Operations Manager

Socket.dev; Ozark (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company/pu

Generous paid time off

Job summary

AAR is seeking an Aviation Operations Manager to support the U.S. Army’s IERW training mission under a FSN program. You will oversee daily flight operations, plan missions, manage aircrew assignments, and ensure compliance with DoD/FAA regulations and safety standards.

You will lead cross-functional coordination with Army units, government customers, and contractor teams, driving risk management, SOP development, and timely reporting to contract oversight bodies.

Qualifications

• Experience in DoD aviation operations (Army Aviation preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of DoD/FAA regulations and military aviation procedures.
• Experience with SMS and quality assurance programs.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily aviation operations per FSN contract requirements.
• Coordinate mission planning, aircrew scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, FAA, Army Aviation policies and safety standards.
• Serve as primary liaison with government customers and Army units.
• Oversee risk management processes and incident response.
• Develop SOPs aligned with Army doctrine and FSN requirements.
• Prepare operational reports and performance metrics.

Skills

Aviation operations

Flight scheduling

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

DoD/FAA knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management or related field

Tools

Flight operations software

Mission tracking software

Scheduling systems

Job description

This position is pending contract award. If AAR is awarded this contract, the estimated start date is October 1, 2026.

Description:

The Aviation Operations Manager supports the U.S. Army’s Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) training mission as part of a contractor operated FSN program. This role manages daily aviation operational activities required under the contract, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of flight operations. The manager coordinates mission planning, aircrew scheduling, flight tracker, regulatory compliance, and operational reporting while maintaining seamless integration with Army Aviation procedures, FSN contract requirements, and government oversight.

What you will be responsible for:

• Execute aviation operational functions in support of FSN contract requirements, including flight scheduling, mission planning, aircrew assignments, and resource coordination.
• Ensure all contractor aviation operations comply with DoD, FAA, Army Aviation, and company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison between the contractor, the FSN government customer, Army Aviation units, and supporting organizations.
• Implement and maintain operational risk management processes, including hazard identification, mitigation strategies, and safety documentation required under the FSN contract.
• Oversee aircrew qualification tracking, training schedules, and currency requirements to maintain compliance with IERW training standards and contract deliverables.
• Develop, update, and enforce contractor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with Army Aviation doctrine and FSN program requirements.
• Prepare operational reports, metrics, and documentation required by the FSN government customer, audits, and contract oversight bodies.
• Support incident/accident response, reporting, and investigation activities in accordance with contract and regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership and supervision to operational personnel, ensuring performance standards and FSN contract deliverables are met.
• Assist with operational budget planning, resource forecasting, and procurement activities related to aviation operations under the FSN program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• In order to access Fort Rucker, US Citizenship is required.
• Prior DoD aviation operations experience (Army Aviation preferred; Air Force or Naval Aviation acceptable).
• Strong knowledge of military aviation procedures, mission planning, aircrew management, and operational risk management.
• Experience supporting or operating within a government aviation training contract.
• Proficiency with aviation scheduling systems, flight operations software, and mission-tracking tools.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with Army Aviation units, government agencies, and contracted aviation organizations.
• Understanding of FAA regulations applicable to government or military aviation operations.
• Strong communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, or related field; equivalent military experience may be considered.
• Experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aviation quality assurance programs.
• To access the Fort Rucker site, US citizenship is required.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

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