Meet Julia

Define your job title in one sentence

The role of a Certification Qualification Engineer (CQE) is to obtain the certification and approval necessary for a helicopter to enter into service and operate safely in flight by demonstrating to the authorities worldwide that all airworthiness  requirements are satisfied.

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

What makes my job exciting and special is the incredible variety of topics. As a Certification Qualification Engineer, I have the opportunity to deal with a wide range of subjects, from avionics systems to the vehicle topics, which keeps the work constantly stimulating and challenging.

I also oversee everything from helicopter development and specification to customer delivery and even improvement in service.

Beyond the technical aspects, what I find particularly rewarding is the human dimension of my role. I get to collaborate and exchange with a diverse range of experts, flight test, project managers which brings a very enriching perspective to my work. Every project is unique, and that diversity is what makes this job so fascinating.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

My journey to Airbus has been quite an interesting and progressive one. I initially trained in materials science, which gave me a technical foundation. I then began my career in the petrochemical industry, where I developed engineering skills and planning experience.

However, my path truly shifted when I had the opportunity to work as a subcontractor for Airbus Helicopters for over 10 years, for the Engineering Design Office. This experience was a real turning point for me, as it allowed me to deeply immerse myself in the aerospace world and understand its complexity.

It felt like a logical and exciting next step in my career, to join Airbus Helicopters in the airworthiness department allowing me to take on new challenges within a world-class high-technology company. Airbus represents the perfect environment to combine my technical background, my industry experience, and my passion for innovation and excellence.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

The Airworthiness department is absolutely central to the Airbus mission and the success of its products. By ensuring that our helicopters meet all airworthiness requirements and obtain the necessary certifications to fly, I directly contribute to guaranteeing the safety and reliability of our aircraft. This is not just a regulatory obligation, it is a fundamental commitment to our customers and end users.

Beyond the technical aspect, my work plays a key role in protecting and strengthening the Airbus brand image and its reputation. By ensuring that every helicopter we deliver meets the highest safety and quality standards, we reinforce the trust that operators, customers, and authorities place in us. The Airworthiness department helps position Airbus Helicopters as a world-class manufacturer, known for producing safe, reliable, and high-quality aircraft.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Airbus has been important in my professional and personal development in many ways. Since joining the company, I have had the opportunity to develop strong project management skills, working on complex technical projects involving multiple partners and stakeholders. I have learned how to lead and coordinate subcontractor teams, as well as align various departments towards a common goal, which has significantly enhanced my leadership and coordination abilities.

Furthermore, joining the Qualification department has been like embarking on a continuous learning process. It has allowed me to discover an entirely new field of expertise, gain a deep understanding of the aeronautical world and its specific requirements, and develop a new set of skills that complement my previous experience. Airbus has truly provided me with a stimulating environment where every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and take on new challenges.

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

My most memorable experience at Airbus has been the certification of a specialised version of the NH90 for VVIP use! 

What made this experience so special was the level of teamwork and cohesion among all the stakeholders involved. Everyone, from engineers to project managers, from subcontractors to departments, was fully committed and aligned towards the same goal. The energy and dedication of the entire team was truly remarkable.

Seeing the final result, knowing that we had successfully brought such a prestigious and complex project to completion, was an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable moment.

This experience really highlighted to me the power of collaboration and the exceptional expertise that exists within Airbus. It perfectly embodies what makes working here so special and motivating every single day!

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

Well, my first answer would be : if I made it, trust me, you can too! And I really mean it!

I spent several years working in the petrochemical industry with a background in biomaterials, which, let's be honest, is not exactly the most obvious path to becoming a Certification Qualification Engineer at Airbus Helicopters! For a long time, I thought that switching industries after so many years was simply not realistic, that I was too specialised in my field and that aerospace was a world that was not meant for me.

But, I am here! And I can tell you that the aerospace industry is far more open and diverse than it may seem from the outside. What truly matters is your willingness to learn, your commitment, and your ability to seize opportunities when they arise.

So my advice would be: do not let your background or your doubts define your limits. Sometimes the most unexpected career paths lead to the most exciting destinations! After all, if someone with a biomaterials degree coming from the petrochemical industry can certify helicopters at Airbus, I think it is safe to say that anything is possible!

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

Airbus does a great job at supporting work-life balance. The company offers hybrid working for lots of roles, which allows me to better manage my personal and professional life without compromising on productivity. Beyond that, my boss  gives me a great deal of autonomy in the way I organise and manage my work, which I find truly valuable. This trust and flexibility make a real difference on a daily basis and contribute to a positive and healthy working environment.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

Without hesitation, my mantra is  “In time or Alert”. It means as soon as you realise your aim becomes unattainable, all stakeholders must be alerted.

It was my mentor's mantra and now I repeat it to my team again and again.