Director, Maintenance

Gridiron Air•Fort Worth, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Maintenance (DOM) oversees all technical and regulatory aspects of the aircraft maintenance operation, ensuring the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of the fleet. This leader develops and executes strategic maintenance programs, balancing planned inspections, unscheduled repairs, and regulatory requirements to minimize downtime. They manage staffing, budget, tooling, and parts to support both daily operations and long-term maintenance initiatives. The DOM also acts as the organization’s primary liaison with regulatory bodies (e.g., FAA) OEMs, and external maintenance providers. Through data-driven decision-making and a safety-first mindset, they drive continuous improvement and optimize cost-effectiveness across the maintenance function.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, including leadership experience in an airline MRO, or Part 145 repair-station environment.
FAA A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) certification required
Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (FAA Part 121/145) and maintenance –tracking systems (e.g. CAMP, Traxxall, Flightdocs).
Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage all distributed workforce.
Experience with safety management systems (SMS), internal/external audits and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strategic mindset and ability to translate long-term maintenance goals into actionable plans while maintaining operational readiness.
Skills, Certs, Etc.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance management, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership over maintenance operations, including scheduled/unscheduled maintenance, inspections, and modifications.
Develop, maintain and enforce maintenance policies, procedures, and manuals (e.g., Repair Station Manual, General Maintenance Manual).
Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (FAA Part 121/145, ADs, SBs) and coordinate with the FAA or national aviation authority.
Manage and mentor maintenance personnel including base mechanics, supervisors, and managers, ensuring adequate training, staffing, and performance standards.
Coordinate with flight operations to align maintenance schedules to minimize aircraft downtime and maximize availability.
Oversee maintenance budgeting, cost forecasting, and parts/vendor procurement to control expenses.
Conduct or support internal and external audits, root-cause analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead quality assurance and safety programs, including managing safety reporting, risk assessments, and maintenance record integrity.
Serve as a primary technical point of contact with OEMs, regulatory bodies, and contracted maintenance providers.
Drive strategic maintenance planning, including long-term maintenance programs, fleet modifications, and maintenance readiness.
Management personnel are expected to have a thorough understanding of the Gridiron Air Safety Management System (SMS). They should be competent in executing responsibilities aligned with their training and involvement in the SMS. Additionally, they are required and supported to identify and report safety hazards, uncover safety deficiencies, and raise safety concerns within the operation, thereby fostering a proactive safety culture.
All employees are expected to be well-versed in the Gridiron Air Safety Management System (SMS). They should be proficient in carrying out duties in line with their training and participation in the SMS. Moreover, they are encouraged and supported to identify and report safety hazards, detect safety shortcomings, and voice safety concerns within the operation, thus promoting a proactive safety culture.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business needs and shifting company priorities.