At Northrop Grumman Australia, we don't just support aircraft. We enable capability that protects Australia.
With more than 800 employees nationally and backing from one of the world's leading aerospace and defence organisations, we're delivering sovereign capability across Defence aviation, mission systems, space and guided weapons. As we continue to grow, so do the opportunities for our people to build meaningful, long-term careers across multiple aircraft platforms, programs and engineering disciplines.
We're looking for an experienced Certification Project Lead to join our Design & Certification team.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants to move beyond compliance administration and become a recognised leader in airworthiness, certification and engineering governance.
The Opportunity
Behind every aircraft modification, capability upgrade, repair scheme and engineering change is one critical question: Can we prove it is safe, compliant and airworthy?
As a Certification Project Lead, you'll be the person helping answer that question.
You will take ownership of certification activities across complex Defence aviation programs, leading engagement with engineering teams, Defence stakeholders, certification authorities and Military Type Certificate Holders to guide projects from concept through to approval. You'll play a central role in shaping certification strategies, coordinating compliance activities, and ensuring engineering solutions meet the rigorous requirements expected within Defence aviation environments.
This role offers the rare opportunity to influence certification outcomes across multiple aircraft types, programs and technologies while working alongside some of Australia's leading aviation and engineering professionals.
Why This Role Stands Out
Many certification roles focus on maintaining compliance.
This role is about leading it.
You'll have the opportunity to:
✈ Influence certification strategies across nationally significant Defence programs
✈ Work directly with senior engineering leaders, Defence stakeholders, regulators and airworthiness authorities
✈ Lead complex certification projects from planning through to approval
✈ Mentor and develop the next generation of certification and engineering professionals
✈ Build expertise across multiple aviation platforms rather than being tied to a single fleet
✈ Travel across Australia to support program activities, stakeholder engagement and Defence aviation operations
✈ Develop a long-term career path within one of the world's most respected aerospace and defence organisations
What You'll Be Doing
As the focal point for certification activities, you will:
Lead certification planning and execution across Defence aviation programs
Coordinate certification strategies, compliance demonstration and approval activities
Work closely with Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), Military Type Certificate Holder organisations and customer representatives
Guide engineering teams through airworthiness requirements and compliance obligations
Coordinate certification programs, investigations, repairs and compliance activities
Support engineering governance and continuous improvement initiatives
Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring across the engineering community
What we offer:
One of the unique advantages of joining Northrop Grumman Australia is the opportunity to build a career across diverse programs, technologies and platforms.
Today's certification challenge may involve one aircraft platform. Tomorrow could see you supporting entirely different capabilities across Defence aviation, mission systems, autonomous technologies or future aerospace initiatives.
We invest in our people because we know our future capability depends on theirs.
You'll have access to:
Professional development and further education support
Career opportunities across multiple programs and locations
Salary packaging including novated car leases and the option to purchase additional annual leave.
Opportunities to broaden your technical and leadership capability
Health and wellbeing initiatives
Flexible working options, including hybrid working, volunteer leave and varying start and finish times to suit your family needs.
About You
You're more than an experienced engineer.
You'll bring:
Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical, Aerospace or equivalent)
Extensive professional engineering experience within aviation environments
Strong knowledge of airworthiness and certification requirements, including DASR Part 21 environments
Experience working with customers, operators, maintainers, regulators and aviation stakeholders
A proven ability to lead technical outcomes within multidisciplinary environments
Strong communication and influencing skills
The ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 Security Clearance.
Build More Than a Job. Build a Career. Defining Possible. Together.
Everyone Matters
At Northrop Grumman Australia, we do the right thing, do what we promise, commit to shared success and pioneer innovative solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems. These values underpin everything we do and create an environment where talented people can thrive.
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
If you're ready to apply your airworthiness and certification expertise where it truly matters and build a long-term career shaping the future of Defence aviation, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable, as such your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. You will also need to satisfy police checks and employment screening verification
