Chief Training Engineer

SAF Aerogroup; Heidelberg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation company seeks a Chief Training Engineer to lead training operations, mentor future engineers, and ensure compliance with aviation standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in aircraft maintenance and regulatory knowledge, ready to influence the next generation of aviation professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in aircraft maintenance.
• Qualified AME License holder.
• Experience in rotorcraft type rating.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement training programs ensuring skill transfer.
• Develop training manuals aligned with aviation standards.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and safety procedures.

Skills

Mentorship

Communication

Leadership

Aviation Safety

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME License)

Job description

Job Description

About the job: Chief Training Engineer

VACANCY: Chief Training Engineer

COMPANY: Aero Support Force Africa (Pty) Ltd

REPORTING TO: Accountable Manager (AM)

LOCATION: Heidelberg

Are you a passionate training engineer with a deep commitment to mentoring, aviation safety, and engineering excellence? This is your opportunity to lead training operations, build your legacy, and soar with a company that is climbing fast.

Why Captain Your Career with 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 expertise.
• Deep Regulatory Insight: Understand SACAA, CATS, and global aviation standards, ensuring training is always aligned and approved.
• Operational and Analytical Precision: Handle reviewing manuals, managing audits, or solving on-the-ground training challenges with confidence and accuracy.

Qualifications And Experience

The following is essential for this position:

• 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.

Are you ready to start building your future?

Join us and transform your potential into real success!

The above position will be filled in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Policy to achieve the Groups Objectives and Goals. Should you not receive a response within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Applicants must submit their CV by Friday, 11 July 2025.

This summary and its contents are the sole property of Starlite Aviation Group. Any unauthorised reproduction or modification of this information and contents without the express written permission from Starlite Aviation Group is prohibited and may result in legal action.