A B1 Licenced Engineer - Duty Manager is a senior aviation professional who operates at the critical intersection of hands-on aircraft maintenance leadership and overall operational management. This unique dual-role combines the deep technical authority of a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) B1 licence—which certifies individuals to certify maintenance on aircraft structures, engines, and mechanical systems—with the broad supervisory and logistical responsibilities of a shift or duty manager. Professionals in these jobs are pivotal to ensuring aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards while meeting stringent operational schedules. Typically, individuals in this profession oversee the entire maintenance shift or operation at an airport hangar, line station, or maintenance facility. Their common responsibilities encompass two key domains. Firstly, as a B1 Licenced Engineer, they perform, supervise, and certify complex maintenance, repair, and inspection tasks on aircraft, ensuring all work complies with EASA Part-145 or equivalent regulatory standards. Secondly, as the Duty Manager, they manage a team of technicians and engineers, allocating manpower and resources efficiently, ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols, and maintaining clear communication with flight operations, planning departments, and air traffic control. They are the primary point of contact for any technical or logistical issues during their shift, making real-time decisions to minimize aircraft on ground (AOG) situations and delays. The typical skills and requirements for these high-level jobs are extensive. Candidates must hold a valid EASA B1 licence (or equivalent national authority approval), often with type ratings on specific aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 family. Several years of post-licence experience in a line or base maintenance environment is essential. Beyond technical prowess, exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are mandatory, as is a thorough understanding of aviation safety management systems (SMS) and maintenance planning. The role demands the ability to work under pressure, manage budgets and parts logistics, and ensure meticulous documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements. For those seeking to advance their aviation maintenance career into a leadership capacity, B1 Licenced Engineer Duty Manager jobs represent a challenging and rewarding apex, offering the chance to directly impact airline safety and operational efficiency on a daily basis.
