Senior Engineer Simulators at South African Airways (SAA)

Job Purpose    

• The incumbent of this role is responsible to safely perform maintenance; repair and fault-finding to ensure that customers are provided with simulators that meet the regulatory requirements to perform training.
• The role is responsible to perform routine maintenance, repair hardware and prepare simulators for training and training of junior staff. In addition to this, the role must implement required modifications and certify work of uncertified staff.
• Lastly, as part of team the role will be required to support the optimization of the Flight Technical and Maintenance Standards function.

Principal Accountabilities    

• Implements department strategy within area of responsibility
• Recommends policies, processes, action plans and systems to support implementation of the strategy
• Analyse cost drivers and provide recommendations on profitability of department
• Support the management and control of budget in area of responsibility
• Utilises resources in area of responsibility
• Optimise technology to enhance internal and external customer expectations
• Implements processes to deliver customer value
• Drives customer centricity within areas of control
• Maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships through appropriate relationship building and networking
• Enforce Governance and Risk Management policies, processes and systems
• Deliver on regular and timeous reporting of information to key stakeholders
• Drive continuous optimisation programmes and initiatives
• Engage in trend analysis, benchmarking, research, best practice to support optimisation of department
• Manages projects to contribute to the optimisation of the department/ division
• Prepare simulator for training
• Test fly simulator with test pilot in order to ensure compliance with CAA standards
• Fly the FFS as part of morning readiness. Also confirm/verify/research any reported flight/navigation related problems
• Attend to simulator calls from the instructor which will require immediate corrective action
• Assist in familiarizing instructors with simulator facilities
• Liaise with Flight Deck Crew and instructors regarding perceived anomalies
• Monitor standards and ensure inspection in accordance with prescribed procedures
• Repair hardware and software defects; sensitive electronic circuitry; and perform routine/preventative maintenance as stipulated by manufacturer
• Repair high voltage equipment; repair/maintain electro-mechanical devices and hydraulic systems and equipment as well as repair defective components removed from the simulator
• Perform in-depth setups on visual systems including manual adjustments on projectors
• Research reported faults and capture data regarding work done
• Allocate work to junior staff and certify work done by uncertified staff
• Provide on the job training (OJT) as well as plan and coordinate work to be done
• Implement changes, modifications and/or service bulletins
• Modify and implement new software
• Control and perform software back-up
• Change/update documents and diagrams following hardware and/or software updates
• Implement lesson plans (software)
• Update databases and maintain general admin
• Perform IT functions
• Entertain visitors (P.R.O. Duties) guided tours, etc
• Act in higher grade and assume the Manager: Simulator duties in their absence

Qualifications & Experience    

• National Diploma in Electro-Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics at NQF level 6 OR completed an Aircraft Avionics Apprenticeship and passed Trade Test
• Full certification for this post is a pre-requisite
• Driver’s license essential with AVOP & TVOP
• 24 months experience as Grade Simulator Engineer
• A minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience as a technician within the airline industry
• Proven track record in a Flight Technical position will be an advantage

Knowledge and Skills    

• Avionics and Flight Technical courses (enable interpretation and assess reported defects)
• Simulator Manufacturer’s Courses (Introduction to the hardware, software and visual systems of simulator; to facilitate maintenance, repair and the training of sub-ordinates)
• Procedural, Regulating Authority and documentation courses (Primary)
• JAR standards course
• Knowledge of electronics
• Knowledge of aircraft systems
• Knowledge of maintenance and fault findings on avionics
• Knowledge of fault tracing and repair
• Knowledge of tools and test equipment
• Analytical and information processing skills
• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy (MS Office) and AMOS
• Time management
• Reporting skills
• Team player
• People management
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Attributes    
• Engages in crucial conversations
• Manages projects
• Facilitates change and innovation
• Implements and aligns to vision
• Delivers value
• Values team diversity
• Role models behaviours and values
• Effective communication
• Technical expertise
• Stakeholder relationships
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Drives results
• Organisational awareness
• Ethics and integrity
• Collaboration

Deadline:15th July,2025