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Group Head of Technology Innovation - Job Opportunity at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 19, 2025
On-site
Given the senior executive nature of this role, the Hong Kong location, and HAECO's position as a global MRO leader, the compensation likely ranges from HKD 1.2-2.0 million annually (USD 150,000-250,000). This estimate considers the strategic importance of technology innovation in aviation, the requirement for both technical and leadership expertise, and Hong Kong's competitive executive compensation market.

Benefits

Comprehensive career development opportunities within a global aviation engineering leader with 16 operating companies worldwide
Equal opportunity employment with commitment to inclusive workplace regardless of personal characteristics
Professional growth in technology innovation role with direct access to Group Leadership Team
International exposure through coordination with HAECO Group entities across Asia-Pacific, Americas and global markets
Strategic leadership position with high visibility and impact on company-wide technology transformation
Access to cutting-edge aviation technology research and development partnerships with institutes and vendors

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic technology transformation across global HAECO operations by researching and consolidating latest technology trends in the MRO aviation market
Lead comprehensive annual Technology Initiative programmes from concept to deployment, coordinating with 16 global entities to ensure realistic rollout plans
Spearhead innovative technology applications including Drones Assisted Aircraft Inspection, Autonomous Mobile Robots, Robotic Process Automation, and AI/ML solutions
Establish strategic partnerships with research institutes, technology vendors and external partners to integrate cutting-edge technologies into aviation operations
Direct technology application managers across entities to deliver tangible business results and measurable improvements in safety, quality and efficiency
Standardize and drive adoption of advanced technology applications including Robotics, AI/ML Image Recognition, and new material/tooling applications
Serve as primary technology liaison with Group Leadership Team and Entity Leaders, aligning technology strategies across global operations
Represent HAECO externally in technology engagement with Aviation Services Research Centre and Engineering Councils/Institutes
Deliver comprehensive technology programme reporting to Group Leadership Team monthly and conduct bi-monthly Technology Working Group meetings
Evaluate and validate new technologies through market research, pilot projects, and stakeholder feedback to ensure feasibility and deployability

Requirements

Education

Bachelor or above degree education with strong technology literacy

Experience

Over 3-5 years of experience in technology innovation relevant working experience, partnering with external vendors and institutions

Required Skills

Strong experience in leading and implementing regional projects with structure programme and project management skills Strong programme, communication, analytical, change management and project management skills Business process reengineering experiences Ability to manage and facilitate technical workshops for knowledge / experience transfer and process requirements review Proven experience in regional government technology funding and patent application Fluent in English and Mandarin is an advantage Knowledge in MRO business, operational technology, and MRO related regulations & standards is preferred but not a must

Certifications

Lean six sigma green belt or black belt preferred Strong project management professional with PMP Or PRINCE2 Agile development qualifications such as DevOps or Scrum master
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aviation MRO industry is undergoing significant digital transformation with increasing adoption of AI, machine learning, and robotics to address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency. Companies are investing heavily in predictive maintenance technologies and automated inspection systems to reduce aircraft downtime and maintenance costs. Drone technology and autonomous systems are revolutionizing aircraft inspection processes, with regulatory bodies increasingly approving their use for external aircraft checks, reducing inspection time from hours to minutes while improving safety and accuracy. The Asia-Pacific aviation market is experiencing rapid growth, driving demand for innovative MRO solutions. Hong Kong's position as a major aviation hub makes it critical for MRO providers to implement cutting-edge technologies to maintain competitive advantage. Industry 4.0 technologies including IoT sensors, digital twins, and augmented reality are becoming standard in aviation maintenance, requiring senior technology leaders who can bridge traditional aviation expertise with emerging digital capabilities.

Role Significance

Typically manages a team of 8-15 technology application managers and project specialists across multiple entities, with indirect influence over 50-100 technical staff involved in technology implementation projects. The role involves matrix management across global operations with significant cross-functional coordination requirements.
This is a senior executive position with significant strategic influence, reporting directly to Group Leadership Team and coordinating technology initiatives across 16 global operating companies. The role holder serves as the primary technology visionary for a major international aviation services company, with authority to shape technology direction and substantial budget responsibility for innovation programmes.

