The IAA are seeking an experienced Aeronautical Engineer. Reporting to the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control, the Aeronautical Engineer will be responsible for accepting aircraft on to the Irish aircraft register and exercising safety oversight of organisations and individuals associated with aircraft design, production, modification and repair.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Advising the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control on matters concerning the Irish aircraft register and Article 83 bis agreements, and the exercising of entry control through the granting of certificates, permits and approvals relating to aircraft, aircraft production and aircraft operation (e.g. airworthiness certificates, permits to fly, RVSM approvals, Flight Manuals)
* Exercising surveillance of activities in connection with aircraft design, production, and repair to ensure that organisations and individuals comply with the required safety standards. This includes carrying out audits, spot checks, inspections, and liaising with the industry
* Exercising surveillance of activities in connection with Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTDs) in line with EASA requirements. This includes audits, initial and recurrent evaluations, liaising with the industry as well as audits and evaluations conducted under the EASA partnership
* Providing information and support to the owners and operators of aircraft concerning aircraft registration, certification, modification and repair for the purposes of clarification, policy announcements, technical information, accident information. Support includes giving advice on regulations and standards
* Exercising corrective action (i.e., administrative and if necessary, initiate legal measures) to ensure compliance with the required standards
* Advising the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control on exit control involving aircraft, products, parts, services, facilities, procedures, or systems regarding the variation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification of an approval, permit or certificate; as well as, seizing the aircraft, products, parts or facilities; and exercising exit control over those voluntarily leaving the system
* Advising the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control on specific or general matters relating to aircraft registration, production, certification modifications and repair
* Assisting in the provision of technical advice in the development of safety standards and in the development of regulations concerning, aircraft registration, production, certification, modification and repair
* Assisting in the maintenance and preservation of the Irish Civil Aircraft Register and other records and documents relating to the role and function of the Irish Civil Aircraft Register
* Assisting in the provision of technical advice and support to the Safety Analysis and Performance Division, or other divisions, in the investigation of aircraft accidents, incidents and defects
* Represent the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control on matters relating to the registration and design approval of aircraft
* Represent the Authority at local and international fora as required to support the interests of the Authority
* Participate in the Authority's Performance Management System
* Comply with health and safety issues in accordance with the Company Safety Statement
* Monitoring, maintaining, and developing ISO 9001:2015 quality standards
* Ensuring (as appropriate) equality of opportunity for all employees in area of responsibility in accordance with Company Equality Policies
* Supporting the Division with the emergence of new aircraft categories e.g. hybrid/electric propulsion systems
Stakeholders
In addition to reporting to the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control, the Aeronautical Engineer will liaise with functional line management in the other IAA Directorates and the following external stakeholders:
* Individual airlines, air operators, general aviation operators
* Repair organisations, design organisations, production organisations
* Aircraft manufacturers
* Department of Transport and other State bodies, EC
* Other civil aviation authorities & appropriate international organisations (ICAO, EASA, Eurocontrol, EC)
* Aviation industry bodies, aviation sports bodies
This job description is not exhaustive, other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Manager Aircraft Registration & Design Control.
Skills, Competencies, and Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:
Required
* Degree in aeronautical engineering or equivalent.
* A minimum of 8 years industry experience in aircraft technical services, design services including aircraft structures, with significant experience at a senior level
* A good knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards in both Ireland and countries with which the Department interacts.
* A good knowledge of ICAO, EASA and other relevant international agreements and requirements.
* An ability and willingness to manage clients and their expectations.
* Sound understanding of aviation safety management systems.
* Strong negotiation and organisational skills
* Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, report writing and presentation skills.
* Excellent numerical and written reasoning ability
* Excellent IT skills, including the full range of Microsoft Office365 applications. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software (as appropriate)
Desirable
* 5 or more years' experience in an aircraft design organisation at a design signatory level
* Design signatory experience in aircraft cabin safety or aircraft structures
* A higher-level degree qualification in a management or technical field
* An understanding of the financial principals that apply to aviation and in particular aviation regulation
* A good understanding of software-based systems and cybersecurity
* Experience with risk‑based oversight methodologies and data‑driven safety performance monitoring
* An understanding of environmental requirements in aviation certification
* A knowledge of structures stress analysis or continuing structural integrity
KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:
For assessment of applicants the following competency model will be used.
EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
* Leadership Potential
* Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making
* Management & Delivery of Results
* Interpersonal & Communication Skills
* Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Process
may
include:
* Shortlisting of candidates, based on the information contained in their application
* A competitive preliminary interview which may include a presentation
* Psychometric testing
* Work sample/role play/media exercise, and any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate
* A second competitive interview which may include a presentation
* Garda Vetting
SALARY RATE
The salary range for this role is Point 1 €96,967 to Point 14 €149,389.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.
HOURS OF ATTENDANCE
Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours gross per week. The successful candidate will be required to work additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.
ANNUAL LEAVE
Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 26 days per annum rising to 30 days per annum after 5 years' service.
PENSION
Membership of the Irish Aviation Authority Defined Contribution Plan 2025 is compulsory.
Employee and matching employer contribution rates are:
Employee
Employer
4% 8%
5% 10%
6% 12%
OTHER BENEFITS
1. Access to cycle to work scheme
2. Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work
3. Access to Employee Assistance Programme
4. Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives
5. Learning and Development opportunities
LOCATION
The IAA is based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O'Connell Street and St. Stephen's Green.
Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Remote Working Policy.
APPLICATION
Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:
1. A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position
2. A comprehensive CV
Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation
should be received no later than 5pm 5th February 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.
The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.
The IAA promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including, but not limited to, ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.
If you have a disability or need any specific accommodations during the application or selection process, please let us know. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the recruitment process. You can contact us