The Role

As the Aerodrome and Heliport Certification Manager, you will lead the delivery and continuous improvement of certification frameworks supporting the safe use of Defence aerodromes (land based and shipborne). You will lead and develop a technical team to deliver and oversee complex engineering assessments, guide stakeholders through certification requirements and processes, and shape and influence the development of policy and regulatory frameworks governing aerodrome certification. Using your technical expertise and leadership skills, you will build productive relationships across Defence and external stakeholders to ensure high standards of aviation safety to support Defence aviation safety and capability outcomes.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of regulation, policy, and standards for Defence aerodrome certification.
• Lead and maintain the certification process for Defence aerodromes.
• Guide aerodrome delivery projects and applicants through the certification process.
• Assess submissions and provide authoritative, risk-based recommendations for certification approvals.
• Analyse information from diverse sources to inform long-term safety and capability objectives.

The successful candidate will work within legislative and regulatory frameworks while exercising sound judgement. They will work with a high degree of autonomy and delegated authority to analyse, investigate information from diverse sources, and drive continuous improvement and innovative approaches to support the strategic business objectives.

About our Team

The AHCERT team provides technical certification support, reviewing design requirements, assessing changes, and producing recommendations for aerodrome (land based aerodromes and shipborne heliport) approvals. Your team will also support Defence stakeholders through guidance material, education, and monitoring global aerodrome certification developments.

Business as usual activities include:

• Promulgating aerodrome technical guidance.
• Guiding Aerodrome Operators through their application of aerodrome certification for a wide variety of Defence aerodromes and shipborne heliports.
• Assessing the aerodrome certification application.
• Providing advice on technical aspects of aerodrome certification.
• Monitoring worldwide developments in aerodrome certification.
• Educating the community on aerodrome regulations and certification requirements.

Our Ideal Candidate

You demonstrate a strong commitment to aviation safety and the safe conduct of aerodrome land based and / or shipborne operations. You apply your aviation knowledge as a team leader, guiding and supporting a technical team. Demonstrated experience in evaluation of safety risks, or exposure to aviation safety risk management is highly desirable. You apply critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex aerodrome regulatory and safety issues, and assure the safety of aerodrome designs.

You build and maintain collaborative stakeholder relationships with aerodrome operators and project teams to identify, assess and manage safety risks and their implications. You provide sound, evidence based technical advice to make recommendations on aspects of an aerodrome design for safe operations. You are a confident communicator both verbally and in writing, tailored to diverse audiences. You demonstrate professionalism and the ability to influence stakeholders across a range of technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 15 July, 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference AF/03448/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=4EDE44CE-BD86-844E-EE84-ED07A3FE3CC9