General Manager – Engineering. Cairns, Australia

General Manager - Engineering

SmartLynx Australia Pty Ltd | Brisbane or Cairns | Full Time Executive Role

SmartLynx Australia, part of the Avia Solutions Group, one of the world’s largest ACMI and aviation services providers is seeking a highly experienced General Manager – Engineering to lead our growing Engineering and Maintenance division.

With a fleet comprising Airbus and Dash8 aircraft and a major project underway to achieve IOSA certification, this role is a rare opportunity for a senior aviation engineering leader to make a lasting impact on the future of a dynamic Australian airline.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager ,Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and oversight of SmartLynx Australia’s Engineering and Maintenance functions, including Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO) and Part 145 Maintenance operations.

As the Responsible Manager for CAMO and the Accountable Manager for the Part 145, you’ll ensure full regulatory compliance with CASA Parts 42 and 145, uphold the highest standards of safety and reliability, and drive technical excellence across both turboprop and jet operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership across all Engineering and Maintenance functions.
• Oversee CAMO and Part 145 operations to ensure compliance and operational performance.
• Drive the Engineering Department’s contribution to IOSA certification and continuous audit readiness.
• Manage fleet reliability programs, maintenance scheduling, and technical performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with CASA, OEMs, MROs, and key operational stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering managers and technical teams.
• Promote a proactive culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

About You

We’re seeking a hands-on, strategic aviation engineering professional who can combine technical depth with strong leadership and communication skills.

You will bring:

• At least three years’ experience in continuing airworthiness management of aircraft.
• At least one of the following qualifications:
• Hold, or have held, an aircraft engineer license in category B1, B2 or C (or equivalent).
• Qualification in aircraft maintenance at least at Certificate IV level or equivalent.
• Qualification in aviation maintenance management at least at diploma level or equivalent.
• Engineering qualification at least at diploma level in any of the following disciplines: aeronautical, avionics, mechanical, electrical or electronics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the regulations and standards applicable to continuing airworthiness of aircraft authorized to operate under an AOC.
• Knowledge of the CAMO Exposition.
• Knowledge of both turboprop and jet aircraft (Dash8 and Airbus desirable).
• Experience managing maintenance budgets, projects, and regulatory audits.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with IOSA and/or CASA approval.

Why Join SmartLynx Australia

• Be part of a global aviation group with extensive career opportunities.
• Lead a highly skilled engineering team across a growing mixed fleet.
• Play a key role in shaping operational excellence and safety standards.

If you’re ready to take on a pivotal leadership role within a progressive, safety-driven airline, we’d love to hear from you.
Relocation support will be provided.

Avia Solutions Group is the leading aviation business group, operating across all the continents with offices in Ireland, USA, Asia Pacific, UAE, Lithuania, South Africa, Australia. Backed by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group is the largest global ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating around 209 aircraft fleet. The Group also provides various aviation services such as MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), pilots and crew training, ground handling and other interconnected solutions.