Safety Investigator

DFS Aviation Services; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation safety company in South Africa is seeking a Safety Investigator to conduct thorough investigations into safety incidents. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in air navigation services, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety improvement. This role offers competitive salary and benefits including annual airfare allowance and excellent medical coverage. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing aviation safety and efficiency.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Annual airfare allowance

Medical insurance coverage

Life insurance

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of validated ratings in Aerodrome and Approach Radar Control.
• Proven experience in safety investigation techniques.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into safety incidents in compliance with regulations.
• Complete structured investigation outputs including safety recommendations.
• Support operational units in implementing safety recommendations.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making under pressure

Organizational skills

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Professional certification in a relevant field

Incident investigation methodology certification

Tools

Safety database/reporting systems

Job description

Live your potential with DFS Aviation Services
We are a part of the DFS Group, one of the largest air navigation service providers in the world. We focus on the provision of air navigation services and the sale of software solutions, consulting, training services to airports and air navigation service providers worldwide. As a modern aviation company, we guarantee the perfect mix of proven experience and progressive ideas. High quality standards are just as much part of our philosophy as a lean organization, international networking and honest ambitions. We offer our employees and associates challenging and creative jobs with one of the most secure and attractive employers in Germany, in one of the most exciting industries.

Discover What's Possible
DFS Aviation Services are currently looking for a Safety Investigator to take responsibility in conducting investigations into safety-related occurrences in line with GCAA and ICAO regulatory requirements, as well as dans internal Safety Management Manual (SMM). The role contributes to organizational learning by identifying causal and contributing factors and ensuring that investigation outputs support continuous safety improvement.

We are looking for a candidate who can communicate effectively, demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure, and work closely with our stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.

This role will be based in Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) with regular visits to Dubai International Airport (DXB) as you work with Dubai Air Navigation Services (Dans). Dans provides air navigation services at four airports in the UAE, one of which is the world's busiest airport for international passengers, where their mission is to empower and develop all their people in delivering world-leading air navigation services that exceed every standard, assure their customers, and shape global innovation.

This role will be reporting to the Safety Team Leader.

Your Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into safety incidents and occurrences in compliance with ICAO Annex 13, GCAA CARs, and dans policies and procedures.
• Complete structured investigation outputs including causal analysis and clearly defined safety recommendations to prevent recurrence in line with dans safety methodologies.
• Ensure all investigation activities are conducted with professionalism, objectivity, and in strict confidentiality.
• Support operational units in implementing safety recommendations and contribute to effective resolution of findings.
• Escalate significant non-conformities, safety performance concerns, or trends to the Team Leader Safety in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the development, review, and enhancement of investigation processes, guidance materials, and documentation in line with evolving best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Support the delivery of safety awareness sessions and investigation-related training for operational personnel.
• Identify opportunities to improve investigation techniques and tools based on case experience and international developments.
• Contribute to the development of just culture principles and promote a learning-focused approach to incident management.

Your Qualifications

• Validated ratings in both Aerodrome and Approach Radar Control for a minimum of 5 years at a major international airport.
• Certified in incident investigation methodology (ICAO or equivalent).
• Proven experience in applying safety investigation techniques, risk assessments, and systemic safety analysis.
• Professional certification in a relevant field from an accredited university is preferable.
• Completion of SMS, auditing, and instructional techniques courses is preferable.
• OJTI/LCE endorsements is preferable.
• Experience in supporting or delivering investigation-related training is advantageous.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools and safety database/reporting systems.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

What you get

• A competitive salary package, that is excellent compared to industry standards.
• An annual airfare allowance to visit your family and friends at home, contribution to your children's school costs, excellent medical insurance coverage for all our employees, life insurance.
• Work life balance based on fair, transparent and employee-friendly shift models, working hours and a generous leave entitlement.
• Corporate culture which is characterized by professionalism, which has focused on staff and client needs for decades.

Working @ DAS

Working at DFS Aviation Services means working in a diverse and dynamic team of professionals being passionate about advancing aviation safety and efficiency. Since 2017, the #DASTeam has grown to over 400 team members participating in various air traffic management projects at 17 locations in 6 countries.

Our people come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing unique skills and perspectives that enrich our company culture and drive innovation in air traffic management. From air traffic controllers to software developers and engineers, and from project managers to customer service experts, our #DASTeam works collaboratively to ensure the skies remain safe for every one of us.