Johannesburg: Aircraft Electrics Manager

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Department Manager to lead the end‑to‑end manufacturing and installation of electrical wiring looms (harnesses) for light aircraft. This role owns department safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance spanning prototype, production and retrofit activities. The manager partners closely with Engineering on new designs, manufacturability, compliance with aviation electrical practices, and continuous improvement. The manager will set standards, develop people and processes, and ensure robust configuration control and airworthiness evidence throughout the product lifecycle. The manager will be required to occasionally assist with troubleshooting older aircraft in the AMO. This position reports to the Production Manager but involves coordinating and collaborating with other managers in the business. Required Qualifications & Experience Relevant qualification in electrical engineering or avionics (or extensive equivalent industry experience). 5 years in aircraft wiring harness manufacturing/installation (light aircraft, rotorcraft, UAV, or similar) with 2 years leading a team. Hands‑on expertise with harness build and aircraft installation best practices Proficiency with harness drawings, schematics, wiring tables, and 2D/3D CAD outputs Proven track record meeting quality, and delivery targets in a regulated aerospace environment. Knowledge of configuration management and traceability. Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) (advantage, not mandatory) Leadership & Operations Manage and oversee all staff within the Electrics Department in line with company HR policy and procedures Lead, coach, and develop the electrical team, building a high‑performance culture focused on safety and first‑time-right quality. Manage departmental planning and execution in line with production schedules. Establish, monitor, and improve departmental KPIs (first‑pass yield, OTD, rework rate, labor variance) Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvements. Design Collaboration & Industrialization Partner with Engineering to review and influence new designs for manufacturability, serviceability, routing/segregation, EMI/EMC, weight, and cost. Provide inputs on wire selection, shielding, grounding/bonding, connector families, splices, clamps, grommets, protective sleeving, and identification schemes. Review and influence build standards, harness drawings/panels, and tool/fixture concepts. Oversee first article builds and installations; coordinate FAI (as applicable), process validation, and documented acceptance criteria. Ensure configuration management, serial number traceability, and effective engineering change control. Manufacturing & Installation Excellence Own process discipline for cutting, stripping, crimping, soldering, sleeving, lacing, over‑braiding, and labeling per aerospace standards. Ensure correct routing, clamping, separation, strain relief, chafe protection, firewall penetration, environmental sealing, and EMI mitigation practices in airframe installations. Implement robust inspection and test regimes (in‑process, final, install verification), troubleshoot hardware and software faults, and conduct effective corrective/preventive actions. Coordinate with Quality for conformity, flight‑worthiness releases, and regulatory audits. Support supplier selection and incoming quality. Collaborate with engineering and procurement on ERP data integrity (BOMs, suppliers, lead times), obsolescence, and shortages mitigation. Compliance, Standards & Safety Champion compliance with common aviation electrical practices and standards, such as: FAA AC 43.13‑1B/2B (acceptable aircraft inspection & repair practices), EASA/FAA Part 21 (Product Certification) & Part 145 (Repair), Company Production Organization (POA) procedures Maintain compliance with electrical safety, FOD prevention, tool control, and safe installation practices.