Aviation MRO Operations Manager

Aviation Search Group; Victorville (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviation Search Group is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and oversee maintenance operations at a large MRO facility in California. You will direct a multidisciplinary team of about 50 employees to ensure safe, efficient, on-schedule maintenance in full FAA compliance.

You will report to the Director of Maintenance and drive production, safety culture, employee development, and continuous improvement in quality and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience as an A&P Mechanic on large aircraft.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership in commercial aviation within heavy maintenance.
• Experience with aircraft reactivation, modifications, structural work, electrical systems, avionics, and engine preservation.
• Strong knowledge of commercial aircraft systems, procedures, and documentation.
• Working knowledge of FAR Parts 43, 91, 121, 135, and 145.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance activities.
• Develop and manage short- and long-term maintenance plans to maximize labor efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Ensure FAA, OEM, customer, manufacturer, and company requirements are followed.
• Ensure work packages and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Operations Leads, technicians, and support personnel.
• Manage staffing and workload to ensure qualified personnel for tasks.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across the maintenance organization.
• Monitor progress, identify delays, and develop execution strategies to keep work on schedule.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Scheduling

Safety culture

Communication

Team development

ERP systems

Timekeeping systems

A&P knowledge

MRO operations

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree (Aerospace/Engineering/Business)

Tools

Corridor Go

Aviation maintenance ERP

Paycom

ADP

Kronos

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and oversee maintenance operations within a large MRO facility. This position is responsible for ensuring maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in full compliance with FAA regulations, OEM requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.

The Operations Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately 50 employees, including Operations Leads, aircraft technicians, and support personnel. This individual will be responsible for driving daily production, maintaining a strong safety culture, developing employees, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring maintenance activities meet quality and regulatory requirements.

The Operations Manager will report directly to the Director of Maintenance (DOM).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and oversee all scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance activities.
• Develop and manage short- and long-term maintenance plans to maximize labor efficiency and minimize aircraft downtime.
• Ensure company, customer, manufacturer, and FAA requirements are consistently followed and enforced.
• Ensure work packages, work orders, maintenance documentation, and return-to-service paperwork are completed accurately and on time.
• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Operations Leads, technicians, and support personnel.
• Manage staffing and workload assignments to ensure qualified personnel are assigned to appropriate maintenance tasks.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout the maintenance organization.
• Identify, correct, and communicate safety concerns to the Director of Maintenance.
• Ensure aircraft maintenance, materials, equipment, and processes meet FAA, customer, company, and manufacturer quality standards.
• Oversee on-the-job training and ensure technicians are properly qualified for assigned work.
• Ensure Operations Leads maintain accurate work boards, complete work orders, and maintain daily turnover logs.
• Partner closely with Material Planning and Scheduling teams to ensure required parts, tools, and materials are available to support production.
• Monitor maintenance progress, identify potential delays, and develop execution strategies to keep work on schedule.
• Support budgeting, labor planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Participate in performance management, employee development, and disciplinary processes as needed.
• Maintain effective communication across Maintenance, Planning, Materials, Quality, and other supporting departments.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Maintenance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience as an A&P Mechanic working on large commercial aircraft or transport-category aircraft.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial aviation leadership experience in a heavy maintenance/C-check environment.
• Experience with aircraft and engine reactivation, transitional maintenance, aircraft modifications, structural work, electrical systems, avionics, and engine preservation.
• Strong knowledge of commercial aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Working knowledge of FAR Parts 43, 91, 121, 135, and 145.
• Minimum 5 years of budgeting and scheduling experience, with the ability to develop and execute maintenance strategies based on available resources.
• Experience with aircraft storage and disassembly is a plus.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Engineering, Business Management, or a related field is preferred.

License & Certifications

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced MRO environment.
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance operations and production requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Corridor Go or another aviation maintenance/ERP system is a plus.
• Experience with timekeeping systems such as Paycom, ADP, or Kronos is preferred.
• Experience conducting employee performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and employee development is preferred.
• Knowledge of California employment laws is preferred.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

• Safety – Put people first and maintain a safe maintenance environment.
• Integrity – Communicate openly and act with honesty and accountability.
• Ownership – Take initiative and follow through on commitments.
• Respect – Value teamwork, communication, and diverse perspectives.
• Engagement – Be proactive, contribute ideas, and actively solve problems.
• Performance – Drive operational excellence while developing and supporting the team.

TEAM & REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Reports To: Director of Maintenance
• Direct/Indirect Team: Approximately 50 employees
• Team: Operations Leads, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, and Support Personnel

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in hangar and ramp environments.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, reach overhead, and work around aircraft.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must have sufficient corrected vision and hearing to safely operate in an active aircraft maintenance environment.
• May work around hazardous chemicals, aircraft equipment, machinery, and moving vehicles.
• Appropriate PPE may be required.
• Work may take place both indoors and outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Must be willing to work flexible or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on operational requirements.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

WHY JOIN THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This is an opportunity for an experienced aviation maintenance leader to take ownership of a significant MRO operation, lead a team of approximately 50 employees, and play a key role in improving production, safety, quality, and overall maintenance performance.