Senior Base Engineer (SBE) is a dual-function position reporting to the General Manager of Engineering. The role is responsible for carrying out and supervising daily aircraft maintenance activities while providing leadership and oversight to Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, maintaining high maintenance standards, and driving operational efficiency across all maintenance functions.

The position ensures that appropriately qualified personnel, suitable tooling, and current technical data are available to support maintenance operations. It also fosters a strong safety culture and combines technical expertise with leadership to ensure maintenance tasks are completed efficiently, in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

Daily Maintenance, Supervision & Leadership:

• Perform daily aircraft maintenance tasks including checks and repairs while supervising and coordinating Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and apprentices to ensure the timely and efficient completion of maintenance tasks.

• Ensure that personnel are available, qualified, and equipped to perform and supervise maintenance activities.

• Assign and monitor tasks performed by AMEs, ensuring that work is done within the appropriate limitations and certification standards.

• Be appointed as the coordinating Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) in charge of an aircraft during both base and line maintenance.

• Oversee all maintenance activities, ensuring compliance with the company's AMO Exposition, Safety Management Manual, and relevant safety and quality procedures.

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment within the facility, adhering to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.

Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all tasks performed by the team are in accordance with CASR Part 42, 66, and 145 regulations.

• Certify maintenance work and ensure accurate recording in compliance with the AMO’s Exposition.

• Ensure that the Company Maintenance Authorisations (CMA) for all Licensed Aircraft Specialists are current and up to date.

• Keep all CASA licences, Authorities, and Instruments current, following the correct safety and quality policies and procedures.

• Report defects found on aircraft in line with the operator’s procedures, the Exposition, and applicable regulations.

• Ensure the use of current, approved maintenance data and compliance with Human Factor Principles.

Production & Planning:

• Develop production planning systems suited to the complexity and scope of the maintenance work.

• Ensure availability of tools, equipment, materials, and maintenance data for performing tasks.

• Monitor costs, resources, and the facility’s readiness for maintenance tasks.

• Rectify deficiencies in quality and safety systems, addressing issues promptly and ensuring proper reporting.

Training & Development:

• Identify training needs and arrange necessary training programs to ensure a sufficient number of qualified staff are available for scheduled tasks.

• Mentor and guide junior staff, including Senior Base Engineers, Unlicensed Aircraft Specialists, and Apprentices, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Contribute to Safety Action Group meetings and toolbox meetings, discussing safety hazards and improvements.

Safety & Risk Management:

• Promote a high standard of safety and compliance within the team and facilities.

• Actively participate in Safety Report investigations and internal and external Part 145 Audits.

• Ensure that safety hazards and incidents are reported immediately to the Safety Department, with formal reports submitted in a timely manner.

• Assess risks and approve requests for shift extensions, ensuring minimal impact on safety and operational performance.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide maintenance certification coverage during shortfalls in manpower, ensuring operational continuity.

• Ensure all safety and quality deficiencies identified during audits or daily operations are rectified in a timely manner.

• Assist the CAMO department with additional projects as needed.

• Respond to any significant performance or compliance issues, ensuring timely communication with senior management.

Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Licensing: Must hold a current B1/B2 or C license and company authorisation.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement CASR 42/145 regulations within a line maintenance environment.

• Experience: Proven experience in supervising maintenance teams, with a thorough understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance operations, and safety procedures.

• Training: Maintain current qualifications and training for the Company Maintenance Authorisation and any other regulatory requirements.

• Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership qualities, with the ability to guide a team, resolve issues, and lead by example.

• Safety Focus: Committed to promoting a strong safety culture, identifying risks, and taking proactive measures to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills and Qualities:

• Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and senior management.

• Ability to perform and certify work within the limits of company-issued authorisations.

• Strong problem-solving skills to resolve operational and technical issues promptly.

• Ability to assess and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with safety procedures.

• Willingness to work in a team-oriented environment and lead by example.

This combined role requires a dynamic individual who can balance technical expertise with leadership skills, ensuring that all maintenance operations meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.