Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for their Upington, Northern Cape operations. The role focuses on hands-on maintenance, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring regulatory compliance to maintain airworthiness across a diverse fleet.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in heavy maintenance, an AME license, and strong leadership abilities to drive quality and safety in daily maintenance activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of aircraft maintenance experience with heavy maintenance focus.
• Valid AME license from a recognized aviation authority.
• Experience with Boeing, Airbus, regional jets and related fleets.
• In-depth knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical and avionics systems.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations (EASA/FAA/SACAA).
• Excellent diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read manuals, blueprints and schematics.
• Leadership/team management experience preferred.
• Proficiency with CMMS and maintenance management tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to undergo background checks.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on various aircraft types per manuals and procedures.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems.
• Supervise and guide a team of aircraft maintenance technicians to ensure quality and safety.
• Manage spare parts inventory and storage to ensure availability.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to minimise downtime.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules with flight ops and engineering departments.
• Ensure all maintenance is recorded in logbooks and CMMS.

Skills

Aviation maintenance

Troubleshooting

Leadership

CMMS

Education

AME license

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading aviation services provider, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer to join their dynamic team in Upington, Northern Cape. This is a critical role that demands a meticulous approach to aircraft safety, performance, and operational readiness. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing complex maintenance tasks, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with stringent aviation regulations. The role involves hands‑on work, detailed record‑keeping, and proactive problem‑solving to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness for a diverse fleet. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in a challenging environment and is passionate about aviation excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on various aircraft types in accordance with manufacturer's manuals and company procedures.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems.
• Conduct thorough inspections and functional checks, documenting all findings accurately.
• Supervise and guide a team of aircraft maintenance technicians, ensuring quality workmanship and adherence to safety protocols.
• Manage spare parts inventory, ensuring availability and proper storage of components.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime and enhance aircraft reliability.
• Liaise with flight operations and engineering departments to coordinate maintenance schedules and resolve technical issues.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are meticulously recorded in the aircraft logbooks and maintenance management system.
• Stay updated with the latest aviation technologies, regulations, and best practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, with a strong focus on heavy maintenance.
• Valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license or equivalent certification from a recognized aviation authority.
• Proven experience with specific aircraft types relevant to our client's fleet (e.g., Boeing, Airbus, regional jets - *specify if known*).
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft systems, including hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, and avionics.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA, SACAA).
• Excellent diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Leadership and team management experience preferred.
• Proficiency in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Valid driver's license and willingness to undergo security background checks.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience. In addition to a stable and rewarding career in the aviation industry, employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development and training. Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates. Join a supportive work environment where your expertise is valued and you contribute directly to the safety and success of aviation operations in Upington, Northern Cape.