Engineering Base Manager – Sunshine Coast

Responsible for the safe and efficient allocation of McDermott Aviation production, maintenance and operating assets, and the coordination of daily operational activities. The Engineering Base Manager will provide a single point of coordination between McDermott Aviation Maintenance and Operational teams and stakeholders, and is required to lead, manage, and motivate operations, maintenance, and safety personnel at McDermott Aviation’s facilities.

About us

McDermott Aviation a global Heli-Aviation company, with operations spanning across Australia, Europe, and the USA, delivering specialist aviation services across firefighting, emergency response, aerial construction, and commercial operations. With a reputation for safety, reliability, and innovation, we operate a diverse fleet and support teams across Australia and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day running of our Sunshine Coast Airport base.
• Leads, mentors, and develops base personnel, fostering a high-performance culture, promoting professional growth, and ensuring teams are motivated, engaged, and aligned with McDermott Aviation’s strategic objectives and safety-first values.
• Provides strategic leadership and vision for McDermott Aviation manufacturing and maintenance operations at our facilities.
• Develops and fosters safe operations in accordance with McDermott Aviation strategic objectives, operational plans, policies, procedures, and processes.
• Have ongoing communication regarding any aircraft production issues, crew availability and aircraft operational limitations.
• Ensure employees are compliant with and maintain operational standards in accordance with CASA and FAA regulations, manufacturer manuals and McDermott Aviation operations manuals.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and processes through the regular appraisal and development of base personnel.
• Oversee regular audits of base personnel, facilities, assets, and equipment, to assess and ensure their suitability for effective and efficient use in accordance with CASA and FAA requirements and McDermott Aviation policies, procedures, and practices.
• Provides subject matter expertise and advice on the procurement of aircraft and aviation equipment.
• Oversees and contribute to the McDermott Aviation safety management system and provides direction and support in achieving sound safety outcomes and a strong culture of safety.
• Ensures resourcing requirements are identified for effective service delivery based on current requirements and project growth requirements.
• Demonstrate support for all McDermott Aviation initiatives, cross functional projects, and organisational development activities.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and practices specific to our facilities are developed, implemented, and adhered complied with.
• Ensure that all quality and safety management systems such as audits, investigations, corrective actions, and testing are completed in accordance with McDermott Aviation and CASA and FAA requirements.
• Understand and undertake what is expected under CASA and FAA and McDermott Aviation Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) and ensure compliance.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualifications / licences
• Valid drivers licence
• Ability to obtain and maintain an aviation security clearance
• Ability to maintain an airside driver’s authority

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive management experience in a commercial or government aviation organisation, preferably with maintenance and maintenance planning experience.
• Extensive knowledge of CASA and / or FAA regulations and contemporary safety management principles in an aviation production and / or maintenance facility.
• Experience leading and supervising the activities of staff in an aviation production and / or maintenance facility.
• Experience managing and monitoring financial resources in an aviation environment, including procurement, operational and maintenance costs, and financial reporting / forecasting as well as undertaking evidence-based planning to forecast future resources requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency in assessing and monitoring external and internal factors, to maintain safe aviation operations that meet McDermott Aviation and regulator requirements.
• Broad understanding of the aviation regulatory environment relative to rotary wing aircraft maintenance.
• Broad technical understanding of the maintenance procedures for aircraft owned and operated by McDermott Aviation.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving knowledge.