Aviation’s carbon footprint is growing, and "net-zero 2050" is too far away. At MAKO, we’re decarbonising the global fleet right now.
By applying the biomimicry of shark skin to aircraft, our functional film is set to save billions in fuel and megatonnes of CO2 annually.
We need a Head of Certification & Airworthiness to turn this breakthrough science into a global aviation standard. As the head of this function you will be the primary architect of our path to flight from product certification to manufacturing, installation, and ongoing support.
The Mission: What You’ll Do
Architect the Roadmap: Design the global master plan. You’ll identify the fastest, most tactical pathways to certification across the FAA, EASA, and CASA for a novel and highly impactful aviation technology
Code the DNA: Airworthiness is the foundation of our product’s implementation and impact. You will build the systems and culture that ensure compliance is baked into every molecule of our material, from the lab to the hangar
Lead the Charge: This is a high-stakes, "player-coach" role. You’ll get your hands dirty with PSCPs and test plans while simultaneously mentoring world-class product engineering, manufacturing systems engineering, manufacturing operations and delivery teams
Regulatory Diplomacy: Be our envoy. You will navigate the high‑level negotiations with regulators and DERs, winning trust and securing approvals for our novel shark‑skin technology
Translate Science to Standards: Act as the bridge between two worlds. You’ll turn dense regulatory jargon into clear, actionable design specs for our Aerodynamics and Materials teams
Success Looks Like
Month 1: Integration. You’ve audited our PSCPs, mastered our material behavior profiles, and built a shorthand with the Aerodynamics and Manufacturing teams. You know the tech, the gaps, and the players
Month 6: Ownership. Our certification programs are yours. You’ve streamlined requirements management and created a "single source of truth" where design data and compliance findings meet seamlessly. You have brought manufacturing operations and delivery in to ensure alignment for production authorisation and they are ready to install post certification.
Year 1: Result. You’ve steered a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to the finish line. MAKO is now a trusted name with regulators. We are manufacturing and delivering Flightfilm and taking a bite out of global aviation emissions.
About You
Experience:
You have 15+ years in aircraft certification, specifically with TCs, STCs, or major modifications. Experience with Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) or Production Organisation Approvals (POAs) a plus.
Technical Expertise:
You possess a deep working knowledge of CS-25, FAA 14 CFR Part 21/25, and standards like DO-160 or ARP5412
Startup Ready:
You thrive in fast‑moving, sometimes ambiguous environments where you need to build the playbook while playing the game
Leadership:
You have a track record of leading interdisciplinary teams through the rigors of complex aerospace programs
Education:
You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, or Materials Engineering
Why Join MAKO?
Impact: Aviation is one of the hardest to abate industries, and its share of global emissions is only growing. Join our mission to improve the efficiency of the global fleet and save millions of tonnes of CO2 every year
Technology: Our technology leverages the drag‑reducing properties of shark skin to make aircraft more efficient. You'll be exposed to expertise and developments in materials, photolithography, fluid dynamics, and scale manufacturing
Team: Our team focuses on achieving our mission. We live our values of Lift over Drag, Active Transparency, and Changing the Boundary Conditions, and we welcome new team members who want to do the same
Corporate Jet: We have (most of) a corporate jet. It won't fly, but it sure does look cool
Ready to change the boundary conditions of aviation? Let’s talk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr