Job Description
VACANCY: Chief Training Engineer
COMPANY: Saf-Starlite Group
REPORTING TO: Accountable Manager (AM)
LOCATION: Heidelberg Area
We are seeking a passionate training engineer to lead our training operations, build their legacy, and contribute to the growth of our organization.
Why Choose Us?
- Lead with Impact: Shape the next generation of aviation professionals with your expertise.
- Join a Team That Values Excellence: Work alongside aviation professionals who prioritize safety, growth, and performance.
- Hands-On Influence: Design, implement, and elevate cutting-edge training programs.
- Be the Backbone of a High-Performing Team: Work in a culture that values precision, safety, and progress.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Mentorship and Coaching Implementation: Lead training programs from theory to practical license achievement, ensuring successful skill transfer and certification.
- Develop Training Programs and Manuals: Create structured engineer training programs and comprehensive technical manuals aligned with industry needs.
- SACAA Program Approval: Develop engineering theory programs and secure necessary approvals from the SACAA to ensure compliance and recognition.
- Onsite Training Delivery: Deliver end-to-end theory and practical engineering training directly at operational sites.
- Business Development Local and Cross-Border: Identify and secure new training business opportunities in South Africa and beyond, expanding the ASF training footprint.
- Stakeholder Engagement (World Skills and Government): Strengthen relationships with World Skills SA and government agencies to establish ASF as a preferred national training provider.
- Brand Development: Position ASFA as a leading international engineering training centre based in South Africa.
- Cross-Continental Collaboration: Develop synergy between Aero Support Force Africa (Pty) Ltd and SAF to offer an integrated, global-standard training solution.
- Commercial Proposal Development: Draft and present engineering training proposals tailored to client and market needs.
- SACAA Line Station Approval: Achieve SACAA accreditation for Aero Support Force Africa (Pty) Ltd as an authorised Training Line Station.
- Apprenticeship and Succession Planning: Identify top candidates and build apprenticeship cohorts for future placement within Starlite contracts.
- Training Operations Leadership: Serve as the primary contact and leader at the main base for all maintenance training activities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with AMO procedures (MOP/QMM/SMSM) for all personnel and trainees under your management.
- Training Oversight and Documentation: Oversee training in accordance with SACAA CATS and ensure alignment with all technical regulations.
- Resource Coordination with AMO: Coordinate with the AMO to ensure necessary manuals, tools, and equipment are available for training activities.
- Workflow and Aircraft Availability: Monitor and manage training workflows to maximize aircraft readiness and reduce downtime.
- Facility Cleanliness and Equipment Storage: Maintain cleanliness in hangars, workshops, and offices, and ensure proper care and storage of ground support equipment.
- Issue Reporting: Report any deficiencies affecting compliance with CAR Part 145, ATO requirements, or MOP standards to the Accountable Manager.
- Modification and Compliance Experience: Bring hands-on experience in implementing modifications and complying with ASBs, CSNs, SSIs, and ADs.
- Audit Support: Assist with preparation for and participation in internal and external regulatory audits.
- Training According to AMM: Ensure training aligns with Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM) to uphold technical accuracy and operational safety.
- Apprenticeship Placement Coordination: Work with the AMO to assign apprentices based on both training outcomes and operational needs locally and abroad.
Critical Requirements:
- Strategic Training Leadership: Plan, structure, and scale training programs that deliver skilled, certified engineers ready for the field.
- Process-Driven and Methodical: Approach is systematic, ensuring every detail from curriculum to compliance is executed flawlessly.
- Exceptional People and Communication Skills: Mentor future engineers, collaborate across departments, and represent the training division with professionalism and clarity.
- Comprehensive Aviation Knowledge: Bring hands on experience and technical.
- Deep Regulatory Insight: understand SACAA, CATS, and global aviation standards, ensuring training is always aligned and approved.
- Operational and Analytical Precision: whether its reviewing manuals, managing audits, or solving on-the-ground training challenges, you handle it with confidence and accuracy.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Apprentice School Training.
- Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME License holder).
- Minimum 10 years relevant experience in the aircraft maintenance environment.
- Rotorcraft type rating applicable to AMO Scope of Approval (preferable) R22, R44, R66.
- Approved person with fixed wing experience (Advantageous).
- Experience of the CAMO system (advantageous).
Working Conditions:
- Office-based with regular visits to hangars, workshops, and operational maintenance environments.
- May require flexibility to accommodate project deadlines or urgent training needs.
We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that fosters growth, innovation, and excellence. If you are a motivated and experienced training professional looking for a challenging opportunity, we encourage you to apply.