Senior Project Manager

About the Role Javelin Aerospace is seeking a technically mature project lead with strong aerospace certification leadership experience to support a large aerial tanker (LAT) conversion project based in the Sunshine Coast, QLD. This role will oversee a variety of structural, avionics and systems modifications, including manufacturing and continuing airworthiness activities. The applicant will be responsible for providing certification leadership and driving Type Certification activities with CASA. This program involves significant project ambiguity, legacy aircraft data, and the introduction of novel firefighting provisions. The successful applicant will be able to maintain clarity, engineering discipline and controlled execution in a demanding systems‑integration environment, and be able to balance certification outcomes against commercial pressures. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be comfortable signing an NDA before discussing project details. Key Responsibilities Technical leadership and engineering control Lead the structural engineering effort for the large-scale project, ensuring all modifications are grounded in sound aerospace principles and compliant with airworthiness requirements. Set and maintain the technical baseline, including assumptions, load paths, analysis methods and acceptance criteria. Direct the substantiation approach for major structural and avionics modifications. Review and challenge existing damage tolerance and fatigue and modelling strategies. Resolve discrepancies between legacy aircraft data, physical configuration and engineering intent, applying engineering judgement in the absence of complete documentation. Oversee and validate the generation of certification artefacts (Issue Papers, Compliance Plans etc), ensuring traceability from requirements through to substantiation evidence. Project delivery and systems integration Establish and maintain a disciplined project delivery framework consistent with CASR regulatory frameworks and capital project principles: ensuring alignment of scope, schedule, cost and certification deliverables. Define and manage program phases in a phased, gated structure: ensuring traceability of capital flow, design maturity, and certification progress. Engage stakeholders through structured communication cycles: i.e. weekly technical stand‑ups (or as required), weekly cost/schedule reviews (or as required), and proactive leadership updates (or as required) to maintain alignment and manage all stakeholder expectations. Track baseline‑to‑actual performance using data‑driven metrics; deliver concise progress and performance reporting to stakeholders; and use these insights to drive continuous improvement and future project forecasting. You will oversee and coordinate a small team of drafting and certification engineers, technical specialists (internal/external) and certifying engineers. You will be responsible for guiding priorities, ensuring outputs align with engineering intent, and maintaining steady, progressive workflow through the certification cycle. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria: Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent); Minimum 7–10 years of experience in aerospace engineering, design certification, or modification projects; Proven experience delivering programs under CASR Part 21 (or equivalent DASA/EASA/FAA frameworks); Strong understanding of structural and avionics substantiations for transport category fixed‑wing aircraft; Demonstrated ability to manage complex engineering programs through gated or tollgate‑style delivery frameworks; Proficient in interpreting legacy aircraft data, reconciling documentation gaps, and applying sound engineering judgement; Experience maintaining integrated project schedules and managing interfaces between engineering, drafting, procurement, and certification; Demonstrated ability to communicate technical decisions clearly to both engineering and executive stakeholders; High degree of independence, accountability, and precision in decision‑making and technical documentation. Demonstrated emotional intelligence and highly developed people‑management skills. Ready to help shape the future of aerospace with our dyamic team? Apply now and become a critical part of our mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr