Riding Engineer

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Riding Engineer to support Line Maintenance and Etihad Engineering, ensuring airworthiness and reliability across required aircraft types. This role may rotate between Abu Dhabi Line Maintenance and hangars to meet duty hour and authorization requirements.

You will hold a valid maintenance license, have 5+ years of aircraft maintenance with line experience, and demonstrate strong regulatory knowledge, communication, and independent working in an

Qualifications

• High School certificate or equivalent; technical/engineering diploma preferred.
• Valid Aircraft Maintenance License (GCAA / EASA Part-66 / ICAO) convertible to GCAA.
• 2–3 years certifying experience on at least 2 Etihad aircraft type ratings with authorization.
• 5 years aircraft maintenance experience; 3 years in a Line Maintenance environment.
• Strong knowledge of line maintenance and defect rectification.
• Excellent communication and coordination with operational stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and regulatory awareness.
• Proactive, adaptable and able to operate independently internationally.

Responsibilities

• Perform riding engineer duties per maintenance docs, policies and regs.
• Ensure UAE GCAA regulatory compliance and Etihad standards.
• Maintain licenses/approvals; notify training/renewal 6 months prior.
• Deliver high-quality maintenance to release aircraft on time per schedule.
• Apply technical judgment to resolve defects during line ops.
• Maintain exterior/interior cabin standards to brand expectations.
• Promote modern tools, digital systems for efficiency and safety.
• Review industry occurrences to support improvements internationally.
• Support OGSM framework for performance, safety, reliability.
• Contribute to a strong safety culture through conduct and learning.

Skills

Clear communication

Coordination with stakeholders

Attention to detail

Regulatory awareness

Independent working

Proactive and adaptable

Education

High School Certificate

Engineering diploma/degree

Aircraft Maintenance License

Job description

At Etihad, we’re shaping the next decade of aviation. As part of our Journey 2030 strategy, we’re set to double our fleet, expand our network to over 125 destinations, and triple our passenger numbers.

Job Description

Riding Engineer is responsible for performing riding engineer duties to ensure continued aircraft airworthiness and operational reliability. The role supports Line Maintenance operations across outstations and Abu Dhabi as required, ensuring full authorization coverage, regulatory compliance, and adherence to approved maintenance data. The Engineer may be rostered to Abu Dhabi Line Maintenance or Etihad Engineering hangars to maintain authorization validity and meet duty hour requirements.

Accountabilities

• Perform all riding engineer duties in strict accordance with approved aircraft maintenance documents, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE GCAA regulations and Etihad Technical standards.
• Maintain valid licenses, approvals, and authorizations; proactively communicate upcoming training or renewal requirements to Resource Management and LMI Management at least six (6) months prior to expiry.
• Operational Performance: Deliver high-quality aircraft maintenance activities to ensure aircraft are released to service safely, on time, and in accordance with the approved operating schedule.
• Apply best-practice technical judgment to resolve defects effectively during line operations and riding duties.
• Service Excellence: Maintain aircraft exterior and interior cabin standards in line with Etihad Airways’ world‑class brand and customer experience expectations
• ContinuousImprovement & Innovation: Promote the use of modern tools, digital systems, and industry best practices to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Review industry occurrences and external best practices to support continuous improvement across Line Maintenance International operations.
• Strategy & Culture: Support the implementation of Etihad’s OGSM framework as the core driver for operational performance, safety, and reliability within Line Maintenance and Cabin Maintenance activities.
• Actively contribute to a strong safety culture through professional conduct, compliance, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• High School Certificate or equivalent; technical or engineering diploma/degree preferred.
• ValidAircraft Maintenance License(GCAA / EASA Part-66 / ICAO Type convertible to GCAA).
• Minimum of 2-3 years of certifyingexperience on at least 2 ofEtihad aircraft type ratings(Level 3) — Airbus 320 / 350 / 380, Boeing 777 / 787 — with valid company authorization.
• Minimum 5 years of aircraft maintenance experience, including at least 3 years in a Line Maintenance environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of line maintenance and defect rectification.
• Clear communication and effective coordination with operational stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and regulatory awareness.
• Proactive, adaptable, and capable of operating independently in an international operational environment

Additional Information

Etihad Airways is more than the UAE’s national airline - we’re shaping the future of global aviation. From our hub in Abu Dhabi, we connect people across continents and cultures, while driving our “Journey 2030” ambition to double our fleet, expand our network and grow our people for a new era of excellence. Join us and become part of a vision where the world is your workplace and extraordinary experiences take flight.