Aviation Maintenance Operations Leader

D.O.M. magazine; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Aviation in Minnesota seeks an experienced Maintenance Operations Manager to lead the maintenance department, oversee scheduling, profitability, and SOP implementation for FAA compliance.

You will train and supervise technicians, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure safety and quality across all aircraft maintenance activities, inspections, and documentation.

This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on attention to detail in a fast-paced aviation environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 5 Years aviation experience maintaining corporate/commercial Part 135 or Part 145 repair station operations.
• Piston experience
• Have a minimum of 2 years' experience as a Lead Mechanic or Inspector.
• Experience managing a team of technicians in a supervisory role.
• Thorough knowledge of aircraft mechanical component troubleshooting/repair procedures and replacement of components.
• Thorough knowledge of aircraft sheet metal/structural modification and repair and the ability to determine airworthiness status.
• Possess the experience and ability to provide technical support to staff and customers.
• Basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with management to strategize new maintenance practices and assists in implementation.
• Works with maintenance department personnel to develop a cohesive work structure and is part of suggestive changes.
• Evaluates shop and customer's needs to determine if the company requires equipment or training to support business growth.
• Train and supervise employees of the maintenance department.
• Negotiate contracts with outside vendors for execution of maintenance work.
• Ensure operational efficiency of projects through timely inspections and repairs.
• Ensure that company premises and facilities are kept in a presentable condition.
• Implement workplace safety policies and standards.
• Ensure work assignments are in place for crew prior to start time to eliminate unproductive time.
• Ensures that crew members sign and document aircraft maintenance on appropriate work cards or forms when work is completed or turned into for turnover per company policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all work performed complies with applicable technical data, FAA regulations and company policies and procedures.
• Maintains cohesion of work crew and rectifies any issues impacting productivity.
• Tracks time spent on each work order and ensures the time is logged correctly and within the budgets.
• Manages technician "On Call" schedule to ensure coverage.
• Performs Maintenance and inspection tasks as required.
• Works closely with maintenance personnel and flight school coordinator to maintain the aircraft visibility of remaining and work-in-progress.
• Ensures that all aircraft parts/components removed from an aircraft in work, are documented, tagged, and protected.
• Performs Inspector functions as required.
• Procures parts for open project(s).
• Cooperates with the Safety Management System and is instrumental with corrective action plans and preventative measures.
• Throughout an inspection, review discrepancies with Customer Services to determine estimated costs and additional labor down time.
• Review all completed and partially completed tasks daily to ensure proper documentation and signoffs prior to turn-over to the next shift.

Skills

Aviation maintenance experience

Lead mechanic/Inspector experience

Team supervision

FAA regulations knowledge

Piston experience

Basic computer skills

Education

FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate

FAA IA preferred

Job description

Vantage Aviation in Minnesota seeks an experienced Maintenance Operations Manager to lead the maintenance department, oversee scheduling, profitability, and SOP implementation for FAA compliance.

You will train and supervise technicians, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure safety and quality across all aircraft maintenance activities, inspections, and documentation.

This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on attention to detail in a fast-paced aviation environment.