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Air Operations Expert - Rotorcraft

Type of Selection:  Internal and External
Contract Type:  Temporary agent
Grade:  AD06
Deadline for application:  18/10/2026 at 23:59 CET
Experience Level:  Professional
Approx. number of candidates on reserve list:  5
Location:  Cologne, Germany
Monthly gross compensation (€):  6,961.29 - 7,253.84

Our employees are our most valuable asset. We therefore offer a wide range of benefits.

 

EASA is the leading aviation authority in Europe. A career at EASA means contributing to our vision for an ever safer and greener civil aviation. As an EASA employee, you will be making a difference to the lives of about 500 million fellow Europeans: this is our shared purpose and it could be yours, too. From our headquarters in Cologne, Germany, you will work with top experts in a multicultural work environment. Diversity and Inclusion are part of our DNA and innovation is at the heart of what we do. We ensure that aviation is safe in all phases: beginning with the certification of the aircraft to the rules for the air operation and crew. For more information about the Agency please consult our website and take a look at our organisation structure. Are you interested to contribute to our mission? Then see below what it takes to accomplish the role.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and non-discrimination. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage applications from female candidates. 

Job Overview

The Air Operations Expert - Rotorcraft will support the implementation of rulemaking, safety promotion and research activities under the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS). In this role, the post-holder will contribute to the development of effective, proportionate and forward-looking air operations standards, working closely with internal and external stakeholders across the European and international aviation system.

 

The position requires the ability to lead complex technical activities and facilitate stakeholder discussions. It is intended for a professional with demonstrable specialist expertise in rotorcraft air operations.

 



Main Accountabilities

  • Lead or contribute to assigned rulemaking, safety promotion and research tasks within areas of expertise, in line with the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS).
  • Develop and draft regulatory material, guidance material, acceptable means of compliance and other relevant non-binding products related to air operations standards.
  • Apply the Agency’s rulemaking procedures and contribute to the continuous improvement of methods, processes and ways of working.
  • Act as the focal point for assigned technical domains within air operations standards, providing expert input and ensuring consistency of technical and regulatory positions.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including the European Commission services, to support the development, consultation, communication and implementation of regulatory outputs.
  • Lead or support expert groups, stakeholder discussions, public consultations, workshops and meetings, including the preparation, conduct and follow-up of such activities.
  • Prepare briefing notes, reports, analyses, presentations and other material to support decision-making, communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Represent the Agency, as appropriate, in meetings, workshops, conferences and other relevant fora.
  • Monitor operational, safety, technological and regulatory developments, assess their potential impact, and contribute to the evolution of the regulatory framework.
  • Contribute to the planning, monitoring and delivery of assigned tasks and outputs, ensuring alignment with milestones, quality standards and project objectives.
  • Contribute, where relevant, to tender specifications, evaluation of bids, and oversight of externally contracted research and study projects.
  • Lead assigned rulemaking and related technical activities in the field of rotorcraft air operations.
  • Act as the department’s focal point for rotorcraft air operations matters and provide specialist advice within the Agency.
  • Represent the Agency externally as subject-matter expert in rotorcraft air operations.
  • Support collaboration within the team, including providing back-up to peer Air Operations Experts during absences and key events.

Admission Criteria

The following constitute eligibility and essential criteria for the role and for being admitted to the selection process. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria by the deadline for applications, will be excluded from the selection:

  • Have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the European Union (at least level C1) and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the EU to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties (at least level B2). One of the required languages shall be English*.
  • Be a national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
  • Have completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma in relevant subjects in scope of the profile. 
  • After obtaining the university degree, have at least three (3) years of professional experience acquired in relevant areas.
  • Have a proven track record in drafting, reviewing or implementing technical or regulatory aviation material.
  • Demonstrate professional experience in rotorcraft operations or oversight, with knowledge of rotorcraft operational concepts, limitations, and safety considerations.

 

The following constitute advantageous criteria for the role. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria will not be excluded from the selection process:

  • Being or having been a qualified air operations and/or RAMP inspector within an aviation authority.
  • Familiarity with chairing or facilitating technical working groups involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with research, innovation or emerging technologies, safety risk management, safety analysis or operational risk assessment.
  • Holding or having held a Pilot Licence for Rotorcraft.

 

* English oral and written skills will be assessed throughout the assessment phase. Further language assessment may be organised, where necessary, to verify compliance with the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of two EU languages.


This vacancy is open as well to Temporary Agents (2f) employed at EASA, in the grade bracket AD5-AD9.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is based on the assessment of the Professional Skills and Behavioural Competences listed below. While these are considered critical to perform the role effectively, candidates who do not meet all criteria may still be considered.

Professional Skills

Rules Development Process
Basic Regulation
English Drafting of Technical Documents
ICAO Annex 6 - Operation Of Aircraft
Air Operations
EU Air Operations Regulations
Rotorcraft

Behavioural Competences

Flexibility & Change Adaptability
Professional & Technical Expertise
Communication
Teamwork
Critical Thinking

Mandatory Pre-Employment Requirements

Prior to recruitment, you will be requested to demonstrate that you:  

  • Are entitled to the full rights as a citizen
  • Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service
  • Meet the character requirements for the duties involved (you will be asked to provide a police certificate confirming the absence of any criminal record) 
  • Are physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post (you will be asked to undergo a medical examination in a centre indicated by EASA)

Conditions of employment

Contract: 5 years contract as Temporary Agent 2 (f) with possibility of extension
Working hours: 40 hrs per week (on a full-time working pattern). Flexible working arrangements
Salary: Step in grade upon recruitment based on years of work experience. Additional allowances depending on personal situation
Location: Cologne, Germany (relocation is required)

Application & Selection Process

How to apply

We can only accept applications that are submitted in English through our Recruiting tool. Before sending your application, make sure it is complete and contains the document(s) specified in the vacancy notice. Please also ensure that your candidate profile, all relevant fields and the answers to the pre-screening questions are correct. You may review and amend data demonstrating compliance with the eligibility and selection criteria only until the closing date of applications for the respective selection procedure.

For further information take a look at How we hire. In case of questions or technical issues, email us at recruit@easa.europa.eu. Attach a description and screenshot of the error. 

To check if you are meeting the minimum education qualifications required for the job, consult the information published by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO): Examples of minimum qualifications

Important note on diplomas obtained outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or Norway: If your application is found eligible on the basis of diploma(s) obtained outside these countries, we might ask you to provide proof of accreditation by one of the European Union Member States. This applies also to diplomas obtained in the UK after 31 December 2020.

Make sure you are meeting the language requirements: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and assess your language skills. Language certificates are not required at the stage of application, unless specified in the vacancy.

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via E-mail. If your application has been rejected following the initial screening, the status in your candidate profile will be automatically updated to "Not admitted". Invitations to the shortlisted candidates are sent once the evaluation of applications is completed (this may take up to two months after expiry of the deadline to apply). Pre-selection exercises, online tests and interviews with the Selection Board usually take place remotely. If you are not selected for this position but are still considered suitable, you will be placed on a reserve list from which you might be considered for similar positions within EASA. Learn more about our Selection and Onboarding process. Take a look also at our comprehensive information on Benefits, get to know Our people and find out what Life in Cologne is like.

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