Aviation Base Manager & Base Engineer - Bougainville

maf; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A Christian aviation organization is seeking an Aviation Base Manager & Base Engineer for its Bougainville operation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aviation operations and maintenance, with strong leadership and IT skills. You will supervise aviation activities, ensure aircraft safety, and manage a local engineering team. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact by connecting remote communities with essential support. Applications open for March/April 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in aviation operations and maintenance within highly regulated environments.
• Ability to mentor and inspire a local engineering team.
• Flexibility to support dynamic operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational aviation activities ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Lead maintenance operations ensuring aircraft airworthiness.
• Promote safety and quality culture and participate in audits.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Aviation operations and maintenance

IT proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

ICAO Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence

4 years of aircraft maintenance experience

Job description

Overview

Aviation Base Manager & Base Engineer - Bougainville

Are you an experienced aviation professional who loves both leadership and hands‑on engineering? Do you thrive in a role where every day brings variety, purpose, and the opportunity to make a real impact?

Join Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and help keep our aircraft — and our mission — flying. From ensuring operational excellence to overseeing aircraft maintenance, you’ll play a vital part in connecting remote communities with essential medical, humanitarian, and spiritual support.

We’re looking for a highly skilled and passionate Aviation Base Manager & Base Engineer - Bougainville to join our team and make a real difference! Your expertise will provide access to medical care, education, economic growth, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you’re seeking a career with purpose, adventure, and impact, this is it.

MAF is a Christian organisation that utilises aviation and technology to provide assistance and hope to underdeveloped communities around the world. Founded in 1945, MAF currently serves in 31 countries. MAF's 116 aircraft provide vital transportation services to medical personnel, development workers, and aid organizations across the globe. The organisation also delivers Bibles, church workers and materials, and other resources to communities with limited access.

Are you ready to take off on a mission that changes lives?

• NOTE : Applicants must be able to obtain working rights in countryof location. Successful applicants will be subject to pre‑employment background checks including a Criminal History check. Acceptance of and adherence to MAF’s purpose, vision and values is an essential condition of employment.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

Aviation Base Manager

Oversee operational aviation activities at a satellite base, ensuring compliance with regulations and MAF procedures.

Maintain Safety and Quality Management Systems and promote a strong safety culture.

Support risk management, effective communication across departments, and airstrip maintenance.

Strong IT skills, excellent English communication, and experience in highly regulated environments.

Base Engineer

Lead maintenance operations at the satellite base, ensuring aircraft airworthiness using approved systems (., DRS).

Manage local engineering team, resources, inventory, and facilities, providing mentoring and support.

Ensure compliance with MAF SOPs, manufacturer instructions, and aviation regulations.

Plan and execute inspections, maintenance, repairs, and continual improvement activities.

Promote safety and quality culture, participate in audits, and support CPD and training initiatives.

Combined focus: Ensuring safe, compliant, and well‑maintained aviation operations while fostering strong team culture and operational excellence.

We are looking for this role to begin in March / April 2026.

For further information click here for the full job descriptions -

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Ready to take off with us and make a difference? ️

What You Bring

Experience in aviation operations and maintenance within highly regulated environments.

Leadership and team management skills with the ability to mentor and inspire others.

Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to safety and quality.

Proficiency with IT systems and ability to work across remote locations and multicultural teams.

Flexibility and adaptability to support dynamic operational needs.

Experience as a pilot or ICAO Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence

4 years of aircraft maintenance experience

Understanding of Health and Safety principles

Ability to obtain a National Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensed

Aircraft and engine type courses, as appropriate

Turbine engine experience

Bonus if you have

• Experience in helping launch an aviation program