Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Heavy Aircraft)

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid leave

Type-specific training

Overtime pay

Uniform allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking qualified Aircraft Maintenance Technicians to join our client’s expanding MRO facility in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, SA. You will perform maintenance on heavy aircraft, diagnose faults, and ensure work complies with SACAA regulations and airworthiness standards.

Strong knowledge of engines, airframes, hydraulics, and electrical systems, plus reading manuals and schematics, is required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Technician with SACAA license or equivalent AME license.
• Experience working on heavy aircraft types (airliners/large transports).
• Strong knowledge of aircraft systems: engines, airframes, landing gear, avionics, electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled maintenance inspections and servicing on heavy aircraft.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Carry out structural repairs and modifications as required.
• Interpret manuals, blueprints, and schematics to perform tasks.
• Complete maintenance documentation accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations and company procedures.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure efficient workflow.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment; participate in on-call rotations as needed.

Skills

Heavy aircraft knowledge

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Teamwork

Safety compliance

English communication

Education

SACAA license

Equivalent international AME license

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding player in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, is looking for skilled and dedicated Aircraft Maintenance Technicians to join their facility in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA. This role focuses on the comprehensive maintenance and repair of heavy aircraft, ensuring airworthiness and operational readiness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of aircraft mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, coupled with meticulous attention to detail. You will be responsible for performing scheduled maintenance, diagnosing and rectifying faults, and ensuring all work is carried out to the highest standards in compliance with aviation regulations. This is a hands‑on role that requires a commitment to safety and operational excellence. Join a supportive team environment in Port Elizabeth and contribute to the vital operations of maintaining large aircraft fleets.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled maintenance inspections and servicing on heavy aircraft according to manufacturer and regulatory requirements.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Carry out structural repairs and modifications as required.
• Interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics to perform maintenance tasks.
• Complete all maintenance documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure all work performed complies with aviation safety regulations and company procedures.
• Collaborate with other maintenance teams and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety protocols.
• Participate in on-call rotations and overtime as needed to meet operational demands.

Requirements

• Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Technician with relevant certifications (e.g., South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) license, equivalent international AME license).
• Proven experience working on heavy aircraft types (e.g., commercial airliners, large transport aircraft).
• Strong knowledge of aircraft systems, including engines, airframes, landing gear, avionics, and electrical systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical manuals and schematics.
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Willingness to work shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Opportunities for type‑specific training and career advancement.
• Stable employment with a reputable company in Port Elizabeth.
• Overtime pay as applicable.
• Uniform and tool allowance provided.
• A collaborative and safety‑focused work environment.
• Potential for international assignments for experienced personnel.