Aviation Engineering Project Manager

Overview

The Project Manager – Engineering is responsible for leading cross-functional aviation engineering and sustainment projects related to aircraft maintenance, modification, and configuration management. This position oversees complex programs supporting airworthiness, reliability, and mission readiness for a specialized fleet of aircraft.

The role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to coordinate between engineering, maintenance, operations, and regulatory stakeholders — ensuring all technical initiatives are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities: Program & Project Leadership

• Manage aircraft engineering and modification projects including TCTOs, ADs, and Service Bulletin implementations.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk management across concurrent sustainment initiatives.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, charters, and progress reports.
• Coordinate regulatory and compliance activities related to aircraft alterations and repairs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in technical support, engineering documentation, and process efficiency.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between Maintenance, Engineering, Airworthiness, and Flight Operations.
• Direct and prioritize the work of technical subject matter experts across aircraft systems.
• Collaborate with OEMs, suppliers, and external engineering organizations to resolve sustainment and modification issues.
• Ensure engineering and maintenance activities align with operational readiness goals.
• Support the implementation of maintenance information systems and compliance tools.

Technical Oversight & Documentation

• Manage the development, control, and issuance of Engineering Orders (EOs), modification packages, and configuration records.
• Maintain documentation for aircraft configuration, major repairs, and alterations in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Oversee Weight & Balance and Configuration Control programs.
• Develop and distribute Fleet Campaign Directives (FCDs) to ensure consistent fleet compliance.
• Support sustainment roadmaps addressing obsolescence, reliability, and maintainability.

Leadership & Communication

• Lead and mentor technical staff supporting Maintenance and Airworthiness operations.
• Facilitate technical reviews, coordination meetings, and program briefings.
• Provide regular status updates, milestone reporting, and risk assessments to senior leadership.
• Represent the organization at working groups, conferences, and industry events.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience managing engineering or maintenance projects in aviation or defense sectors.
• Proven background in project management of aircraft modification, maintenance and compliance programs.
• In-depth understanding of aviation engineering processes (EOs, ADs, TCTOs, SBs, AMOCs, etc.).
• Experience supporting military or commercial aircraft maintenance, preferably C/KC-135 platforms.
• Strong leadership in cross-functional environments with internal and external technical teams.
• Proficiency with aviation maintenance information systems (CAMS, GO81, AMOS, FlightDocs/Veryon).
• Skilled in Microsoft Project and Office Suite; capable of managing budgets, schedules, and documentation.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA A&P License or military equivalent.
• Aircraft Weight & Balance certification.
• PMP Certification or equivalent project management training.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or related discipline.
• Experience with software or digital system implementation projects in aviation environments.

Additional Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid Passport and Driver’s License.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office setting, with routine interface between hangar, flight line, and maintenance facilities. Occasional travel may be required to support program reviews, aircraft inductions, or off-site inspections.