Technician – Trimming

Full Job Description

Job Purpose: The Core Mission of the Aviation Technician

The Aviation Technician plays a pivotal and indispensable role within our organization, serving as the frontline expert responsible for the meticulous upkeep and operational integrity of a diverse range of aircraft. This position is far more than just a repair role; it encompasses a comprehensive suite of technical responsibilities, including the thorough servicing, stringent self-inspection, precision repairs, complete overhaul, rigorous testing, foundational troubleshooting, and intricate modifications applied to critical aircraft systems. These systems span the entire aircraft, from the powerful engines that propel it, to the robust airframes that provide its structural integrity, and the myriad of intricate components that ensure its safe and efficient operation.

All tasks executed by the Aviation Technician must adhere strictly to a codified framework of technical documentation. This includes, but is not limited to, detailed task cards that outline specific procedures, comprehensive check sheets that ensure every step is accounted for, and clear work instructions that guide precise execution. Crucially, every action undertaken must be in unwavering compliance with the stringent requirements set forth by SAAT Manufacturers (South African Airways Technical Manufacturers), the overarching regulatory authority requirements governing aviation safety and airworthiness, and the specific operational standards applicable to both SAA (South African Airways) and our valued customer aircraft. The ultimate objective is to uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational readiness for every aircraft under our care.

Principal Accountabilities: Key Responsibilities and Performance Expectations

The Aviation Technician’s responsibilities are multifaceted and critical to the continuous airworthiness of our fleet. Each accountability demands precision, adherence to protocol, and a proactive approach to aviation maintenance:

• Precision Servicing, Inspections, Repairs, Overhauls, Maintenance, Testing, Troubleshooting, and Modifications: The technician is solely responsible for the comprehensive execution of all these critical maintenance activities on aircraft components. This includes routine servicing to prevent issues, in-depth inspections to identify potential problems, complex repairs to restore functionality, complete overhauls to extend component life, general maintenance to ensure peak performance, rigorous testing to confirm operational integrity, systematic troubleshooting to diagnose faults, and authorized modifications to enhance capabilities or address technical directives. All these tasks must be completed on time to minimize aircraft downtime and maximize operational efficiency, while strictly adhering to all regulatory authority requirements to maintain airworthiness certification.
• Operation of Support and Specialized Test Equipment and Tooling Management: A fundamental aspect of this role involves the proficient and safe operation of a wide array of support equipment and highly specialized test equipment. This instrumentation is vital for diagnostics, performance verification, and ensuring components meet exact specifications. Concurrently, the technician is responsible for proactively ensuring that the correct and fully serviceable tooling is readily obtained and utilized for every task. This meticulous attention to tooling ensures that all overhaul and maintenance procedures are performed in strict accordance with the approved documentation, preventing errors and maximizing safety.
• Inspection of Parts/Components and Proactive Corrective Actions: The technician holds the critical responsibility for meticulously inspecting the condition of all aircraft parts and components. These inspections are conducted in strict adherence to all applicable regulatory authority requirements, manufacturer specifications, and internal quality standards. Should any deviations, defects, wear, or damage be identified during these inspections, the technician is empowered and expected to institute immediate and appropriate corrective actions as required, whether that involves repair, replacement, or further investigation.
• Strategic Planning and Processing of Parts: Beyond the hands-on maintenance, the Aviation Technician also contributes to the logistical efficiency of operations. This includes actively participating in the planning and processing of parts required for various maintenance tasks. This may involve identifying necessary spares, initiating procurement requests, tracking parts movement, and ensuring that components are correctly cataloged and stored, thereby optimizing inventory and minimizing delays in maintenance schedules.
• Collaboration and Compliance with Senior Leadership Directives: The Aviation Technician operates within a structured team environment. They are expected to perform all reasonable tasks as requested and delegated by the Senior Licence Technician or Production Leader. This includes diligently complying with all instructions outlined in the comprehensive work instructions manual, ensuring uniformity, safety, and adherence to established operational procedures across all maintenance activities.
• Proactive Feedback and Communication on Technical Discrepancies and Progress: Open and clear communication is paramount in aviation maintenance. The Aviation Technician is required to provide timely and comprehensive feedback to the Senior Licence Technician and Production Leader regarding any identified technical discrepancies, unexpected challenges encountered, and the overall daily progress of assigned activities. This proactive communication ensures that potential issues are addressed swiftly, resource allocation is optimized, and that stringent productivity and safety standards are consistently met and often exceeded.
• Optimization and Improvement of Equipment Utilization: A commitment to efficiency and continuous improvement is an expectation. The technician is encouraged to actively seek opportunities to optimize and improve the utilization of all equipment, including specialized tools and test apparatus. This may involve suggesting better operational practices, identifying underutilized resources, or proposing enhancements that improve workflow and operational output.
• Meticulous Documentation and Compliance: Detailed and accurate record-keeping is a non-negotiable aspect of aviation maintenance. The Aviation Technician is responsible for completing and meticulously stamping all relevant documentation pertaining to each task performed. This includes work orders, inspection reports, repair logs, and any other required paperwork. All documentation must be executed with precision and in strict accordance with established company policy and all applicable regulatory requirements, ensuring an auditable and traceable history of all maintenance actions.
• Provision of Technical Assistance in Other Areas: The collaborative nature of aviation maintenance means that the technician may be called upon to provide their valuable technical assistance in other areas or to colleagues requiring specialized knowledge. This fosters a supportive work environment and ensures that collective expertise is leveraged to address complex challenges efficiently.
• Active Participation in Meetings, Training, and Workshops: Continuous learning and participation in organizational processes are integral to professional development and operational excellence. The Aviation Technician is expected to actively attend and contribute to various meetings, training sessions, and workshops as requested. This may include essential production meetings to align on schedules, safety briefings to reinforce best practices, green area meetings for environmental awareness, and other forums designed for knowledge sharing and skill enhancement.
• Preparation of Work Area for Safety and Efficiency: Prior to commencing any maintenance task, the technician is responsible for meticulously preparing the work area. This preparation must align precisely with manufacturers’ requirements and all internal policies and procedures. The objective is to establish and maintain a completely safe, organized, and efficient working environment, free from hazards and conducive to high-quality maintenance, thereby protecting personnel, equipment, and the aircraft itself.

Clean work area on completion of task. Issue and return of tooling/test benches in AMOS. Moving of serviceable spares to main stores after workshop finalization. Creation of repair documentation after components received in the work area. Filling of repair documentation and work pack in the archives after components were released into service and retrieve work pack. Order their own spares, collect them from main stores and create GT/3 spares list for their components allocated to them and prepare their components for processing. Moving spares to repair cycle or between workshops.

Qualifications & Experience: Grade 12 or equivalent Essential. Passed an Aviation Apprenticeship and Trade Test Essential. Must hold current AME license Essential. Must have current regulatory refresher requirements Essential. Driver’s license Code B Essential. Hold certification. Completed Apprenticeship and have 2 years’ experience in a hangar or a workshop environment. Computer literate on AMOS and management reports. Have a valid Code B driver’s license.

Knowledge and Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of Regulatory requirements. SACAA, EASA and FAA.

The successful candidate will be a proactive and meticulously organized individual, deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence within a dynamic aviation maintenance environment. A fundamental responsibility is the meticulous cleaning and organization of the work area upon the completion of every task, ensuring a pristine and efficient workspace that minimizes FOD (Foreign Object Debris) risks and promotes a safe working environment for all personnel. This extends to the precise issuance and timely return of all specialized tooling and test benches within the AMOS (Aviation Maintenance Operating System) platform, guaranteeing accurate inventory tracking and availability for subsequent tasks.

Following the successful completion of workshop activities and comprehensive finalization checks, the individual will be responsible for the efficient and secure movement of all serviceable spares to the main stores facility. This critical step ensures that valuable components are properly cataloged, stored, and readily accessible for future maintenance operations, thereby optimizing inventory management and reducing downtime.

A cornerstone of this role involves the diligent creation of comprehensive repair documentation immediately after components are received in the designated work area. This documentation, often initiated in digital formats, will meticulously detail the component’s initial condition, identified faults, and proposed repair strategies. Furthermore, upon the successful release of components back into service, the individual will be tasked with the accurate and complete filling of all repair documentation and associated work packs, ensuring their proper archiving in designated secure locations. This includes the efficient retrieval of work packs as required for audit purposes, historical reference, or subsequent maintenance cycles, demonstrating a thorough understanding of document control protocols.

A significant degree of autonomy and responsibility is embedded in the process of ordering their own necessary spares. This involves not only identifying the correct parts but also meticulously collecting them from the main stores facility, verifying their authenticity and condition. Crucially, the individual will then be responsible for creating a detailed GT/3 spares list specifically for their allocated components, ensuring all required materials are accounted for before preparing their components for the comprehensive processing phase. This preparation might involve pre-assembly, cleaning, or other preparatory steps to streamline the repair cycle. Additionally, the role demands the capability to efficiently move spares to the appropriate repair cycle or between various workshops as dictated by the maintenance schedule and component flow, demonstrating an understanding of logistical coordination within a complex operational structure.

Qualifications & Experience:

To be considered for this demanding yet rewarding position, candidates must possess a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification, demonstrating a foundational level of academic achievement. It is absolutely essential that applicants have successfully passed a recognized Aviation Apprenticeship and subsequently a Trade Test, evidencing a robust practical skillset and theoretical understanding of aviation maintenance principles. A critical prerequisite is the holding of a current Aviation Maintenance Engineer (AME) license, underscoring regulatory compliance and a certified level of competence. Furthermore, all applicants must possess current regulatory refresher requirements, demonstrating ongoing professional development and adherence to the latest industry standards. A valid Driver’s License Code B is essential for internal logistics and operational mobility. Beyond these fundamental requirements, successful candidates will hold relevant certifications pertaining to specific aircraft types, systems, or specialized maintenance procedures. A minimum of two years of hands-on experience in either a demanding hangar or a fast-paced workshop environment post-apprenticeship is highly desired, showcasing practical application of learned skills. Proficiency in computer systems is paramount, specifically demonstrating computer literacy with AMOS and the ability to interpret and utilize management reports to inform decision-making. Finally, reiterating for emphasis, a valid Code B driver’s license is a non-negotiable requirement.

Knowledge and Skills:

The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of all pertinent Regulatory requirements. This includes a thorough understanding of the standards and practices set forth by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This extensive regulatory knowledge is critical for ensuring full compliance, maintaining airworthiness, and upholding the highest safety standards in all maintenance activities. Beyond regulatory compliance, strong analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and excellent communication skills are highly valued. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment is crucial, as is a strong commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to evolving aviation technologies and best practices.

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