Working Station Manager-DCA

Symbrant Aviation Services; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Symbrant Aviation Services is seeking a hands-on Working Station Manager to oversee maintenance operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Your role involves leading a team of maintenance professionals and ensuring efficient station operations while directly participating in daily tasks.

The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills and a mechanical background, demonstrate effective client communication, and maintain safety compliance. Join us to make a significant impact on operational excellence and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in airport operations, industrial maintenance, or facilities management.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting ability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets, purchasing, and payroll preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation and supervise maintenance professionals.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Serve as main point of contact for clients.

Skills

Leadership experience in airport operations

Strong mechanical aptitude

Excellent communication skills

Experience with PBBs and BHS

Organizational skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Working Station Manager to lead our airport maintenance operation at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

This is not a traditional management position. The successful candidate will oversee a team of seven maintenance professionals while actively participating in the daily operation. This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable managing people, building client relationships, making operational decisions, and working alongside mechanics to troubleshoot and maintain Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs), Baggage Handling Systems (BHS), and related airport infrastructure.

The ideal candidate leads from the front, communicates effectively, holds employees accountable, and takes pride in delivering exceptional service to both the client and the company.

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operation of the Washington, D.C. station.
• Directly supervise a team of maintenance professionals.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and reliable station operations.
• Conduct routine operational inspections.
• Monitor equipment performance and operational readiness.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Hands‑On Leadership

This is a working management position.

Responsibilities include:

• Working alongside mechanics when operational needs require.
• Assisting with troubleshooting and repair of Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs).
• Supporting maintenance and troubleshooting of the Baggage Handling System (BHS).
• Assisting with preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Responding to equipment failures and operational emergencies.
• Leading by example through active participation in field operations.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for airline and airport representatives.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients.
• Attend client meetings and provide operational updates.
• Resolve client concerns promptly and professionally.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the operation.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a safety‑first culture.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, airport requirements, client standards, and company policies.
• Conduct routine safety inspections.
• Maintain required safety documentation.
• Ensure employee certifications and training remain current.

Team Leadership

• Coach, mentor, and develop employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations.
• Hold employees accountable for attendance, safety, productivity, and workmanship.
• Foster a culture built on teamwork, professionalism, communication, and accountability.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and employee development.

Maintenance Oversight

• Coordinate all preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Ensure work orders are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify recurring issues.
• Coordinate vendor activities when necessary.
• Drive continuous improvements in equipment reliability.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage station purchasing activities and monthly material budgets.
• Prepare and process purchase orders.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Complete payroll accurately and on time each week.
• Maintain accurate station records, maintenance documentation, and operational reports.

Business Development

• Identify opportunities to expand services within the operation.
• Build relationships with airline partners and airport stakeholders.
• Support operational planning for new business opportunities.
• Identify opportunities that improve station performance, revenue, and profitability.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in airport operations, industrial maintenance, facilities management, or a related technical environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting ability.
• Experience with Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs), Baggage Handling Systems (BHS), or comparable electro‑mechanical systems preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets, purchasing, payroll, and operational reporting preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is a plus.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a leader who:

• Leads by example.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Follows through on commitments.
• Holds employees accountable while developing their success.
• Is highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Demonstrates strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Is willing to work alongside the team whenever operational demands require.
• Maintains high standards of professionalism, integrity, and customer service.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Safe station operations.
• Equipment reliability and operational uptime.
• Completion of preventive maintenance.
• Client satisfaction.
• Employee development and accountability.
• Timely payroll processing.
• Budget adherence and responsible purchasing.
• Accurate reporting and documentation.
• Effective communication and follow‑through.
• Continuous operational improvement.
• Identification of new business opportunities that contribute to station growth and profitability.

Why Join Our Team?

This is an opportunity to lead a critical airport operation while making a direct impact on safety, reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. We are looking for a leader who is ready to build a high‑performing team, strengthen client relationships, and help grow our operation through initiative, accountability, and hands‑on leadership.

If you're looking for a role where your leadership and technical expertise truly matter, we'd like to hear from you.