Maintenance Manager

Primary Function

Reports to the AOS Site Lead and provides overall leadership and direction for aircraft maintenance, inspection, and modification activities at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). Responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all organizational- and intermediate-level maintenance functions to ensure aircraft availability, airworthiness, and compliance with NASA, FAA, and Yulista requirements. The Maintenance Manager directs day-to-day technical operations, workforce management, and production control to achieve mission objectives safely, efficiently, and within schedule and budget.

Essential Duties

Maintenance Leadership & Execution

• Direct all aircraft maintenance, inspection, and modification activities supporting NASA's research and mission aircraft in accordance with AFOP-7900.3-002, 14 CFR Part 43, and applicable NASA directives.

• Oversee maintenance production schedules, man-hour planning, and resource allocation to meet daily flight-line, phase, and depot-level maintenance goals.

• Coordinate with the AOS Site Lead, Program Manager, and NASA Flight Operations to align maintenance priorities with mission and engineering requirements.

Workforce Management

• Supervise maintenance supervisors, leads, and production controllers across multiple aircraft platforms and shifts.

• Ensure personnel qualification, certification, and training currency; promote cross-utilization and workforce flexibility.

• Manage timekeeping, overtime control, and labor utilization consistent with collective-bargaining agreements.

Technical Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all work is performed in compliance with FAA, NASA, and AS9100/9110 quality standards.

• Verify that maintenance documentation is accurate, complete, and entered into NAMIS or the designated NASA maintenance information system.

• Maintain configuration control and ensure conformity of technical data, tools, and support equipment.

Safety & Quality Integration

Partner with the Quality Assurance Manager and EHS Coordinator to enforce safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented for audit findings or non-conformances.

• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with SHEMP, OSHA, and AFRC safety directives.

Programmatic Support

• Provide technical input to the AOS Site Lead and Program Manager regarding cost, schedule, and performance metrics.

• Support CDRL deliverables, resource forecasting, and material procurement requirements.

• Participate in Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings and technical reviews; contribute to proposals, BOEs, and phase-in planning.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Analyze maintenance data and reliability trends to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction.

• Recommend process improvements, tool investments, and training initiatives that enhance aircraft availability and mission success.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises aircraft maintenance supervisors, platform leads, production controllers, and back-shop personnel. Exercises full authority for technical direction, workload prioritization, and performance management in coordination with the AOS Site Lead.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of aircraft maintenance, inspection, and modification processes for high-performance jet and research aircraft.

• Strong understanding of NASA maintenance standards, FAA regulations, and AS9100/9110 quality requirements.

• Proficiency with NAMIS or equivalent maintenance information systems.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-platform, multi-shift maintenance teams.

• Skilled in production scheduling, resource forecasting, and maintenance control.

• Effective communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to foster collaboration among maintenance, engineering, quality, and flight operations personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance, Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience accepted.

• Experience: Minimum 7 years within the past 10 in aircraft maintenance of similar scope and complexity, including 3 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

• Certification: Current or prior FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, equivalent military designation, or demonstrable equivalent qualification.

• Knowledge: Familiarity with AS9100/9110, 14 CFR Part 43, and NASA maintenance programs.

• Preferred: Experience managing unionized maintenance personnel and supporting government or NASA aviation operations.

• Security Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

• Other: Must pass background and drug screening; strong commitment to safety and quality.

Working Environment

• A fast paced multi-tasking customer service oriented environment requiring a high degree of efficient and effective performance.
• Adaptability regarding schedule and task changes is necessary to accommodate changing priorities.
• Overtime may be required.