Specialist Simulator Software at South African Airways (SAA)

Job Purpose    

• The incumbent of this role is responsible for repair, maintenance and modifications of all the training equipment, including computer based training aids, the online assessment application (Questionmark Perception) and Safety and Emergency Procedures Trainer.
• The incumbent also performs software debugging, upgrades, testing and additional functions that may be required by customers using software utilities as well as at a software development level. Routine software maintenance, preventative maintenance, as well as ensuring that the simulators are operating as per customer requirements for training.
• Lastly, as part of the Simulator section team, the role will be required to support the optimization of the simulator maintenance function whilst providing support for the pilots and cabin CBT.

Principal Accountabilities    

• Provide input into the design of the Flight Technical Maintenance and Standards’ Strategy taking into account specialist expertise, best practice, benchmarking and market standards etc.
• Contribute to the Flight Operations Strategy and action plans related to the training
• 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
• Provide recommendations to actively support cost and headcount containment
• Identify initiatives in alignment with business requirements and strategic objectives
• Actively monitor the reports and quality of service delivery against crew requirements
• Monitor contracts required for renewal
• Identify cost containment initiatives in order to maximise the benefits realisation of safety and savings
• Introduce software projects that will reduce throughput time and maximise savings through operational costs cut-off
• Research reported faults
• Perform general administrative tasks
• Assist with the installation of training equipment including flight simulators
• Assist with the dismantling and removal of redundant simulators and equipment
• Conduct benchmarking against other businesses in the industry in relation to training and learning
• Contribute to the identification of strategic initiatives and action plans for area of responsibility
• Ensure that appropriate governance systems are in place for area of responsibility and in line with future requirements, i.e. policies, procedures and reporting structures
• Review policies and procedures and update as necessary to ensure required standards are maintained (QMS)
• Respond to regular quality assurance exercises or audits that are conducted across business units to measure compliance with policies, procedures and standards
• Reporting, monitoring and evaluation
• Report on outstanding action items and projects
• Incorporate reporting information into decision making processes to ensure alignment of the methodologies, policies, processes and tools to the requirements of the business
• Share business performance metrics with key internal and external stakeholders to demonstrate the impact that change will bring to the bottom line within the division and the organisation as a whole
• Complete regular reports and presentations when required
• Provide input into training strategy implementation
• Identify future needs, services required, market offerings and available new products and engage in discussion about integration and adoption of these into strategies and plans with management and crew
• Design recommendation reports within functional area of expertise in view of best practices and business strategy and submit to the Simulator

Qualifications & Experience    

• Bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics at NQF level 7 and/or 5 -7 years’ experience in a similar field
• Technical College qualification in Electro-Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics
• Completed an Aircraft Avionics Apprenticeship and passed the Trade Test
• A minimum of 24 months as Grade 2 Simulator Engineer
• Full certification is a pre-requisite

Knowledge and Skills    

• Methodologies and practices with a specific focus on avionics
• SACAA and foreign regulatory legislation
• Procedural, regulating authority and documentation courses (primary)
• Software development knowledge, with the ability to analyse a segment of a code and what it is intended for
• Advanced computer literacy with respect to how they function and how the hardware communicates with the software
• Good understanding of electronics
• Proactive collaboration at pilot and cabin crew level
• Problem solving skills
• Resource utilisation
• Information processing skills
• Facilitation skills
• Simulator manufacturer’s courses (Introduction to the hardware, software and visual systems of simulator; to facilitate maintenance and repair)
• Analytical skills
• Networking skills
• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Self-management skills
• Time management
• PC Literate (MS Office)
• C, C++, FORTRAN and Linux programming skills
• 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

Deadline:15th July,2025