Become an RFDS Engineer
A unique experience in engineering
At the Royal Flying Doctor Service, we look for Engineers who are open to a challenge, want to help people in need and have a passion for aviation. Challenge yourself and work in a role that requires high-level problem-solving and ingenuity while simultaneously servicing a fleet that provides an essential service to people living in regional and remote Queensland.
A challenging and rewarding job
In Queensland, RFDS Engineers provide scheduled maintenance and repair of defects to ensure the RFDS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our commitment ensures that the Beechcraft King Air fleet of B200, B350, and the new B360 is safe, compliant, and performs optimally. A wide range of Engineering capabilities are provided by our Engineering team, which includes Licensed B1 and B2 Aircraft Maintenance as well as Aircraft Maintenance specialising in mechanical and sheet metal maintenance. Looking after a fleet of 20 aircraft in the network, our Engineers are an integral component of our team supporting RFDS to deliver world-class aeromedical retrievals and healthcare to regional, rural and remote Queenslanders. Our Engineers are skilled professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to providing the highest level of service to the RFDS. With safety and quality at the forefront of their operations, our highly regarded in-house Engineering team keep our fleet and team safe and in the air. They ensure our assets are up to date with the latest regulations, and that any needed maintenance is taken care of on time. Their expertise and dedication are essential for the RFDS to continue to provide a safe and reliable service.
The Flying Doctor in Queensland has the necessary certifications and accreditations to conduct line and base maintenance, as well as repairs, on the Service's Beechcraft King Air aircraft fleet. These certifications and accreditations include:
- CASR Part 145 Approved Maintenance Organisation
- CASA-approved Safety Management System (SMS)
- International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 3 accreditation
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management System
- ISO 45001:2018 — Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
Graphic: Image of an RFDS Engineer
Benefits of working for the RFDS
- Opportunity to work for a purpose-led organisation which gives back to the community.
- Work in a role which offers workplace flexibility.
- Work with a skilled team including some of Australia's finest engineering professionals.
- Gain a varied range of experiences through the maintenance work RFDS completes for external companies, working on line defects for an assortment of third-party aircraft.
- Enjoy a work-life balance without shift or weekend work! Enjoy a roster of 7am-3pm Monday to Friday with the occasional callout.
What it takes to become an RFDS Engineer
Our highly experienced engineers need to have:
- An AME qualification of a Certificate IV in Aeroskills – Mechanical
- A Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) B1 or B2 qualification
- 3-5 years relevant experience
- Aircraft maintenance experience on RFDS QLD aircraft types – B200, B350, B360.
Extra benefits
Access to generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits of up to $18,550.
You will be rewarded with attractive remuneration valuing your hard-earned qualifications, skills and experience.
Extra benefits of working at a western base
Gratuity of $3,702 after 12 months, $5,553 after two years and $7,404 after three years.
Rent/mortgage assistance of up to $23,000.
Remote area payment of $4,688.
Remote area housing assistance - rental 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT.
Remote area residential (not vehicle) fuel 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT.
Remote area housing assistance - mortgage interest 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT.
Remote area travel assistance – 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT.
Training and apprenticeship opportunities
The RFDS can support you with training and licencing while working as an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) through the Licensed Engineer Aviation Program (LEAP).
The LEAP pathway is a perfect evolution for current AME's and for ex-military personnel looking to transition into the civil aviation industry building and investing.
Apprenticeships available for Aircraft Maintenace Engineers completing their Qualification of a Certificate IV in Aeroskills. Completion of apprenticeship, can lead to Diploma which has CASA AME qualification.
Graphic: Garvina Lui, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprentice at RFDS
Garvina is engineering a future to be proud of
Garvina Lui is forging her career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprentice based in Cairns – combining her passion for engineering and the ability to help people.
More detailsWhere you could work
We have engineers located in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Mt Isa, and Charleville. Apprentices are located at our bigger bases in Cairns, Brisbane and Townsville.
Engineering support is strategically positioned around the state to maintain the Service’s fleet with approved base maintenance facilities located in Brisbane and Townsville and approved line maintenance facilities situated in Cairns, Charleville, Mount Isa and Rockhampton.
Dedicated maintenance management and airworthiness teams situated in Brisbane and Cairns provide comprehensive oversight of the complete fleet network.
The RFDS (Queensland Section) Values
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