aeronautical engineer jobs

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship Program 2027

Brisbane Airport | Virgin Australia Hangar

Build the future of aviation with Virgin Australia.

We’re proud and excited to kick off our 2027 Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. With new aircraft joining our fleet, our partnership with Qatar Airways, and our listing on the ASX, the future is bright—and we want you to be part of it.

About the Program

Over four years, you'll complete a nationally recognised Aircraft Maintenance Engineering qualification while gaining real-world experience with one of Australia's leading airline engineering teams.

Working within our CASA Part 145 approved maintenance organisation, you'll learn from experienced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers who'll support your development every step of the way.

From day one, you'll be working on our Boeing 737 fleet while developing the technical skills, confidence and experience needed for a rewarding career in aviation engineering.

You'll rotate across key maintenance areas, gaining exposure to line maintenance, overnight maintenance and scheduled aircraft servicing in a safety-first environment.

Positions are available in the following disciplines:

Mechanical

As an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice (Mechanical), you'll inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the mechanical systems that keep our aircraft operating safely and reliably.

This includes:

• Aircraft engine systems

• Landing gear, wheels and brakes

• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems

• Flight control systems

• Environmental control systems

Avionics

As an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice (Avionics), you'll inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the electronic systems that power modern aircraft.

This includes:

• Electrical power systems

• Aircraft instrument systems

• Autopilot systems

• Navigation systems

• Communication systems

• In-flight entertainment and onboard connectivity

Structures

As an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice (Structures), you'll inspect, repair and maintain the structural components of our aircraft, ensuring every aircraft continues to meet the highest safety and airworthiness standards.

This includes:

• Aircraft fuselage, wings and empennage

• Composite and metallic structures

• Structural repairs and modifications

• Aircraft doors and access panels

• Corrosion prevention and treatment

• Sheet metal fabrication and structural assemblies

What we're looking for...

We're looking for people who have a genuine interest in aviation and excited by the opportunity to build a long-term career in engineering.

You'll thrive if you're someone who enjoys working with your hands, solving technical problems and takes pride in producing quality work.

To be successful, you'll have:

• A genuine interest in aviation and engineering

• An interest and aptitude for mechanical or electrical work

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking

• A commitment to safety and teamwork

• Great communication skills and a willingness to learn

• Minimum Year 10 completion

• Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency

• A current Australian driver's licence (Provisional or above)

• Be at least 18 years of age

• The ability to pass a pre-employment medical and background checks

• Availability to commence in January 2027 (anticipated start: 11 January 2027)

Working with us

Our apprentices work a rotating 24/7 roster, including overnight shifts, weekends and public holidays. Throughout much of the apprenticeship, you'll work predominantly night shift on a 4-on, 4-off roster, gaining valuable experience maintaining aircraft while they're on the ground and preparing them for the next day's flying schedule.

Why Virgin Australia?

At Virgin Australia, you'll do more than complete an apprenticeship—you'll build a career with an airline that's investing in its people and its future.

As an apprentice, you'll enjoy:

• Paid, hands-on training while earning a nationally recognised qualification

• Mentoring and support from experienced engineering professionals

• Career pathways beyond your apprenticeship across Engineering and the broader Virgin Australia Group

• Access to heavily discounted flights for you, your family and friends across the Virgin Australia network and partner airlines

• Annual Virgin Australia travel benefits

• Discounts on travel, accommodation, car hire, retail, insurance and more

• A supportive, inclusive culture where everyone belongs

• The opportunity to work with cutting-edge aircraft and technologies as our fleet continues to grow

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to launch your career?

If you're ready to learn from the best, work on world-class aircraft and build a career you'll be proud of, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications for the 2027 Virgin Australia Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program are now open and close 27 July 2026.

Apply today and help us make flying better—together.