Lead Composite Engineer

Job Purpose

Key Result Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Composite Shop, ensuring all maintenance activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with approved technical data, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and control shop workload, manpower allocation, and resource utilization to meet operational demands, turnaround targets, and service level agreements.
• Review, authorize, and oversee work instructions, task cards, and work orders, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to approved maintenance procedures and documentation standards.
• Continuously assess and enhance the shop’s capability list in alignment with operational needs, fleet expansion, and industry developments, ensuring sustained relevance and competitiveness.
• Identify, recommend, and support the acquisition of new tooling, equipment, and maintenance techniques to expand shop services, improve operational efficiency, and enhance capability.
• Ensure the availability, serviceability, and calibration of shop tools, equipment, and GSE conducting regular tooling audits, records management, and maintenance reviews to meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Enforce strict compliance with safety protocols, human factors principles, and published maintenance procedures before, during, and after task execution to protect personnel, equipment, and operational safety.
• Lead the implementation and closure of internal and external audit findings, ensuring timely and effective execution of corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct regular safety briefings, hazard identification, and compliance checks within the shop, promoting a proactive and safety-focused working culture.
• Uphold high housekeeping standards, ensuring a clean, organized, and safe work environment is maintained consistently across all shop area.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline, and professional conduct among team members, encouraging technical development and accountability..
• Act as the primary liaison between the shop and Engineering, Quality Assurance, Technical Procurement, Logistics, and other operational departments for all composite maintenance matters.
• Provide proactive, solution-oriented technical support and operational guidance to internal stakeholders, contributing to effective problem resolution and operational continuity.
• Manage resource consumption and maintenance costs, minimizing waste, optimizing repair processes, and controlling material and consumable usage.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with Engineering, QA, Technical Procurement, and operational teams to ensure seamless maintenance operations and timely component availability.
• Represent the company with professionalism and technical competence in interactions with internal stakeholders, external partners, regulatory bodies, and customers
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance procedures, processes, and shop practices to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Undertaking major structural projects and modifications.
• Prepare periodic and adhoc reports as required. People Management:
• Provides direction, coaching and guidance to team members for their career and professional development.
• Creates a conducive working environment to build and sustain a performance driven, engaged, and committed team.
• Ensures people management responsibilities are handled effectively in line with company procedures.

Qualifications (Academic, Training, Languages)

• Bachelor Degree or Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Structural/Airframe discipline), or equivalent technical discipline.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft structure maintenance procedures, equipment, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in managing shop capability development, tooling assessments, and audit compliance processes.
• Proficiency in AMOS or similar Maintenance & Engineering software systems for task management, inventory control, and structural part release.
• Proficient in MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, planning, and presentations.

Work Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience in aircraft structure maintenance, with at least 4 years in a supervisory or lead role within a structural/composite shop.
• Excellent leadership, people management, and communication skills with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate a multicultural technical team.
• Sound understanding of aviation safety management systems, human factors, and regulatory compliance principles.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results within tight operational deadlines.