Aviation Search Group — Los Angeles, California
Estimated salary for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025): $62,630–$99,130 per year, median $79,870. The employer did not provide a pay range for this listing.
CONFIDENTIAL DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE California | Aviation MRO / Maintenance Operations POSITION OVERVIEW A confidential aviation organization is seeking an experienced Director of Maintenance (DOM) to provide executive leadership and strategic direction for a large-scale aircraft maintenance operation in California . This is a high-impact leadership position responsible for overseeing maintenance operations, safety, quality, regulatory compliance, workforce planning, financial performance, and operational execution. The Director will lead through a team of managers and supervisors while maintaining accountability for approximately 120 employees across the organization. The ideal candidate will be a proven aviation maintenance leader with a strong background in large commercial or transport-category aircraft , FAA Part 145 environments, MRO operations, and organizational leadership. This individual should be equally comfortable working at the executive level and being present on the hangar floor to drive operational performance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Maintenance Leadership & Strategy • Provide strategic leadership and overall direction for the aircraft maintenance organization.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve maintenance policies, procedures, operational standards, and performance objectives.
• Establish operational priorities and ensure maintenance activities support safety, quality, schedule, customer, and business objectives.
• Lead the organization through managers and supervisors, establishing clear accountability for performance and execution.
Operations & MRO Management • Oversee day-to-day aircraft maintenance operations, facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and operational resources.
• Drive production strategies that maximize efficiency, aircraft availability, quality, and on-time performance.
• Establish and monitor organizational KPIs and use operational data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate processes, workflows, and resource utilization to improve productivity and operational output.
• Maintain visibility across hangars, shops, ramps, back-shops, warehouses, and other operational areas.
FAA & Regulatory Compliance • Maintain overall responsibility for ensuring maintenance operations comply with applicable FAA regulations and Part 145 requirements .
• Ensure compliance with Repair Station Manual requirements, approved maintenance data, customer requirements, quality systems, and internal procedures.
• Serve as a key representative during FAA inspections, customer audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Ensure findings and compliance issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Maintain the qualifications and eligibility necessary to serve in accordance with applicable FAA requirements.
Safety & Quality • Establish and reinforce a strong safety-first culture throughout the maintenance organization.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, OSHA, environmental, safety, and quality requirements.
• Partner with leadership and frontline management to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Workforce & Talent Management • Lead workforce planning and staffing strategies for a large maintenance organization.
• Oversee recruiting, hiring, promotions, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
• Establish training and qualification programs designed to maintain technical competency and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and mentor managers, supervisors, and future organizational leaders.
• Build a high-performing maintenance organization capable of supporting changing operational demands.
Financial & Resource Management • Develop and manage departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor spending and authorize expenditures within established authority.
• Ensure personnel, equipment, facilities, and financial resources are utilized efficiently.
• Balance operational requirements with financial and business objectives.
Facilities, Equipment & Materials • Oversee aviation infrastructure including hangars, ramps, back-shops, maintenance areas, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Ensure appropriate asset management, preventative maintenance, and track-and-trace practices are maintained.
• Identify infrastructure and equipment requirements necessary to support current and future maintenance operations.
Executive Leadership • Provide senior leadership with regular updates regarding maintenance performance, staffing, safety, quality, schedules, financial performance, and operational risks.
• Make recommendations regarding organizational structure, staffing, resource allocation, and process improvements.
• Exercise significant independent judgment in resolving operational challenges and establishing priorities.
• Support strategic initiatives and additional leadership responsibilities as required.
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