Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Structures

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead structural maintenance on a diverse aircraft fleet, ensuring airworthiness and safety, while mentoring junior technicians in a dynamic, safety-focused environment.

The role demands extensive hands-on experience with airframes, strong drawing interpretation skills, and a track record of regulatory compliance. Willingness to work shifts is required.

Qualifications

• A relevant engineering qualification (e.g., National Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, B.Eng. or equivalent).
• A valid SA-AME License with relevant type ratings for structural maintenance.
• A minimum of 7 years of demonstrable experience in aircraft structural maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft structural repair techniques, materials, and applicable regulations (SACAA).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical manuals, and maintenance work orders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, diagnostics, and repairs on aircraft structural components per manufacturer specs and regulatory requirements.
• Interpret and analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, and manuals to identify structural discrepancies.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on airframes (fuselage, wings, tail assemblies, landing gear).
• Oversee and guide junior maintenance technicians, providing technical expertise and ensuring work is safe and compliant.
• Document all maintenance activities in aircraft logbooks and records.
• Collaborate with flight operations and other engineering departments to troubleshoot structural issues efficiently.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of maintenance procedures and safety protocols.
• Manage inventory and requisition of structural repair materials and components.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Mentoring

Education

National Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

B.Eng. (related field)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the aviation sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer specializing in Structures to join their esteemed team based in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is a critical role responsible for ensuring the structural integrity and airworthiness of a diverse fleet of aircraft. The successful candidate will be instrumental in upholding the highest safety standards and operational efficiency within the maintenance division. This role offers a challenging yet rewarding career opportunity for an individual passionate about aviation engineering and dedicated to excellence. You will work within a dynamic environment where precision and diligence are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive inspections, diagnostics, and repairs on aircraft structural components, adhering strictly to manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Interpret and analyze complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals to identify and rectify structural discrepancies.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks on airframes, including but not limited to, fuselage, wings, tail assemblies, and landing gear systems.
• Oversee and guide junior maintenance technicians, providing technical expertise and ensuring work is completed safely and to the required standards.
• Document all maintenance activities accurately and thoroughly in the aircraft logbooks and maintenance records.
• Collaborate with flight operations and other engineering departments to troubleshoot and resolve structural issues efficiently.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance procedures and safety protocols.
• Manage the inventory and requisition of structural repair materials and components.

Requirements

• A relevant engineering qualification (e.g., National Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, B.Eng. or equivalent).
• A valid SA-AME License with relevant type ratings for structural maintenance.
• A minimum of 7 years of demonstrable experience in aircraft structural maintenance, preferably with exposure to large commercial or military aircraft.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft structural repair techniques, materials, and applicable regulations (e.g., SACAA).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical manuals, and maintenance work orders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
• Willingness to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, as required by operational demands in **Pietermaritzburg**.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• including a comprehensive medical aid scheme
• retirement fund contributions
• and opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, including a comprehensive medical aid scheme, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization. The company fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, prioritizing employee well-being and career growth. Joining our client means becoming part of a reputable company at the forefront of the aviation industry in **South Africa**.