Key Projects

Implementation of AI-powered predictive maintenance systems across global MRO operations Deployment of autonomous drone fleets for aircraft inspection across major hub airports Integration of robotic process automation for inventory management and technical documentation Development of digital twin technologies for aircraft component lifecycle management Establishment of innovation labs and technology incubation centers at key HAECO facilities

Success Factors

Deep understanding of aviation industry regulations and safety requirements combined with expertise in emerging technologies to ensure compliant innovation implementation Strong stakeholder management abilities to align diverse global entities and navigate complex organizational dynamics while driving technology adoption across different cultures and operational environments Proven track record in scaling technology solutions from pilot to full deployment, with ability to measure and demonstrate tangible business value including cost savings, efficiency improvements, and safety enhancements Strategic thinking capabilities to identify and evaluate emerging technologies that provide competitive advantage while managing risk and ensuring operational continuity Change management expertise to overcome resistance to technology adoption in traditional aviation maintenance environments and build technology-forward organizational culture

Market Demand

High demand exists for senior technology innovation leaders in aviation, particularly those who can successfully implement AI, robotics, and automation solutions. The specialized nature of aviation technology combined with regulatory requirements creates a limited talent pool, making qualified candidates highly sought after.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced project management capabilities with PMP or PRINCE2 certification are essential for coordinating complex, multi-entity technology rollouts across global operations while managing substantial budgets and timelines. The aviation industry's stringent safety and regulatory requirements demand systematic project execution. Deep understanding of AI, machine learning, robotics, and automation technologies is crucial for evaluating, selecting, and implementing solutions that provide competitive advantage. The role requires technical depth to engage with vendors, research institutes, and internal teams on complex technology decisions. Change management expertise is vital for driving adoption of innovative technologies in traditional aviation maintenance environments where safety concerns and established processes create natural resistance to change. Success requires ability to build consensus and demonstrate value. Strategic thinking and business acumen are critical for aligning technology initiatives with HAECO's business objectives across diverse markets and regulatory environments. The role demands ability to translate technical capabilities into measurable business outcomes.

Beneficial Skills

Aviation industry experience and knowledge of MRO regulations provides valuable context for technology implementation and helps navigate complex compliance requirements that are unique to aviation maintenance operations Mandarin language proficiency enhances effectiveness in Asia-Pacific markets where HAECO has significant operations and growth opportunities, facilitating better communication with regional teams and stakeholders Experience with government technology funding and patent applications creates opportunities for innovation financing and intellectual property development that can provide additional competitive advantages Lean Six Sigma expertise supports continuous improvement initiatives and helps quantify the business impact of technology implementations through rigorous process analysis and optimization methodologies

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to lead technology innovation at one of the world's largest independent MRO providers, with direct impact on global aviation safety and efficiency standards
Strategic position to influence industry-wide adoption of emerging technologies through HAECO's market leadership and extensive customer relationships with major airlines
Access to comprehensive aviation ecosystem including airframe, engine, component, and cabin services, providing holistic view of technology integration opportunities
Involvement with cutting-edge applications like drone-assisted aircraft inspection and autonomous mobile robots that are reshaping aviation maintenance practices
Opportunity to represent HAECO in external technology forums and establish the company as a thought leader in aviation innovation

Career Growth

Career progression to C-suite roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the strategic nature of this position and the rapid evolution of aviation technology. The high-visibility role provides excellent exposure to industry leaders and potential for accelerated advancement.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Technology Officer or Chief Innovation Officer at major aviation companies, airlines, or aerospace manufacturers Senior executive positions at aviation technology vendors or consulting firms specializing in digital transformation Group-level operational leadership roles such as Chief Operating Officer with technology transformation focus Board advisory positions or venture capital roles focused on aviation technology investments

Company Overview

Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited

HAECO is one of the world's leading independent aircraft engineering and maintenance organizations, established in 1950 and headquartered in Hong Kong. As one of the largest MRO service providers globally by capacity, the company operates 16 companies worldwide offering comprehensive aviation services from airframe maintenance to cabin solutions and freighter conversions.

HAECO holds a dominant position in the Asia-Pacific aviation maintenance market and is recognized as a premium service provider globally. The company's strategic location in Hong Kong, combined with its comprehensive service portfolio and long-standing industry relationships, positions it as a market leader competing with major players like Lufthansa Technik and ST Engineering.
Hong Kong International Airport serves as HAECO's primary hub, providing strategic access to the rapidly growing Asian aviation market. The company's global footprint across Asia-Pacific, Americas, and other regions creates opportunities for technology standardization and best practice sharing across diverse regulatory environments.
HAECO maintains a professional, safety-focused culture typical of aviation industry leaders, with increasing emphasis on innovation and digital transformation. The company's commitment to equal opportunity and inclusive workplace, combined with its global presence, suggests a progressive approach to talent management and professional development.
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