Why Join Us
Our client is an innovative, cutting-edge aerospace startup developing next-gen aircraft that will help shape the future of flight! They’re hiring a Director of Aircraft Operations to own maintenance and flight test operations for an experimental aircraft fleet, along with day-to-day management of prototyping hangar facilities.
This is a highly hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in flight test environments and can keep an experimental program moving safely, efficiently, and with clean documentation.
Responsibilities:
- Own operations and facilities for an experimental aircraft fleet, including maintenance and inspections, and supporting flight test planning/execution.
- Hire, manage, and coordinate technicians, test pilots, flight test engineers, and contractors.
- Maintain aircraft documentation and airworthiness documentation (manuals, logs, renewals).
- Run hangar operations (organization, inventory, shipping/receiving, safety, access control).
- Train staff on hangar and aircraft procedures.
- Participate in Test and Flight Readiness Reviews.
- Partner with engineering to support experimental modifications, ground testing, and flight testing.
Additional Scope (preferred):
- Lead flight test planning, data analysis, and test execution in partnership with engineering leadership
- Own experimental modifications in collaboration with A&P, engineering, and contractors
- Lead ground and flight test operations alongside engineering and test pilots
Required:
- 8+ years in aircraft maintenance and operations supporting experimental aircraft.
- Ownership of hangar / maintenance facility operations (safety, tooling, inventory, access, workflows)
- People leadership: experience managing Test Pilots, Mechanics, and Technicians
- Strong documentation discipline: aircraft logs, manuals, and airworthiness recordkeeping
Desired:
- Experience interfacing with DARs and supporting airworthiness / certification activities
- Pilot ratings and experimental aircraft flight experience (test pilot experience is a plus!)
- A&P certification (IA strongly preferred)
- Exposure to electrified aircraft
- Experience working around high voltage / high-power systems and associated safety procedures
- Hands-on electrical prototyping and test experience
Apply ASAP to take advantage of this opportunity!