Job Title
Chief Specialist – Maintenance Control Center (MCC)
Job Summary
The Chief Specialist – Maintenance Control Center (MCC) is responsible for overseeing the daily technical control of the airline's fleet through the Maintenance Control Center. The role ensures aircraft technical reliability, airworthiness, and operational continuity by coordinating real-time maintenance activities, defect management, troubleshooting, and recovery actions. The incumbent provides technical leadership to MCC Controllers and works closely with Flight Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Line Stations, Planning, Logistics, Quality, and OEMs to minimize aircraft downtime and maximize fleet availability while ensuring full compliance with aviation regulatory requirements and company policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise the Maintenance Control Center (MCC) team, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant technical operations.
- Monitor the technical status of the fleet and provide 24/7 operational maintenance support.
- Coordinate technical responses to Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events and other operational disruptions to minimize delays and cancellations.
- Review and assess aircraft defects, deferred defects (MEL/CDL), repetitive defects, and technical log entries to determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with regulatory requirements, approved maintenance programs, and company procedures.
- Coordinate with Line Maintenance, Base Maintenance, Engineering, Maintenance Planning, Flight Operations, OCC, and Supply Chain to ensure timely defect rectification.
- Provide technical troubleshooting guidance and support to maintenance personnel across domestic and international stations.
- Monitor deferred defects and ensure compliance with MEL limitations and rectification intervals.
- Evaluate recurring technical issues and initiate corrective and preventive actions in collaboration with Engineering and Reliability teams.
- Coordinate aircraft recovery plans during unscheduled maintenance events.
- Authorize technical maintenance decisions within delegated authority and company procedures.
- Ensure technical documentation, maintenance records, and aircraft status updates are accurately maintained.
- Support fleet reliability improvement initiatives through defect trend analysis and root cause investigations.
- Coordinate with OEMs, MRO providers, and component repair organizations to resolve complex technical issues.
- Participate in aircraft entry-into-service, lease transitions, and major maintenance planning activities as required.
- Prepare operational reports, fleet status reports, reliability reports, and technical performance metrics.
- Lead investigations into significant technical events and support regulatory reporting requirements.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives within the MCC to enhance operational efficiency and fleet performance.
- Mentor, coach, and develop MCC Controllers and technical personnel.
QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance, or a related technical discipline.
Preferred Certifications
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) License (EASA Part-66, FAA A&P, GCAA, ICAO, or equivalent).
- Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO) training.
- Human Factors and Safety Management System (SMS) training.
- Reliability Program or Aircraft Maintenance Planning certification is an advantage.
Experience
- 8–12 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, engineering, or Maintenance Control Center operations within the aviation industry.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in an MCC, Technical Operations Control, or Line Maintenance leadership role.
- Experience supporting commercial airline fleet operations.
- Experience managing AOG events and operational maintenance recovery.
- Experience with Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, ATR, or other commercial aircraft fleets.
- Experience coordinating with Engineering, Flight Operations, OCC, CAMO, and MRO organizations.
Technical Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems and maintenance practices.
- Strong understanding of Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO).
- Thorough knowledge of aircraft maintenance planning and defect management.
- Working knowledge of:
- Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
- Configuration Deviation List (CDL)
- Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
- Fault Isolation Manual (FIM)
- Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Structural Repair Manual (SRM)
- Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM)
- Knowledge of aviation regulations including ICAO, EASA Part-M/CAMO, Part-145, FAA, or applicable Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
- Experience with aircraft maintenance systems such as AMOS, TRAX, Ramco, Rusada ENVISION, or Ultramain.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools.
Key Competencies
- Aircraft technical troubleshooting
- Fleet maintenance control
- Defect management
- Aircraft recovery planning
- AOG management
- Fleet reliability management
- Continuing airworthiness
- Maintenance coordination
- Technical decision-making
- Operational risk assessment
- Root cause analysis
- Leadership and team management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Crisis and emergency management
- Effective communication
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Planning and prioritization
- Attention to detail
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Aircraft technical dispatch reliability
- Fleet availability
- AOG response and recovery time
- Deferred defect management compliance
- MEL rectification compliance
- Aircraft technical delay rate
- Technical dispatch delays attributable to maintenance
- Repeat defect reduction
- Fleet reliability improvement
- Aircraft dispatch reliability percentage
- Regulatory and audit compliance
- Maintenance coordination efficiency
- On-time defect resolution
- MCC operational response time
- Safety and quality performance indicators
Preferred Attributes
- Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities in a 24/7 operational environment.
- Excellent understanding of airline technical operations and aircraft maintenance control.
- Ability to make sound technical decisions under operational pressure.
- Strong customer-service mindset with a focus on operational excellence.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and safety awareness.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams during operational disruptions.
- Continuous improvement mindset with strong analytical capabilities.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to: Manager – Maintenance Control Center / Head of Technical Operations
Direct Reports: Senior Maintenance Controllers, Maintenance Controllers, MCC Engineers (where applicable)
Work Environment
This position operates within a 24/7 Maintenance Control Center supporting commercial airline operations. The role may require rotating shifts, weekend work, public holiday coverage, and immediate response to operational disruptions, AOG events, and technical emergencies. Regular interaction with Engineering, Flight Operations, Operations Control Center (OCC), Maintenance Planning, CAMO, Supply Chain, Quality, OEMs, and MRO providers is required to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable aircraft operations.
Work Location: In person
