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Head of Engineering

Job Title: Head of Engineering
Contract Type: Permanent Recruitment
Location: Newcastle
Specialisation:
Reference: 1006774
Contact Name: Ali Kimmorley
Contact Email: alik@peoplefusion.com.au
Job Published: November 28, 2025 12:15

Job Description

  • Lead an engineering function that genuinely makes a difference in the community

  • Senior leadership role shaping long-term engineering capability

  • Contribute to safety, innovation and operational excellence across the organisation

peoplefusion is proud to be partnering with Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) to recruit an experienced aviation engineering leader to join their Senior Leadership Team. This critical role will drive the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of maintenance and airworthiness outcomes across the organisation, supporting the delivery of world-class helicopter emergency medical services across Northern NSW.
  
About Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
  
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is a not-for-profit organisation providing world class aeromedical, search and rescue services to those in need 24/7. The Service has 50 years of proud history, and operates from three bases in NSW (Tamworth, Belmont and Lismore) in addition to a Head Office and Deep Level Maintenance (DLM) facility based in Broadmeadow, NSW.

With a clear vision to be Australia’s leading Aeromedical and Rescue Service provider, WRHS fosters a culture where employees are genuinely trusted, empowered, and supported through a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities.

More about the role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Engineering plays a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the strategic direction, capability and performance of the Engineering function (CAMO & AMO). Responsible for ensuring compliance under CASA Parts 42 and 145, you will guide the planning, maintenance and airworthiness programs that underpin safe operations across the fleet.
  
In this role, you will influence and drive outcomes across:

  • Long, medium and short-term maintenance and fleet planning

  • Airworthiness and regulatory compliance

  • Engineering systems improvement, digital transformation and data-driven decision making

  • Effective collaboration with Operations, NSW Ambulance, OEMs and suppliers

  • Workforce development, leadership capability and team performance

  • Budgeting, resource planning and operational efficiency

  • Safety leadership, SHEQ compliance and continuous improvement

This is a key role within the organisation, supporting the Service to deliver on its commitment to safety, reliability and world-class capability.
  
About you
  
You will be an experienced aviation engineering leader with a strong technical foundation and a values-driven approach. You bring credibility, resilience and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of engineering management.
  
To succeed in this role, you will ideally bring:

  • Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) qualification (essential)

  • Experience in Part 42 and/or Part 145 organisations

  • Strong leadership experience in aviation, ideally EMS and/or rotary-wing

  • Working knowledge of AW139 aircraft highly regarded

  • Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and lead through complexity

  • A proactive, improvement-focused mindset with strong stakeholder engagement skills

  • Commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace

Where technical expertise meets purpose, this role offers the opportunity to shape capability, innovate systems and contribute meaningfully to a service that saves lives every day.

Apply now and be part of a team committed to saving lives and serving the community.

How to apply

Click "Apply" to submit your covering letter and CV, outlining your motivation for this opportunity and how you believe your experience aligns. To learn more about the opportunity including the key responsibilities please click here.

For more information about the role, organisation culture and associated benefits, please contact Ali Kimmorley at peoplefusion on 02 4927 2006 or alik@peoplefusion.com.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close date: Monday, 5th January 2026

Successful applicants must have the right to work in Australia and be able to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks.

At peoplefusion we don’t just accept diversity and inclusion —we celebrate it! We strive to create an environment of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, religion or physical ability, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us.