Head of Engineering – CES (Completion & Engineering Services)

As Head of Engineering, you are responsible for the development, execution and continuous improvement of all engineering activities for large-scale projects in the VVIP and Special Mission Aircraft (SMA) market. Your scope covers the full lifecycle — from conceptual design through to successful delivery of products and services to the customer.

In addition, the Engineering organization provides modification engineering, engineering services and ongoing support for the Fokker fleet. You lead the Engineering department across Woensdrecht and Hoofddorp, managing approximately 50 engineers and specialists, while ensuring that critical knowledge and expertise in aircraft and systems design is secured and continuously developed.

Position in the Organisation

You report hierarchically to the BU Director CES and lead a team of three Engineering Team Leaders. You act as the primary representative of Engineering within the CES leadership team and towards internal and external stakeholders.

Your Role & Responsibilities

As Head of Engineering, you ensure that engineering teams are fully enabled to execute work packages, projects and services within agreed schedule, budget, quality and technical requirements, while meeting both internal and external customer expectations. You actively shape engineering strategy and provide recommendations to the BU Director regarding process improvements, investments and capability development to maintain market competitiveness.

You manage the implementation of new engineering processes and procedures, including training and employee development programs, and decide on temporary assignment of engineers and outsourcing of defined work packages when required. You support proposal and bid phases and participate in key project, technical and design reviews.

A core responsibility is the development, cross-training and long-term capability growth of engineers and specialists. You challenge resource allocation in terms of volume and expertise to ensure efficient, on-time and high-quality delivery. You provide input to the Operational Plan and are accountable for achieving Engineering-related OP targets.

You represent Engineering in management meetings, strategic sessions, project reviews and design reviews, and ensure that all team members comply with company procedures, safety, quality, environmental, security and export compliance regulations.

Collaboration & Communication

You operate in a highly collaborative environment and work closely with Procurement, Logistics/Operations, Production, Component Maintenance and Commercial teams, including frequent interaction with project sponsors and customers. You consult with Project Managers, Senior Specialists and Compliance Verification Engineers on technical matters and maintain regular alignment with peer managers and the BU Director CES.

You are responsible for reporting on:

• Operational Plan targets and KPIs
• Budgets, EAC and regular management progress reports
• Forward load and capacity planning
• Weekly accomplishments and productive hours
• Training needs and capability development

Knowledge & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Proven experience in managing engineering projects and teams
• Strong knowledge of change management and process improvement
• Demonstrated leadership skills (both hard and soft skills)
• Solid background in project management
• Proven ability to motivate, empower and develop employees
• Knowledge of design organisation requirements, norms, regulations and processes
• Familiarity with company regulations related to safety, quality, environment, security and export compliance
• Proficiency in English and Dutch (minimum B2 level)