South African Airways Technical (SAAT) is advertising 66 fixed-term contract opportunities for its Technical Peak Season recruitment pool. The vacancies cover three different positions: Aircraft Cleaner, Operator Paint and Operator Trimming.
These opportunities may interest job seekers with Grade 12 who have relevant experience in aircraft cleaning, painting preparation or trimming operations. Successful applicants will support aircraft maintenance activities, workshop operations and the preparation of aircraft and components.
The vacancies are offered on a fixed-term contract basis, and applicants must meet the specific experience and skills requirements for the position they choose.
SAA Technical Peak Season Vacancies 2026: Key Details
- Employer: South African Airways Technical (SAAT)
- Employment type: Fixed-term contract
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent at NQF Level 4
The three advertised positions are:
| Position | Number of vacancies | Reference number |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Cleaner | 20 | SAA261026-12 |
| Operator Paint | 40 | SAA261026-3 |
| Operator Trimming | 6 | SAA261026-9 |
Total advertised opportunities: 66.
Applicants should select the position that best matches their qualifications and practical experience.
1. Aircraft Cleaner – 20 Positions
The Aircraft Cleaner position falls under the Operations Support business unit. Successful candidates will help maintain clean, safe and hygienic aircraft, hangars and surrounding premises.
Duties and Responsibilities
Aircraft cleaning duties include cleaning the interiors and exteriors of South African Airways and customer aircraft. Tasks may involve deep-cleaning aircraft toilets, carpets, chairs, galleys, cockpit areas, screens and headphones.
Other responsibilities include cleaning aircraft components, cargo areas and landing gear using approved chemicals and equipment.
Candidates may also perform hangar and premises cleaning, remove waste, clean floors, handle hazardous spillages according to procedures and help keep workshops and stores organised.
The role may require operating equipment such as floor scrubbers, stackers, scissor lifts and other specialised cleaning machinery.
Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
- Six months’ experience in an Appearance section within the general aviation industry.
- Knowledge of cleaning products and equipment operation.
Applicants should demonstrate teamwork, integrity, initiative, organisation and a strong commitment to safety.
Reference number: SAA261026-12
2. Operator Paint – 40 Positions
The Operator Paint position falls under the Backshop business unit and has the largest number of advertised vacancies, with 40 positions available.
The role involves preparing aircraft and aircraft parts for painting or paint stripping. Candidates will assist technicians with sanding, masking, cleaning and other preparation activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include sanding aircraft parts, masking designated areas before painting, washing components and maintaining clean workshop areas.
Successful candidates may assist with sealant removal and application activities, remove masking tape after jobs, move equipment and materials, monitor work in progress and complete relevant labour documentation.
Applicants must be prepared to work at various heights and handle chemicals, thinners and solvents in accordance with safety procedures.
Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
- Computer literacy.
- Six months’ experience in a paint section.
- Knowledge of hazardous materials and chemicals.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
Candidates should be self-motivated, safety-conscious and able to work effectively in a team.
Reference number: SAA261026-3
3. Operator Trimming – 6 Positions
The Operator Trimming vacancy falls under the Projects business unit. The successful candidates will assist trimming technicians with aircraft interior maintenance, refurbishment and related workshop activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Tasks include spot-cleaning cabin carpets, removing and installing carpets and rail covers, and cleaning decorative cabin panels before refurbishment.
Learners in this role will also assist with handling aircraft escape slides, collecting materials from stores, returning completed orders and dispatching scrap materials according to company procedures.
Other duties include preparing chair covers and other items for dry-cleaning, sorting and packaging cleaned materials, and washing stained safety belts before labelling and storing them appropriately.
Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
- Computer literacy.
- Six months’ experience in a trimming section.
- Knowledge of equipment operation, cleaning products and relevant technical policies.
Candidates should have good organisational skills, attention to detail, integrity and the ability to cooperate with colleagues.
Reference number: SAA261026-9
Important Information for Applicants
All three vacancies are based in Kempton Park, Gauteng, and are advertised as fixed-term contracts for the technical peak season. The supplied adverts do not specify the contract duration or salary.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment. Applicants should ensure that their CVs clearly show their qualifications and relevant experience.
Final Thoughts
These SAAT vacancies offer opportunities for candidates with Matric and relevant experience in aircraft cleaning, painting preparation or trimming operations. With 66 positions advertised across the three roles, applicants should review each job description carefully before choosing the most suitable vacancy.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR AIRCRAFT CLEANER POSTCLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR OPERATOR PAINT POST
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR OPERATOR TRIMMING POST