Director of Maintenance – Aviation Maintenance Operations

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $80,000 annually (higher compensation may be available based on experience)

We are seeking an experienced Director of Maintenance to lead and oversee all maintenance operations within an FAA Part 145 Repair Station environment, including aircraft modifications and Part 91 flight operations.

This leadership role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining the highest safety standards, improving operational efficiency, and leading a team of maintenance professionals. The ideal candidate will have extensive aviation maintenance experience, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage maintenance operations while supporting aircraft reliability, team development, and business growth.

• Oversee all maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities within an FAA Part 145 Repair Station
• Ensure compliance with 14 CFR Part 145 regulations and established maintenance procedures
• Direct and supervise aircraft modification programs
• Ensure all aircraft modifications meet regulatory, safety, and customer requirements
• Support Part 91 flight operations by ensuring aircraft remain airworthy and available for safe operations
• Manage maintenance schedules and allocate resources to minimize downtime and maximize operational readiness
• Optimize maintenance operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support business growth

• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, including Part 145, Part 135, Part 91, and Part 43 requirements
• Maintain compliance with industry standards, including AS9100 and OEM requirements
• Coordinate with FAA inspectors and regulatory agencies during inspections and audits
• Lead safety initiatives and promote a culture focused on compliance, safety, and environmental responsibility

• Supervise maintenance personnel, including scheduling, training, and performance management
• Ensure all maintenance staff maintain the required technical qualifications and regulatory certifications
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Recruit, develop, and retain highly skilled maintenance technicians
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment
• Develop and maintain a professional, clean, and organized maintenance culture
• Develop labor tracking processes and maintain billable labor performance goals

• Oversee aircraft maintenance programs and ensure compliance with manufacturer recommendations
• Ensure compliance with service bulletins and airworthiness directives
• Supervise aircraft modification projects while maintaining regulatory compliance and meeting project deadlines
• Maintain accurate and complete maintenance records in accordance with FAA standards
• Support aircraft reliability and minimize operational disruptions

• Serve as the primary contact for maintenance-related communication with leadership, customers, and regulatory agencies
• Provide maintenance reports, operational updates, and performance metrics
• Address customer concerns related to aircraft maintenance and modification activities
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Collaborate with flight operations teams to minimize maintenance-related flight delays
• Coordinate pre-flight inspections, maintenance scheduling, and post-flight maintenance activities
• Develop and implement maintenance procedures that support FAA Part 91 compliance
• Support fleet availability and aircraft reliability goals

• Minimum of 10 years of aircraft maintenance experience with verifiable hands-on experience as an active aircraft mechanic in a maintenance organization
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in an aircraft maintenance organization
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an FAA Part 145 Repair Station environment

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification required
• Inspector Authorization (IA) certification preferred
• Thorough knowledge of:
  • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
  • Aircraft technical bulletins
  • Service bulletins
  • Airworthiness directives
  • Aircraft systems
  • Experience with aircraft engineering, modifications, FAA certification, and Supplemental Type Certification (STC) processes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Proven leadership and team development abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement
  • Experience interacting with senior-level customers and stakeholders
  • Ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance
• Participation in a Drug-Free Workplace Drug Testing Program
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to lift and move items weighing more than 50 pounds
• Willingness to travel for audits, inspections, customer visits, and fleet support
• Flexibility to respond to emergencies and unscheduled maintenance activities