Assistant Director of Aviation Maintenance Training

A&P Mechanic Institute; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Sign‑on Bonus

Job summary

A&P Mechanics Institute (APMI) in Lakeland, FL seeks an Assistant Director of Aviation Maintenance Training to oversee curriculum, instructor qualifications, student outcomes, and facility standards, ensuring FAA compliance under 14 CFR Part 147. This role drives program development and continuous improvement to achieve high pass rates and FAA certification readiness.

The role requires leadership experience in a Part 147 school, strong regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to safety, quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, education, or related field.
• FAA A&P certificate with both ratings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 65, 147) and certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and revise FAA-approved curriculum per §147.17 to align with ACS for general, airframe, and powerplant subjects.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and OpSpecs, including facility maintenance and instructor-to-student ratios.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes; ensure CBT programs meet mastery requirements.
• Develop and maintain safety protocols for training activities.
• Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance to meet §147.13 standards.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Curriculum development

Safety advocacy

Communication

Analytical skills

Professional development

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation, education, or related field

FAA A&P certificate (both ratings)

Job description

Summary

Assistant Director of Aviation Maintenance Training oversees the operations of A&P Mechanics Institute, a Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS), ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations under 14 CFR Part 147. This role is responsible for managing curriculum development, instructor qualifications, student outcomes, and facility standards to produce competent aviation maintenance technicians who meet FAA certification standards (14 CFR Part 65). The Director ensures a high-quality training environment, maintains FAA certification, and drives continuous improvement to achieve a minimum 70% passage rate for students testing within 60 days of graduation.

Essential Functions

• Assist with the development, implementation, and revision of the FAA-approved curriculum per §147.17, ensuring alignment with Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for general, airframe, and powerplant subjects.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations (§147.5, §147.19, §147.21) and operations specifications (OpSpecs), including facility maintenance, instructor-to-student ratios (max 25:1 in shop classes), and record keeping.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes, ensuring competency-based training (CBT) programs (§147.22) are effectively delivered and students achieve mastery of required skills and knowledge.
• Assist in developing and maintaining safety protocols, ensuring all training activities adhere to FAA safety standards and industry best practices.
• Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance to meet §147.13 standards, ensuring tools, materials, and instructional aides are current and functional.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies based on FAA feedback, student performance data, and industry trends.

Competencies

• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 65, 147), advisory circulars (e.g., AC 147-3C), and ACS requirements.
• Leadership and Management: Ability to lead a team of instructors, manage budgets, and oversee operational compliance in a training environment.
• Curriculum Development: Expertise in designing and updating competency-based training programs that meet FAA standards and industry needs.
• Safety Advocacy: Commitment to modeling and enforcing safety practices in all training activities, ensuring a culture of safety awareness.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to communicate with FAA officials, instructors, students, and industry partners, adapting to diverse audiences.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills: Proficiency in analyzing student performance data, addressing compliance issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Professional Development: Dedication to staying current with aviation maintenance technologies, FAA policies, and instructional methodologies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise aviation maintenance instructors, ensuring compliance with §147.19 qualification and training requirements.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and facilitate professional development for instructional staff.
• Approve instructor schedules, lesson plans, and teaching methods to align with FAA-approved curriculum and OpSpecs.
• Delegate tasks to administrative staff for record keeping, reporting, and facility management.

Physical Demands

• Ability to move around classrooms, shops, and hangars to oversee training activities, including standing or walking for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting or moving of training materials or equipment (up to 50 pounds) as needed for demonstrations or setup.
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor hands‑on training, ensure safety compliance, and review technical documentation.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• Full‑time position, typically Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with occasional evenings or weekends for FAA inspections, special training sessions, or industry events.
• On‑call availability for urgent issues related to FAA compliance or facility operations.

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary of $70,000, along with a $3,000 sign‑on bonus and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, basic life, voluntary life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Travel

• Occasional travel (10‑20%) to attend FAA meetings, industry conferences, or professional development seminars.
• Local travel may be required to coordinate with FAA Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) or industry partners.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, education, or a related field.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate with both ratings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 65, 147) and experience with FAA certification processes.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in aviation, education, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in aviation maintenance, including leadership roles in a Part 147 school.
• Experience implementing competency‑based training (CBT) programs under §147.22.
• Proven ability to manage curriculum development and instructor teams in a regulatory environment.
• Formal training in instructional techniques (e.g., FAA Aviation Instructor's).
• Active membership in aviation industry associations (e.g., Professional Aviation Maintenance Association).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

APMI is a Drug Free Workplace and all applicants will be subject to a pre‑employment drug screen.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.