Director of Maintenance (Straight Flight)

Straight Flight is a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation since 2007 and is equipped with three 18,000 square foot hangars with back shops for fabrication of both metal and composite parts, avionics repair, and painting projects. Straight Flight became a Certified Repair Station with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1992 and was also approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in 2007. Straight Flight currently holds a very impressive Operations Specification that includes 5 Class ratings.

Come join the Straight Flight team in beautiful Colorado! We have been in business since 1986, and have grown our FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station from 2 founding partners to our current staff of 50 professionals working on both Turboprop and Corporate Jet aircraft in the ever-growing arena of General Aviation. Our mission is to provide the best value in aircraft service our customers can find with safety and quality our primary focus.

Straight Flight is located on the south side of Denver at the Centennial Airport, the nation’s 3rd busiest non-commercial airline airport. We are in the heart of private aviation with 385,000 takeoffs and landings in 2022 with over 880 based aircraft on the field.

Straight Flight offers unique services above scheduled inspections and servicing to our aircraft customers that include Heavy Structural Repair // Composite Repair // Paint // Avionics Repair // Deutsche Aircraft – Dornier 328 Factory Service Center // Garmin Dealer // BF Goodrich De-Ice Install Center to mention a few. We are always looking for the positive difference makers to become part of our truly unique and growing business.

Employee is responsible for oversight of 50+ personnel working under FAA Part 145 Repair Station performing aircraft routine maintenance and heavy repairs. Employee acts as direct liaison with the FAA for the repair station and must understand and effectively apply FAR Part 43, 91, 135, 121, 145 regulations. Employee is responsible for determining corrective action(s) and reporting the status of regulatory compliance for Straight Flight’s FAA Part 145 & EASA Part 145 certifications.

Employee will have heavy customer contact with communication on pricing and schedules. Employee must be capable, comfortable, and enjoy working with computers since the position requires this ability. This is not a desk job and requires mobility on and around an aircraft in maintenance status.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the maintenance division, aligning with organizational goals and objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive maintenance strategies and plans.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across all maintenance activities.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively, including personnel, budget, and equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance maintenance processes, procedures, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with other departments and external stakeholders to address technical and operational issues.
• Provide leadership and guidance to maintenance managers and team members.
• Develop and implement training and development programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of maintenance personnel.
• Report on maintenance activities, performance metrics, and improvement initiatives to senior management and executive leadership.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Technical License (FAA Certification) – A&P required; Bachelor Degree desired
• Minimum of 12 years hands-on aircraft maintenance experience. Any aviation structures and modification experience is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years practical experience with FAA regulatory paperwork
• Demonstrated experience in running an aircraft maintenance facility is preferred
• Experience in airframe, propeller, and engine (turboprop, turbine) systems is required to understand complete maintenance packages
• Understanding of aircraft manufacturers Maintenance Manuals, Illustrated Parts Catalogs, Structural Repair Manuals, Service Bulletins is a must
• Must understand FAA Airworthiness Directives and FAA Form 337
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA Part 145 requirements including EASA regulations
• Excellent written and vocal skills; ability to effectively communicate necessary
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook required, Pentagon 2000 preferred
• Ability to travel occasionally including foreign lands
• Proven experience overseeing aircraft maintenance operations and working cross-functionally with engineering teams to resolve technical issues, support modifications, and ensure airworthiness.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Master’s degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• Previous management or lead experience; the ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee the development and maintenance of staff competence.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA) Designation.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense, or US Military.
• Essential Functions: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Perform physical inspections of aircraft components.
• Work in loud environments with exposure to hazardous materials.
• Occasionally travel for inspections and training.
• Adapt to flexible working hours, including night and weekend shifts.
• This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
• IMPORTANT NOTICE: To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
• SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
• SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination.  Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.