AVIATION BACKSHOP SUPERVISOR

Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

401(k) with 5% company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services is seeking a Backshop Supervisor to lead specialized component repair teams across painting, sheet metal, composites, hydraulics, machining, and more.

The role directs day-to-day backshop operations, ensuring FAA Part 145 compliance and efficient workflow across multiple work orders. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and cross-functional coordination are essential to meet quality, budget, and production targets.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Five (5) years' experience as a Supervisor in a shop environment.
• Airframe License required; Powerplant Certificate preferred.
• Experience in specialized shop operations including painting, composites, hydraulics, machining, heat treating, welding, and/or related component repair activities.
• Must have previous FAA Part 145 Repair Station experience.
• Proficient in interpretation of blueprints, engineering drawings, CMMs, technical orders, and OEM specs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and supervise assigned crews in painting, composite work, hydraulics, machining, heat treating, welding, structural repairs, and other backshop operations.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations and proper documentation.
• Allocate tasks based on skill sets and hangar priorities.
• Monitor workload and ensure timely completion of maintenance and repair activities.
• Meet budgets and production schedules while maintaining quality and workmanship standards.
• Estimate component repair times, labor hours, and material costs to optimize resources.

Skills

Team leadership

FAA Part 145

Shop supervision

Blueprint interpretation

Multitask management

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Backshop Supervisor leads specialized component repair teams within our MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) backshop operations, including painting, sheet metal/structures, composites, hydraulics, machining, heat treating, welding, avionics, interiors, and related shop activities. The supervisor oversees day-to-day shop operations, directs assigned crews, ensures compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations, and manages component workflows and turnaround times (TAT) across multiple work orders. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to coordinate closely with hangar production and cross-functional teams to meet quality, budget, and production schedule requirements.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid company holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with 5% company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Five (5) years' experience as a Supervisor in a shop environment.
• Airframe License required; Powerplant Certificate preferred.
• Experience in specialized shop operations, including painting, composites, hydraulics, machining, heat treating, welding, and/or related component repair activities.
• Must have previous FAA Part 145 Repair Station experience.
• Proficient in the interpretation of blueprints, engineering drawings, Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs), technical orders, specialized shop test equipment, and various aircraft components and systems.
• Have working knowledge of computer software packages used within the facility.
• Must be able to demonstrate a sense of leadership under all circumstances and conditions.
• Must be able to multi-task and manage workflows across multiple aircraft, concurrent component work orders, and hangar priorities.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and overtime.
• Must successfully pass applicable mechanical, structural, or avionics assessments.
• Must be able to obtain an Airport Security Badge (SIDA).
• A valid driver's license is required for this position.

Major Responsibility Areas and Duties

• Plan, direct, and supervise assigned crews in the performance of painting, composite work, hydraulics, machining, heat treating, welding, structural repairs, and other specialized backshop operations.
• Provide oversight to ensure component maintenance, bench testing, and documentation are in full compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations, applicable work orders, technical orders, maintenance directives, and OEM specifications.
• Assign shop maintenance tasks and specialized personnel based on skill sets, workload, and hangar production priorities.
• Monitor work assignments and perform follow-up to ensure timely completion of all maintenance and repair activities.
• Meet departmental budgets and production schedules while maintaining established quality, productivity, and workmanship standards.
• Evaluate and estimate component repair time, labor hours, and material costs to support efficient resource utilization.
• Provide oversight and co-sign with uncertificated mechanics or technicians as authorized under applicable repair station procedures.
• Sign return-to-service documents and release tags (e.g., FAA Form 8130-3) when appropriately authorized under the repair station's approved procedures and authorized signatory roster.
• Coordinate component turnaround schedules and repair plans with Hangar Production, Materials, Engineering, and other supporting departments.
• Identify training needs, calibrated tooling, test benches, and special shop equipment required to support maintenance operations.
• Ensure responsible technicians properly execute all necessary work records, inspection documentation, and tear-down reports.
• Monitor and update shop flow plans, production status reports, and Turnaround Time (TAT) metrics as required.
• Supervise maintenance performed by uncertificated technicians or personnel unfamiliar with applicable methods, techniques, practices, equipment, and tools.
• Provide On-the-Job Training (OJT), technical guidance, and ongoing development to assigned shop personnel.
• Ensure all sub-components, parts, and consumable materials are ordered as required to maintain production schedules.
• Maintain daily turnover reports and ensure effective communication between incoming and outgoing shifts.
• Maintain shop safety, cleanliness, FOD (Foreign Object Damage) prevention, tool accountability, and personnel discipline in accordance with established company policies and procedures.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors necessary for the normal day-to-day operation, not determined at time of hire.

Authority

• Maintains authority over all activities of assigned backshop work crew.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

• Knowledge of use of protective equipment and safety protocols related to the possible exposure to dust, body fluids, radiation, chemicals, fumes, vapors, or mists that could potentially affect the health of the employee.
• Knowledge of use of protective equipment and safety protocols related to handling hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of fall protection requirements.
• Ability to lift, carry, or maneuver aircraft components and shop tooling (up to 50 lbs) and stand for extended periods at workbenches.
• Ability to withstand exposure to constant or intermittent loud/high noise levels.
• Ability to have close vision or clear vision at 20 inches or less.
• Ability to have distance vision or clear vision at 20 feet or more.
• Ability to have depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships).
• Ability to adjust focus to bring an object into sharp focus.

Licenses & Certifications

Aircraft maint duties (preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.