Manager - Reliability & Maintainability Engineering

Cirrus • Duluth, MN

3d

About The Position

The Manager or Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) leads a high‑impact team responsible for driving aircraft reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness across the full product lifecycle—from concept and design through certification, entry‑into‑service, and in‑service support. This leader sets the vision and roadmap for R&M excellence, delivering measurable improvements in dispatch reliability and ensuring best‑in‑class performance for CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations. In this role, the manager oversees reliability data analysis, root cause investigations, reliability testing, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve the highest levels of safety, reliability, and maintainability. They own the strategy and governance for MMEL/MEL development and maintenance, and partner closely with design engineering, supply chain, quality, and field support to enhance system performance and reduce maintenance burden. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in reliability engineering and aircraft maintenance and excels at leading cross-functional teams to deliver robust, operator‑focused solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft reliability engineering, maintainability engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in leadership role
• Expertise with FMEA/FMECA, FRACAS, MSG-3, RCM, ZSA.
• Experience supporting CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations.
• Experience with data analysis, root cause analysis, reliability testing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead teams through change.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) team.
• Define and execute the R&M strategy, roadmap, and standards across all programs.
• Own the Reliability Program Plan (RPP), including RAMS, FMEA/FMECA, MSG 3, RCM, ZSA, and LORA deliverables.
• Write maintainability and serviceability requirements for new programs, ensuring they are integrated into design reviews.
• Lead team to develop and implement aircraft reliability and maintainability programs to monitor, analyze, and predict aircraft performance.
• Lead reliability data analysis, trend identification, and pattern recognition to highlight areas of concern.
• Lead the creation of dashboards, automated reporting, and predictive analytics to preempt AOG events and improve fleet health.
• Develop and maintain R&M metrics, KPIs, and leading indicators to track performance and drive corrective actions.
• Provide R&M requirements and technical guidance for Cirrus IQ or similar data sourcing, analysis, and visualization platforms.
• Lead team in support of customer programs (e.g., Jetstream or piston aircraft support programs) with data, analysis, and guidance.
• Provide technical support and guidance for operator specific MEL development.
• Establish deferral management practices, risk assessments, and governance for MEL-related operational decisions.
• Ensure maintainability and serviceability considerations are embedded in early design phases.
• Participate in design reviews to verify R&M requirements, ease of maintenance, accessibility, and supportability goals.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, and quality teams to align reliability objectives with product architecture.
• Partner with Part 135 operators to tailor reliability and maintenance programs to operational needs.
• Optimize maintenance intervals, task cards, and inspection programs using MSG 3/RCM methodologies.
• Align reliability initiatives with SMS and operational safety controls.
• Lead team in collaboration with Technical Publications/Technical Media to ensure troubleshooting, AMM, and diagnostic documentation is clear and effective.

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager