.

Strategic and Continuous Improvement

• Support the CEO and HDO in defining and implementing strategic objectives for the DOA.
• Contribute to expansion of the DOA's scope of approval, capability development, and process improvement.
• Drive the adoption of modern engineering tools, data management systems, and digital design methods.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff to build organisational resilience and capability.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5-10 years' experience in aircraft design, modification, and certification within an EASA Part 21 Subpart J environment.
• Demonstrable leadership and project management experience at senior level.
• Strong working knowledge of EASA Part 21, CS-23/25/27/29, and applicable AMC/GM guidance.
• Proven record of managing multi-disciplinary engineering projects to budget and schedule.
• Familiarity with contractual frameworks, Statements of Work (SOWs), milestones, and deliverable-based projects.
• (Desirable) Authorised CVE within one or more disciplines (Structures, Systems, or Avionics).
• (Desirable) Experience as Form 4 holder or nominated postholder under a DOA.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills with ability to motivate high-performing teams.
• Excellent project management discipline — planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Commercial and contractual awareness with the ability to balance compliance, schedule, and cost.
• Sound engineering judgement with a focus on safety, quality, and regulatory integrity.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Proficiency in MS Project or equivalent project management tools.

Performance Indicators

• Continued DOA compliance and successful EASA/NAA audits.
• On-time and on-budget delivery of design and certification projects.
• Quality and completeness of technical and contractual deliverables.
• Positive customer feedback and repeat business.
• Staff competence, engagement, and development metrics.