Senior Drone Remote Maintenance Technician at Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd

• A well-established company specialising in advanced drone technology and solutions, primarily focused on the agricultural sector, is seeking a Lead UAS Maintenance Technician to be responsible for overseeing all workshop operations and ensuring the operational readiness, reliability, and safety of its fleet of unmanned aerial systems. This leadership role combines advanced technical expertise with team management responsibilities, ensuring that maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, and technical support functions are executed to the highest standards. The successful candidate will lead and mentor a team of technicians while maintaining compliance with SACAA regulations and supporting the continued growth of the company's technical operations.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must be a qualified UAS Maintenance Technician (UASMT) or possess an aviation technical qualification or equivalent industry certification; A Diploma or Degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Aviation Electronics, Aircraft Maintenance, or a related technical field would be advantageous
• Proven experience in drone maintenance, RC aircraft systems, aviation electronics, mechatronic systems, or related technical environments
• Experience working with agricultural drone systems and autonomous aviation technologies is highly advantageous
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience within a technical workshop or maintenance environment
• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills across mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems
• Comprehensive understanding of SACAA regulations, Part 101 requirements, and UAS operational compliance
• Must have experience managing workshop operations, maintenance schedules, and technical resources
• Strong computer literacy and experience using digital maintenance management systems
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and motivate technical teams

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading, mentoring, and developing a team of UAS Maintenance Technicians to ensure high levels of performance and technical competence.
• Coordinating and managing daily workshop operations to ensure efficient workflow and optimal turnaround times.
• Allocating resources, prioritising workloads, and monitoring workshop productivity to meet operational requirements.
• Fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management activities within the technical team.
• Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and performing advanced repairs on unmanned aerial systems and associated equipment.
• Overseeing maintenance activities relating to airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, electronic systems, batteries, and ground support equipment.
• Providing technical guidance and support to technicians during complex diagnostic and repair activities.
• Ensuring all maintenance and repair work is completed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company standards.
• Driving continuous improvement in maintenance processes, reliability, and technical performance.
• Conducting and overseeing Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) on new aircraft and equipment.
• Performing and supervising post-repair inspections, testing, and authorised test flights.
• Ensuring all maintenance activities comply with SACAA regulations, Part 101 requirements, and company procedures.
• Maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Assisting with internal audits, technical investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Managing stock levels of critical spare parts, consumables, and workshop inventory.
• Ensuring maintenance records, repair histories, and service documentation are accurately maintained within company systems.
• Monitoring maintenance schedules and equipment service intervals to ensure fleet readiness.
• Producing technical reports and operational updates for management when required.
• Assisting with budgeting and planning for workshop requirements, spare parts, and technical resources.