Maintenance Machinist – Production Technical Workshop at Kenya Airways PLC

Kenya Airways PLC is seeking a qualified and experienced Maintenance Machinist to join its Production Technical Workshop. The successful candidate will be responsible for precision machining, fabrication, and repair of aircraft components while working in accordance with aviation standards, engineering specifications, and approved maintenance procedures.

This position plays an important role in supporting aircraft safety, airworthiness, and operational readiness. The ideal candidate should have strong machining skills, attention to detail, experience in an aviation or aerospace machine shop, and a good understanding of engineering drawings, precision measurement, aircraft materials, and maintenance documentation.

Responsibilities include:

• Operate manual machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, as well as CNC equipment, to manufacture, modify, or restore aircraft components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical manuals, and aviation specifications, including ATA 100 and applicable EASA guidelines.
• Conduct dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Perform surface finishing activities including honing, deburring, polishing, lapping, and thread repair.
• Carry out machining operations such as boring, turning, facing, slotting, and thread cutting.
• Ensure all work complies with aviation maintenance documentation, approved repair schemes, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and inspectors to confirm machining tolerances and determine rework requirements.
• Inspect and document completed work in accordance with internal procedures, OEM manuals, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain strict compliance with workshop safety, quality assurance, and environmental requirements.
• Check that tools and equipment are safe, tested, usable, and within their required calibration dates.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause analysis of failed or rejected aircraft components.
• Support continuous improvement activities and machine shop capability upgrades.
• Maintain proper records of completed work, including work orders and job cards.

Qualifications required:

• Diploma or Trade Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Machining, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an aviation or aerospace machine shop environment.
• Trade test training or certification in industrial training.
• Relevant CNC or machining certifications are an advantage.
• Aircraft maintenance licence is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Proficiency in both manual and CNC machining techniques.
• Ability to set up, program, and operate CNC machines.
• Good understanding of tool selection and machining parameters.
• Strong knowledge of metallurgy and aerospace materials.
• Familiarity with aviation component standards and requirements, including AS9100, Part 145, CMMs, SPMs, Service Bulletins, and Airworthiness Directives.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, GD&T, assembly diagrams, and exploded views.
• Understanding of machining tolerances, symbols, and engineering specifications.
• Knowledge of precision measurement using micrometers, Vernier calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, depth gauges, and surface roughness testers.
• Awareness of calibration requirements and proper care of precision measuring tools.
• Understanding of aerospace-grade materials such as aluminium alloys, titanium, stainless steel, and Inconel.
• Knowledge of material behaviour during machining, including hardness, heat treatment, and machinability.
• Understanding of corrosion properties and preventive methods.
• Familiarity with Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs), standard repair practices, approved repair schemes, repairable limits, and applicable deviations.
• Ability to perform minor rework and modifications within approved regulatory limits.
• Strong attention to detail and precision.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official Kenya Airways careers platform for the Maintenance Machinist – Production Technical Workshop position. Applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their relevant machining experience, technical qualifications, aviation or aerospace workshop experience, and knowledge of precision measurement and aircraft component maintenance requirements.

The position is currently active, with the job advert indicating 4 days remaining before expiry. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the stated closing period.

Kenya Airways PLC is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on characteristics protected under applicable laws. Reasonable accommodation is also available for qualified applicants who require assistance during the recruitment process.

This Maintenance Machinist opportunity is suitable for skilled mechanical and precision machining professionals seeking to apply their technical expertise within an aviation technical workshop environment. Qualified candidates are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit their applications within the advertised period.