Propulsion Manager

Air Arabia; Sharjah; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Arabia in the UAE seeks a Senior Powerplant Manager to lead the technical and commercial management of the airline’s Engine and APU portfolio. You will oversee shop visits, reliability, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with OEMs, MROs and internal teams to optimise maintenance costs and fleet availability.

The role requires a strong track record in engine and APU management, delivery/redelivery activities, and cost control, with deep CAMO knowledge and regulatory familiarity,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aeronautical, or electro-mechanical engineering.
• Strong expertise in engine/APU shop visits, borescope inspections, and delivery/redelivery activities.
• Proven ability in cost control and contract management.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a track record in fleet reliability.
• Knowledge of CAMO and regulatory frameworks; GCAA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the technical performance of a sizeable A320 Family fleet (CEO & NEO) fitted with CFM56 & LEAP engines.
• Ensure availability of engine and APU spares to prevent AOG events.
• Oversee all Engine & APU shop visits, including redelivery, with cost control and contractual compliance.
• Liaise with OEMs to develop solutions for in-service issues.
• Monitor OEM advisories and CNRs, ensuring timely closure.
• Coordinate scrap evaluations and inspections with OEMs and MROs.
• Review engine/APU publications and define compliance strategies for regulatory timelines.
• Validate engine/APU shop visit invoices and lead budget planning.
• Coordinate with CAMO, MCC, Planning, QA and Operations to optimise maintenance programs.
• Drive efforts to reduce delays, MELs, and PIREPs to improve fleet reliability.

Skills

Engine/APU shop visits

Cost control

Contract management

Fleet reliability improvement

CAMO knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aeronautical, Electro-mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will be responsible for the technical and commercial management of the airline’s Engine and APU portfolio, overseeing powerplant reliability, shop visits, technical compliance, contract management, cost control, and aircraft delivery and redelivery activities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the technical and commercial management of the airline’s Engine and APU portfolio, overseeing powerplant reliability, shop visits, technical compliance, contract management, cost control, and aircraft delivery and redelivery activities. The role works closely with OEMs, MRO providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance, optimise maintenance costs, and maximise engine and APU reliability, supporting fleet availability, operational efficiency, and continuous airworthiness.

Key Result Responsibilities

• Manage the technical performance of a sizeable A320 Family fleet (CEO & NEO) fitted with CFM56 & LEAP Engines.
• Ensure availability of sufficient Engine & APU spares to prevent AOG events related to powerplant issues.
• Manage and oversee all Engine & APU shop visits, including aircraft redelivery, ensuring timely execution, appropriate work scopes, contractual compliance, cost control, and return to service.
• Liaise with Engine & APU OEMs to develop short- and long-term solutions for in-service issues.
• Manage and follow up on OEM advisories and CNRs, ensuring closure within required timelines.
• Oversee scrap evaluations and piece-part inspections in coordination with OEMs and MROs.
• Review engine and APU technical publications (ADs, SBs, SLs) and define appropriate compliance strategies to ensure timely implementation in line with regulatory requirements.
• Review and Validate Engine & APU shop visit invoices.
• Lead budget planning, cost control, and optimization initiatives for powerplant maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with CAMO, MCC, Planning, QA, Operations, and other stakeholders to enhance maintenance programs and daily operational performance.
• Drive initiatives to reduce engineering delays, MEL items, and PIREPs, improving fleet reliability and operational availability.

People Management

• Provides direction, coaching and guidance to team members for their career and professional development.
• Creates a conducive working environment to build and sustain a performance driven, engaged, and committed team.
• Ensures people management responsibilities are handled effectively in line with company procedures.

Qualifications (Academic, Training, Languages)

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aeronautical, Electro-mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong expertise in engine/APU shop visits, borescope inspections, and delivery/redelivery activities.
• Proven ability in cost control and contract management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• In-depth knowledge of CAMO and regulatory frameworks (GCAA preferred).
• Demonstrated track record in maintaining fleet reliability and reducing AOG occurrences.
• Strong technical expertise in aircraft engines and APU systems.

Work Experience

• With minimum 15+ years of aviation experience, including at least 5 years in managerial roles.
• Extensive experience in airline powerplant management, specifically CFM56 and LEAP engines.