Head of Product Certification

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation. 

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. 

Now’s the time to get on board. We’re building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day. 

If you're an aerospace engineer ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity. 

About the role

As Head of Product Certification, you’ll play a critical leadership role providing strategic and technical leadership across product certification, ensuring aircraft and aerospace products entering or developed within New Zealand meet the highest safety and regulatory standards.

You’ll lead a highly skilled team of specialists and sit on the Aviation Safety Oversight Leadership Team, contributing to system-wide performance, regulatory stewardship, and continuous improvement. Working closely with industry, international regulators, and government partners, you’ll help build a world-class product certification capability that not only safeguards safety and public trust but also enables innovation and global export of New Zealand aerospace products.

This is a role where leadership, judgement, and influence matter — balancing robust regulation with forward-looking, risk‑based oversight in an evolving aviation environment.

The salary range is between $188,168 and maximum of $261,778.  Salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role.

What You’ll Bring

You’re an experienced leader who thrives in complex regulatory environments. You bring sound judgement, strong technical insight, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust internally and externally. With a strong focus on people and performance, you’ll know how to lead specialist teams through complexity.

To be considered you will need:

• Deep knowledge of technical disciplines within the field of aircraft/product certification, acquired through comprehensive experience and extensive professional development (e.g. structures, propulsion, systems safety, avionics, software and AEH, flight testing) 
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory oversight and/or a deep understanding of the aviation system and its regulatory framework
• Proven leadership capability, with experience leading and developing high‑performing teams of technical specialists in complex environments
• Strong decision‑making skills, with the ability to analyse complex information and make balanced, evidence‑based judgements
• A track record of building credibility and influence with senior stakeholders, industry participants, and external partners
• Experience operating at a senior leadership level, contributing to organisational strategy, performance, and culture
• The ability to remain calm, objective, and resilient under pressure
• A full driver’s licence

Why Join Us

Our values — Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration — guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Ready to Apply?

We’re an Accredited Employer with Immigration NZ and welcome applications from overseas candidates looking to make Wellington, NZ your next destination. Please visit Immigration NZ for more information.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter.

Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: 7 April 2026