Director of Maintenance

Priester Aviation•Wheeling, IL

5d•$150,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Priester Aviation is seeking a forward-thinking Director of Maintenance to lead its Maintenance organization through significant growth. The company currently operates a fleet of more than 70 aircraft and plans to more than double that number. The Director will shape the department, develop a high-performing team, and establish scalable processes and technology to support a larger operation. This role emphasizes leadership, continuous improvement, operational efficiency, cost savings, aircraft reliability, and regulatory compliance. The Director leads and develops team members and builds a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence. The role oversees fleet airworthiness and maintenance compliance, maintenance systems and records, vendor oversight, deferred discrepancies, maintenance costs, required documentation and reporting, safety and quality systems, and regulatory relationships. The position is based onsite at Priester Aviation’s headquarters in Wheeling, Illinois, and requires flexibility to meet business demands. It is an exempt leadership position.

Requirements

15 or more years of aviation maintenance experience, including 5 or more years in a management or supervisory role.
Prior experience in Part 135 or Part 121 operations involving aircraft carrying 10 or more passengers.
Demonstrated success leading teams, implementing scalable processes, and improving operational efficiency.
Experience implementing maintenance technology, systems, or workflow improvements that deliver measurable business results.
FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required.
Must meet the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 119.71.
Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), maintenance programs, and aviation safety standards.
Strong leadership, team-building, coaching, communication, and change-management skills.
Proven ability to design processes, lead technology implementation, analyze performance, and drive continuous improvement.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Management, or a related field; 7–10 years of equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Proficiency in maintenance tracking systems such as CAMP, CMP, and AVTRAK.
Experience with CTA/FL3XX.

Responsibilities

Lead, engage, and develop team members; set clear expectations and foster accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
Design, implement, and standardize compliance-driven processes that improve consistency, efficiency, and performance as the fleet grows.
Implement and optimize maintenance systems, technology, and workflows to reduce manual effort, improve data visibility, and achieve measurable cost and operational efficiencies.
Oversee fleet airworthiness and ensure maintenance complies with applicable FAA regulations, the General Maintenance Manual (GMM), RVSM Manual, and manufacturer-recommended inspection programs.
Manage maintenance tracking systems, including CAMP and CMP; ensure scheduled maintenance is completed on time and audit maintenance records for regulatory and company compliance.
Conduct maintenance provider audits, maintain the approved vendor list, and ensure vendors meet applicable safety and anti-drug/alcohol program requirements.
Oversee applicable Minimum Equipment List (MEL), Configuration Deviation List (CDL), and Non-Essential Furnishings (NEF) items, ensuring deferred discrepancies are resolved promptly.
Review and approve maintenance invoices, validate costs against estimates, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance without compromising safety or quality.
Ensure required documentation is complete before aircraft release and oversee Mechanical Reliability Reports (MRRs), Mechanical Interruption Summary (MIS) reports, and Special Flight Permits.
Champion the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Management System (QMS); lead Continuous Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) meetings, evaluate reliability trends, and drive corrective actions.
Serve as the primary maintenance liaison with the FAA and other applicable regulatory bodies, support audits, and maintain compliance with aircraft maintenance requirements.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Maintenance organization and company objectives.