Summary
Thales is hiring a Head of Line Maintenance Operations in Dubai to lead aircraft in-flight entertainment maintenance and logistics support for airline customers. The role oversees maintenance activities, resources, budgets, contractual performance, quality compliance, and improvement plans, while serving as the primary airline interface. It manages 85 direct reports, including eight managers, and a stated 2026 budget of USD 11.6 million. Applicants need a master’s degree in electronics, aeronautics, or maintenance engineering, at least seven years of relevant maintenance experience, fluent English, and the ability to travel regionally and internationally.
The posting
As published on thalesgroup.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.
For over 50 years, Thales has been a trusted partner of the United Arab Emirates, providing innovative and cutting-edge solutions in Defence, Aeropsace and Cyber & Digital, aligned with the nation’s long-term vision. With a strong local presence and more than 500 employees across three offices, Thales is deeply embedded within the UAE’s ecosystem. Thales Emarat Technologies plays a pivotal role as a key industrial enabler, fostering national sovereignty, self-reliance, and innovation. Through localization, strategic collaboration, and exporting ‘Made in the Emirates’ technologies to global markets, we contribute significantly to the UAE’s ambitious growth and development while helping build a future we call all trust.
Summary Description
· Implement the actions and deploy the human and industrial resources required to ensure line maintenance and logistics support for aircraft equipped with the Thales IFE system for airlines within scope that have a service agreement with Thales AGS.
· Lead, manage, and coordinate maintenance activities while ensuring close collaboration with Program Support, Logistics Support, Support Resources and Operations teams within Thales AGS, as well as support teams from other division entities (Repair Stations).
· Organize activities to achieve required performance levels and continuously improve processes and competencies while contributing to the development, optimization, and profitability of Thales AGS service offerings.
Key Figures
· Direct reports: 85 including 8 managers.
· Managed budget in 2026: MUSD 11.6.
Position Context
· Primary customer interface responsible for communicating customer expectations and ensuring appropriate prioritization.
· Ensure compliance with contractual commitments and customer satisfaction through performance monitoring and corrective action plans.
· Service performance measured through KPIs including seat availability, inventory levels, and deferred maintenance actions.
· Requires strong collaboration across customers, Thales AGS teams, and other Thales entities (IFE).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
· Ensure contractual commitments related to aircraft IFE maintenance are met.
· Establish and manage personnel, industrial resources, logistics resources, and tools within approved budgets.
· Provide activity reporting and manage improvement plans.
· Ensure alignment with Thales AGS quality standards, processes, procedures, and tools.
· Ensure compliance with EASA Part 145 A1 approval requirements.
· Support recruitment, training, career development, and qualification management.
· Serve as the primary airline interface regarding IFE maintenance, technical training, and procedural compliance.
Required Experience
· 7+ years of experience in cabin/IFE or avionics maintenance in an airline, MRO, or similar experience in an aerospace environment.
· Good knowledge of Civil Aviation maintenance regulations.
· Proven multicultural team management experience.
· Proven customer relationship management experience in complex environments.
· Understanding local labor laws for the various countries
Required Qualifications
· Master degree in Electronics, Aeronautics, and/or Maintenance Engineering.
· Fluent English.
· Strong reporting, analytical, KPI management, Quality, HSE, and Continuous Improvement knowledge.
· Strong interpersonal and executive communication skills.
· Computer skills including MS Office, ERP systems, databases
· Ability to travel regionally and internationally.
At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here, apply now!