Join the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and make a meaningful impact in aviation and healthcare.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Engineering to lead our aircraft maintenance operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, and performance. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, fostering a positive workplace culture, and upholding the trusted reputation of RFDS.


About you

You are a seasoned aviation professional with strong leadership capabilities and a passion for safety and innovation. You thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

- Proven track record in management and leadership of an aircraft engineering and maintenance facility. Experience in leading a CASA Part 145 organisation would be viewed favourably.
- Must meet the CASA ‘Fit and Proper Person’ criteria and possess the experience and qualifications to hold Key Personnel Airworthiness responsibilities under CAR 30 and Part 145.
- Proven experience in the management of aircraft maintenance in a comparable sized organisation.
- In-depth knowledge of CASA regulations and aviation safety standards relevant to CAR 30, Part 42 and Part 145.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex operations and drive strategic initiatives.


About the role

You will be accountable across all functions relating to Engineering for the performance of aircraft maintenance in accordance with manufacturers requirements, CASA regulations and RFDS procedures. This role is a leadership position which provides strong direction in terms of developing and promoting a safety culture, a constructive workplace culture and maintaining a positive public image of RFDS. The organisation’s transition to a Part 42/Part 145 organisation will also be a key focus of your role.
 
Leadership & Culture
- Model and promote RFDS values and behaviours.
- Drive employee engagement and positive cultural transformation.
- Define clear roles and accountabilities within the department.
- Support professional development and performance management.

Strategic & Operational Excellence
- Develop and implement departmental strategy aligned with RFDS mission.
- Effectively manage department time and resources
- Lead business transformation and process improvement initiatives.
- Manage budgets, resources, and service delivery to ensure efficiency and quality.
- Identify and implement process improvement and cost management initiatives

Safety & Compliance
- Champion a proactive safety culture.
- Ensure compliance with safety management systems and relevant legislation.
- Liaise with CASA and oversee regulatory audits and surveillance.

Technical Oversight
- Manage aircraft maintenance planning and execution.
- Manage and establish resources required for unscheduled maintenance.
- Oversee maintenance support functions including parts management and recordkeeping.
- Liaise with key vendors and stakeholders.

Regulatory Responsibilities
- Oversight of all maintenance activities to ensure compliance with applicable Civil Aviation Regulations that apply to RFDS Western Operations.
- Liaison with CASA Airworthiness Inspectors, monitoring of CASA surveillance activities and resolution of CASA and internal audit findings.
- Oversight of Airworthiness administration and Maintenance Planning activities.

Benefits

- Permanent, full-time role
- Competitive salary
- Salary packaging - up to $15,900 per annum for everyday expenses and up to $2,650 per annum on meals and entertainment expenses
- Novated Lease options 
- Hybrid work environment and flexible hours (work from home options available)
- Jandakot based office 
- Free parking


About Us

The RFDS provides aeromedical retrieval services and primary health care across the largest health jurisdiction in the world, assisting more than 20,000 patients each year. From our bases in Perth, Broome, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and Meekatharra, our crews deliver exceptional health care to every corner of the state and are committed to the highest standards of clinical care, aviation safety and technology.


In 2024 the RFDS launched its new five-year strategy – Above & Beyond – which will lead the service into its centenary year in 2028. With a focus on expanding primary health care, growing profit-for-purpose services, strengthening our workforce, harnessing new technology and addressing our environmental sustainability; the RFDS in WA is striving to make a tangible and positive difference to the health of people in regional WA.


Submit your resume and cover letter by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button. 

 
At RFDS, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected, with a strong sense of identity and belonging, with the RFDS brand.  We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and allows us to better understand and serve our patients and community.  We know that creating a culturally safe workplace that welcomes, accepts and embraces the diversity of our team, and reflects the community we serve, will lead to the best possible outcomes for our patients and community.  We want all team members, no matter age, gender, nationality, ability, caring responsibilities, culture or religion, to feel safe, supported and empowered to be the best version of self in the best place to work.


Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


Recruitment agencies, we appreciate your consideration. However, we strive to fill our opportunities through direct channels whenever feasible. If we require agency assistance, we will reach out.