Manager Maintenance Operations

• Lead safe, compliant and efficient aircraft maintenance operations supporting life-saving aeromedical services 
• Darwin-based aviation leadership role overseeing engineering capability, airworthiness and operational performance 
• Guide technical teams and help maximise aircraft availability across RFDS NT operations 

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Australia / Northern Territory (RFDS SA/NT)

We are one of Australia’s most trusted and respected health and aeromedical service providers, delivering essential care to people across remote, rural and regional communities throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory.

As part of our ongoing strategic and operational activities within the Northern Territory, we are focused on strengthening our workforce and enhancing capability across the region. Our five-year Strategic Plan prioritises building innovative, responsive and better-connected services that improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all Australians.

You can watch stories about our people, patients and the communities we serve at rfdsnt.com.au

Our values of Care, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation guide how we work, ensuring we deliver the highest standard of service and continue to improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

About this Opportunity

The Manager Maintenance Operations supports the Head of Engineering in the management, oversight and continual improvement of engineering operations for the RFDS Darwin operation. The role helps ensure maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with CASA regulations, RFDS policies, safety and quality systems, and OEM requirements. 

Based in Darwin, this is a pivotal aviation leadership role with responsibility for operational planning, technical oversight, team development and engineering performance. You will work closely with Senior Base Engineers and teams across maintenance control, planning and logistics to support aircraft availability for life-saving aeromedical missions. 

The role includes some after-hours support to maintain operational continuity. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the Head of Engineering with strategic planning and the daily management of engineering operations. 
• Oversee maintenance activities to maintain high standards of airworthiness, safety, quality and regulatory compliance. 
• Act as a delegate for the Head of Engineering when required and deputise for Senior Base Engineers to support continuity of operations. 
• Assist with Engineering Continuing Airworthiness Management processes and maintain engineering manuals, procedures and audit readiness. 
• Coordinate and oversee modifications, upgrades and maintenance programs across the PC-12 and C208 fleet. 
• Liaise with CASA, OEMs, contractors and vendors to support engineering activities and technical outcomes. 
• Lead, coach and mentor the Darwin engineering team, supporting workforce planning, training and professional development. 
• Promote collaboration across bases and improve working efficiencies between maintenance control, planning and logistics. 
• Support inventory control, tooling, maintenance planning, budgeting, cost control and the optimisation of engineering resources. 
• Monitor aircraft downtime and work to minimise disruption to operational service delivery. 
• Provide oversight for key contracts and third-party component maintenance suppliers, ensuring technical, operational and contractual requirements are met. 
• Champion a strong safety culture through proactive risk management, safety reporting and continuous improvement. 

About You

You are an experienced Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and aviation leader who can balance technical excellence, regulatory compliance, people leadership and operational priorities. You are comfortable making sound decisions in a high-pressure environment, building capability across technical teams and working collaboratively to keep aircraft safe, serviceable and available. 

To be successful, you will bring:

• A CASA B1 and/or B2 Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence. 
• Extensive aircraft maintenance leadership experience within a regulated environment. 
• Sound knowledge of CASA requirements, including CAR 30 and CASR Parts 39, 42, 66 and 145. 
• Strong aircraft maintenance experience on Pilatus PC-12, Cessna C208 or similar aircraft types. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams across multiple locations. 
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, planning and organisational skills. 
• A strong commitment to aviation and workplace safety, quality and continuous improvement. 
• The ability to work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision. 
• A current Australian Driver’s License and eligibility to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card. 

Experience in aeromedical or remote operations, project or asset management, Continuous Aircraft Maintenance operations, MRO software or transition to a CASA Part 145 Maintenance Organisation will be highly regarded. Tertiary qualifications in aviation, engineering or management would also be advantageous.

Our Benefits

As part of our team, you will be supported to achieve your best while contributing to meaningful work that makes a real difference.

We offer:

• Generous salary packaging options (up to $15,899 + $2,650 meal & entertainment)
• Competitive remuneration
• Flexible work arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reward and recognition programs
• Learning and development opportunities
• Comprehensive onboarding program

Further Information 

To access the position description, please click here or email TEMRSRecruitment@flyingdoctor.net

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Peter Hebdon, Head of Engineering via 0417 867 157

For recruitment enquiries, please contact Jo Graham, Senior Recruiter via 0428 679 511

Please note, we reserve the right to appoint to the position before the published closing date. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible!

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a positive culture and offers a diverse, safe and supportive work environment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.