Director, Product Support
Welcome to 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 demonstrates the platform’s capability at more than 60,000 ft (20 km). AALTO delivers direct‑to‑device connectivity and high‑resolution Earth observation, and supports commercial and government partners with monitoring, border observation, disaster tracking, and connectivity solutions.
Job purpose
The Director, Product Support is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of all logistics support activities and In Service Support (ISS) across the lifecycle of the Zephyr systems.
This role ensures that logistics considerations are embedded in the design, development, production, deployment, and sustainment phases to optimise readiness, reduce lifecycle costs, and enhance system availability.
The position is based in Farnborough, UK and is part of the Programme Management department as a direct report to the Chief Programme & Delivery Officer.
Responsibilities
- Zephyr is entering into the commercialisation phase of operations and therefore it is necessary to organise the ‘Entry into Service’ of the platform.
- Lead the development and execution of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) strategies for the Zephyr Air System including the creation of process, procedures and the associated necessary tools.
- Lead the ISS activities for the Zephyr Air System for operations.
- Manage cross‑functional teams responsible for logistics that directly support:
- Maintenance planning
- Supply chain (repair cycle, consumables and rotatable spares)
- Technical documentation
- Support to the training devices
- Ground support equipment (from the identification of the needs to full operational implementation)
- Facilities and infrastructure
- IT‑based systems support
- Interface with Engineering and Airworthiness to ensure that any changes to the Design are captured for Maintainability, Testability, and Reliability requirements.
- Identify requirements for PBIT, CBIT, IBIT and external tools to increase operational availability and review maintenance trend data with the airworthiness department to improve reliability (Line Maintenance and MRO).
- Oversee the development of logistics documentation including LSA (Logistics Support Analysis) and technical manuals (IETMs).
- Ensure compliance with applicable military and commercial standards.
- Working closely with the Director of CAMO and the Maintenance Control section of CAMO to ensure the on‑time availability of air system spares and Engineering Services. Manage ILS program performance, improve schedule and budget by monitoring key performance indicators from the field and provide regular reports to senior leadership.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance product supportability and reduce total ownership costs.
Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, logistics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in aerospace logistics, including a leadership role.
- Experience of working within an operational aviation environment.
- Deep understanding of ILS principles and logistics support elements in aerospace programs and In Service Support (ISS).
- Familiarity with defence and commercial aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.
- Experience with ILS modelling tools and LSA databases.
Key Skills
- Strategic thinking and program management.
- Strong leadership and team development.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
- Analytical mindset and systems thinking.Proficiency in logistics modelling tools.
- Ability to make operational decisions in a high‑pressured environment.
Benefits
AALTO offers a flexible working environment, a competitive bonus scheme, and a retirement pension plan, supporting both professional growth and personal well‑being.
AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
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