Internal Senior MRO Manager

Top Aces•Mesa, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Top Aces is a world leader in contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training, founded by former RCAF pilots. They have an unblemished safety record with over 130,000 operational training hours. Their vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions. The Senior MRO Manager will initially lead the A-4 production and modification program in Mesa, Arizona, and then transition to developing, scaling, and managing Top Aces’ MRO capabilities in the United States, with potential integration into Canadian operations. This role is crucial for establishing and industrializing MRO capabilities across airframe, component repair and overhaul, and potentially engine maintenance. The manager will be responsible for operational execution, building new capabilities, optimizing the MRO network, and transitioning work scopes from external vendors to internal operations. The role requires a hands-on leader with strong execution discipline and the ability to structure, stand up, and scale MRO activities aligned with Top Aces’ growth strategy.

Requirements

12–15 years of experience in aerospace maintenance, MRO operations, or aircraft production environments.
Demonstrated experience leading complex maintenance programs, production lines, or MRO operations, with accountability for schedule, cost, and quality performance.
Experience contributing to, or leading, the establishment, expansion, or scaling of MRO capabilities, production lines, or maintenance facilities is strongly preferred.
Experience in engine MRO and/or component repair and overhaul operations is highly desirable.
Valid FAA A&P and/or AME license, or equivalent technical certification.
Strong working knowledge of applicable regulatory frameworks (FAA, Transport Canada, and/or EASA).
Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, supply chain, and quality.
Strong understanding of maintenance planning, material readiness, and production control in an MRO or heavy maintenance environment.
Experience managing external vendors and driving performance in subcontracted maintenance activities.
US CITIZEN – REQUIRMENTS TO BECOME AN EMPOWERED OFFICIAL
Position requires Level II clearance with the Canadian Government and the ability to gain access to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program

Nice To Haves

Experience contributing to, or leading, the establishment, expansion, or scaling of MRO capabilities, production lines, or maintenance facilities.
Experience in engine MRO and/or component repair and overhaul operations.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of the A-4 production and modification program in Mesa, ensuring delivery targets, cost objectives, and technical requirements are met.
Manage program risks, issues, and recovery actions using a structured, project management-driven approach.
Own day-to-day MRO operations across assigned activities, ensuring safe, compliant, on-time, and cost-effective execution of aircraft, engine, and component maintenance.
Plan and control maintenance workflow, including prioritization of aircraft, sub-assemblies, and subcontracted work scopes to maximize throughput and minimize delays.
Ensure readiness of manpower, tooling, facilities, material, and technical data to support planned maintenance activities.
Oversee work performed by internal teams and external vendors, ensuring quality, schedule adherence, and contract compliance.
Define, establish, and scale MRO capabilities in the U.S., including airframe, component repair and overhaul, and potential engine maintenance activities.
Lead facility readiness and industrialization efforts, including process definition, tooling, staffing models, and operational setup.
Support the development of new repair capabilities and work scopes aligned with fleet requirements and long-term growth plans.
Support the development and optimization of Top Aces’ MRO network across the U.S. and Canada, including alignment with the BRS expansion strategy.
Identify opportunities to internalize maintenance and component repair activities currently performed by external vendors, supporting make vs. buy analyses and transition plans.
Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering to strengthen vendor performance, reduce reliance on external sources where appropriate, and improve cost competitiveness.
Ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (FAA, Transport Canada, and internal standards), as well as company safety and quality systems.
Drive operational performance through KPIs, including turnaround time, cost, quality, and schedule adherence.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance MRO efficiency, reduce rework, and improve overall reliability.
Provide regular operational and program performance reporting to senior leadership.