Manager – Reliability & Maintainability Engineering Cirrus Aircraft

Phmsociety; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Employer-Paid Coverages

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Free Health Tracking

Generous PTO

Employee Referral Bonus

Career Development

Exclusive Discounts

Community Engagement

Job summary

Phmsociety in Duluth, Minnesota is looking for a Manager of Reliability & Maintainability to lead a team focused on improving aircraft reliability and operational readiness. This role requires strong expertise in reliability engineering, leadership experience, and excellent communication skills.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with a Master's preferred, and 8+ years in related fields. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, generous PTO, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aircraft reliability or maintainability engineering.
• 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in FMEA/FMECA, FRACAS, MSG-3, RCM, ZSA.
• Experience in data analysis and reliability testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary team.
• Define and execute the R&M strategy across all programs.
• Lead reliability data analysis and trend identification.
• Develop dashboards and predictive analytics.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

FMEA/FMECA

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager or Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) leads a high‑impact team responsible for driving aircraft reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness across the full product lifecycle—from concept and design through certification, entry‑into‑service, and in‑service support. This leader sets the vision and roadmap for R&M excellence, delivering measurable improvements in dispatch reliability and ensuring best‑in‑class performance for CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations. In this role, the manager oversees reliability data analysis, root‑cause investigations, reliability testing, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve the highest levels of safety, reliability, and maintainability. They own the strategy and governance for MMEL/MEL development and maintenance, and partner closely with design engineering, supply chain, quality, and field support to enhance system performance and reduce maintenance burden. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in reliability engineering and aircraft maintenance and excels at leading cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, operator‑focused solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) team.
• Define and execute the R&M strategy, roadmap, and standards across all programs.
• Own the Reliability Program Plan (RPP), including RAMS, FMEA/FMECA, MSG 3, RCM, ZSA, and LORA deliverables.
• Write maintainability and serviceability requirements for new programs, ensuring they are integrated into design reviews.
• Lead team to develop and implement aircraft reliability and maintainability programs to monitor, analyze, and predict aircraft performance.
• Lead reliability data analysis, trend identification, and pattern recognition to highlight areas of concern.
• Lead the creation of dashboards, automated reporting, and predictive analytics to preempt AOG events and improve fleet health.
• Develop and maintain R&M metrics, KPIs, and leading indicators to track performance and drive corrective actions.
• Provide R&M requirements and technical guidance for Cirrus IQ or similar data sourcing, analysis, and visualization platforms.
• Lead team in support of customer programs (e.g., Jetstream or piston aircraft support programs) with data, analysis, and guidance.
• Provide technical support and guidance for operator specific MEL development.
• Establish deferral management practices, risk assessments, and governance for MEL‑related operational decisions.
• Ensure maintainability and serviceability considerations are embedded in early design phases.
• Participate in design reviews to verify R&M requirements, ease of maintenance, accessibility, and supportability goals.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, and quality teams to align reliability objectives with product architecture.
• Partner with Part 135 operators to tailor reliability and maintenance programs to operational needs.
• Optimize maintenance intervals, task cards, and inspection programs using MSG 3/RCM methodologies.
• Align reliability initiatives with SMS and operational safety controls.
• Lead team in collaboration with Technical Publications/Technical Media to ensure troubleshooting, AMM, and diagnostic documentation is clear and effective.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft reliability engineering, maintainability engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in a leadership role.
• Expertise with FMEA/FMECA, FRACAS, MSG‑3, RCM, ZSA.
• Experience supporting CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations.
• Experience with data analysis, root‑cause analysis, reliability testing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and lead teams through change.

Competencies

• Strategic systems‑level thinking.
• Data‑driven problem‑solving.
• Builds Effective Teams.
• Communicates Effectively.
• Plans and Aligns.
• Manages Complexity.
• Self‑Awareness.

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer‑Paid Coverages: Group term life, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

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 position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug‑free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.