Technical Publications Lead

AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

About The Role

This is a high-impact permanent role for an experienced technical publications leader who can bring structure, pace and assurance to a complex, supplier-enabled aerospace programme. You will be the principal link between AALTO Engineering, CAMO, Product Support, Line Maintenance, Quality, Configuration Management, the technical publications provider and the CSDB software provider.

Your goal is to establish, lead and continuously improve a controlled and sustainable operating model: source information is ready when authors need it; Data Modules are accurate, compliant and configuration-controlled; and approved publications are safe and practical for use.

Responsibilities to include:

• Lead programme delivery: own the integrated plan, milestones, dependencies, risks, issues and decisions, while providing clear progress and recovery reporting.

• Connect suppliers and stakeholders: coordinate internal teams and external providers, resolve queries, secure timely inputs and manage deliverable acceptance and rework.

• Establish S1000D and CSDB governance: define Business Rules, DMRL controls, coding, applicability, workflow, permissions, data ownership, status and release controls.

• Assure technical quality: assess engineering source-data readiness and challenge Data Modules for technical accuracy, compliance, clarity, usability and configuration integrity.

• Create a robust approval and release route: take content from approved engineering sources through verification, CAMO engagement, operational validation, baselining and controlled release.

• Control in-service change: implement processes for publication queries, defects, urgent interim instructions and permanent corrections, including effectivity, distribution and retirement.

• Build lasting capability: introduce practical measures, develop users and reviewers, embed effective ways of working, and lead the long-term growth of the technical publications capability.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Substantial experience in aerospace technical publications, aircraft maintenance, support engineering or continuing airworthiness.

• Hands-on delivery experience with ASD S1000D and a CSDB, including modular Data Modules and DMRL governance.

• A strong record of leading complex programmes involving suppliers, schedules, risks, issues and dependencies.

• The judgement to assess maintenance instructions for technical accuracy, applicability, usability and safe execution.

• Experience working across Engineering, CAMO or continued airworthiness, Configuration Management and maintenance operations.

• Confident stakeholder leadership, facilitation, written communication and executive reporting skills.

In addition to a competitive, market-aligned salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and work-life balance:

Performance Bonus
Benefit from our short-term incentive plan, recognising and rewarding individual and company success.

Generous Annual Leave
Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, giving you the time to rest, recharge, and spend time on what matters most.

Private Healthcare
Access private medical insurance, alongside dental and optical cashback schemes, helping you and your family stay healthy.

Pension Contributions
Plan confidently for the future with our competitive personal pension scheme.

Income Protection & Life Assurance
Gain added peace of mind through income protection and life assurance cover, providing support when you need it most.

Electric Vehicle & Car Scheme
Access our salary sacrifice vehicle scheme, offering a cost-effective way to drive the latest cars.

Employee Assistance Programme
Receive confidential professional support whenever you need it through our dedicated employee assistance programme.

Employee Discounts
Enjoy a wide range of discounts and offers through Perkbox, covering everything from shopping and travel to leisure activities and everyday essentials.

This is all part of our commitment to creating an environment where our people can thrive both professionally and personally.

Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at AALTO, you can register your details here: