Director of Maintenance

Director of Maintenance

Confidential MRO Position

Status: Exempt

Location: Auburn, Washington

Department: Maintenance

Position Summary

A confidential FAA Part 145 Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organization is seeking an experienced Director of Maintenance to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple aircraft component repair and production departments. This position is responsible for ensuring aircraft components are repaired, overhauled, and returned to service in full compliance with FAA regulations, customer requirements, and company quality standards.

The Director of Maintenance oversees operations across specialized component repair shops, including Transmission, Electronics, Components, Hydraulics, Structures, and Machining. Working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, this role drives operational excellence by improving productivity, reducing turnaround times, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Maintenance Operations and provides leadership to departmental managers and technical personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for maintenance managers, supervisors, and technical staff.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support production goals, customer commitments, and organizational objectives.
• Ensure all maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities comply with FAA regulations, company procedures, and the Repair Station Manual.
• Oversee daily operations of component repair departments to maximize productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Ensure all required maintenance records and documentation are accurately completed and maintained.
• Monitor staffing, equipment, tooling, and material requirements to support production schedules and operational performance.
• Ensure all shop equipment and tooling are maintained in safe, serviceable operating condition.
• Direct initial and recurrent training programs for managers and technicians to maintain regulatory compliance and technical proficiency.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe repair station facilities in accordance with company standards.
• Ensure proper handling, preservation, storage, and control of aircraft components and materials throughout the repair process.
• Evaluate operational capabilities and identify opportunities for process improvements, capacity expansion, and increased efficiency.
• Maintain and update repair station capabilities and associated documentation.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams to achieve company objectives.
• Support customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
• Promote and enforce all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide operational support across departments and perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound operational decisions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting production schedules and business objectives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other business systems.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with customers.
• Effective conflict resolution and employee coaching skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and employee engagement.
• Ability to foster a professional, ethical, and accountable workplace culture.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate or FAA Airframe Certificate.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station regulations and aircraft component maintenance.
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience managing maintenance operations within an FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
• Thorough understanding of aviation technical manuals, maintenance documentation, and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience leading multiple maintenance or component repair departments within an FAA Part 145 environment.
• Demonstrated success managing organizations with 50 or more employees.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong background in operational planning, budgeting, and performance metrics.

Working Conditions

• Frequent work in both office and production environments.
• Extended periods of computer use and administrative work.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing and aircraft component repair operations.
• Occasional exposure to aircraft-related chemicals and hydraulic fluids while following appropriate safety procedures.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and occasional weekends to support operational requirements.