Operations Manager - LAX Engineering

Founded in the Queensland outback in 1920, Qantas has grown to be Australia’s largest regional, domestic, and international airline. Qantas has a range of subsidiary businesses that support the overall operations of the Group. The Qantas Group’s main business is the transportation of customers and freight using two complementary airline brands — Qantas and Jetstar — operating regional, domestic, and international services.

• Play a key role in leading and managing our LAX Engineering Operations
• Be part of a team that values safety, recognition and teamwork
• Full time permanent shift-work position based in LAX that supports a 7-day operation (parking available on-site)
• Pay range between USD $165,000- $185,000 (plus bonus)

*Please note, sponsorship will be available for a candidate with the right skills and experience for the role

At Qantas, we represent Australia to the world. Our diverse country is known for our spirit, mateship and a can-do attitude. Qantas Engineering keeps up at the forefront of aviation, caring and maintaining both the Qantas fleet, as well as aircraft for our customers across the Asia-Pacific region. Working with state-of-the-art equipment and resources, our shared commitment to professional excellence continues to keep our customers safe. Safety is our first priority. Our organisation-wide commitment means every individual takes responsibility for creating a safe and healthy workplace for our customers, suppliers, assets, operations and the wider community.

As the Operations Manager – LAX Engineering, you’ll lead all aspects of engineering operations at LAX, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with regulatory, financial and Qantas Group requirements.

You’ll provide leadership to maintenance and support teams, driving operational performance, continuous improvement, safety and quality outcomes across a 24/7 operation. Reporting to the Manager Maintenance and Engineering, you’ll be responsible for managing a large team of technical and operational employees, you’ll oversee the delivery of routine and technically complex aircraft maintenance activities, including major operational disruptions across multiple shifts and crews. With accountability for production, On Time Performance (OTP), resource management and service delivery, you will ensure engineering operations support the safe and reliable operation of the Qantas network.

The role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant safety, regulatory and company requirements, including CASA and FAA regulations, while overseeing contractor performance, workforce planning and the delivery of engineering services. You’ll also build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support safe, efficient and reliable operational outcomes.

You’ll have –

• Extensive experience in all aspects of aircraft engineering with demonstrable experience managing an aircraft engineering similar operational environment
• Experience managing operational cost performance for applicable shifts including the efficient and effective allocation of overtime and material usage
• Exceptional people management skills, able to empower, manage and hold delegates accountable
• Strong operational decision-making capabilities, with a demonstrated commitment to safety and the ability to deliver operational objectives under pressure without compromising Qantas values
• Ability to drive a diverse, inclusive and collaborative culture across the business that demonstrates pride in meeting performance target and timeframes
• Understanding around environmental compliance and conformance to existing regulations both internal and external
• Good communication skills with an ability to form good working relationships with staff, colleagues and across various airline departments
• Sound project management experience in complex, multi-faceted engineering projects

Why Qantas?

You’ll join a team where creativity and passion are encouraged. Our people come together to allow us to dream big and deliver successfully.

There are many different opportunities across our team, which means you’ll be able to grow both personally and professionally at Qantas. Your development is a priority for us – so that you can maintain the high standards our customers have come to expect and can continue to develop over time.

The Qantas employee benefits program offers amazing benefits that extend well beyond travel.

• We love to travel: Enjoy heavily discounted air travel from the USA to Australia and within Australia and across the globe, both for you and your family and friends, as well as exclusive deals on accommodation and holidays.
• We have flexible leave options: Make use of leave and flexible working opportunities including 4 weeks’ vacation and 15 days sick leave for eligible employees.
• We are planning for the future: Our 401K match offering is 8% for eligible employees.
• We’ll support your wellbeing: Whether it’s learning to better support your own and others’ mental health, our interactive wellbeing app or your very own tailored nutrition plan.

Qantas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

If you’re ready to step into a culture that will challenge and excite you, submit an application and let’s explore how we go places together.

Applications close: Thursday 20th August, 2026