Sr. Manager, Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations

AeroVironment•Petaluma, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Manager of the Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations will build, lead, and scale our enterprise-wide MRO function for Class III unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role is responsible for establishing and managing depot-level maintenance operations, sustaining engineering interfaces, and global support capabilities for our defense customers, including U.S. and international military end-users. This position requires deep experience in aerospace/defense maintenance operations, strong leadership skills, and the ability to operate in a regulated environment with ITAR, export controls, and other defense-compliance requirements. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring logistics operations such as warehousing, inventory, transportation, and supply chain processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Operations Management, Logistics or Supply Chain is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 10+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience
At least 3+ years in a supervisory role
Experienced using MRP/ERP systems and firm grasp of supply chain, inventory, distribution, business, and management principles
Minimal travel, up to 10%
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment
Ability to frequently use hand tools (e.g. clamps) using light, minimal force
Regularly required to sit for long periods and occasionally stand for short periods
Frequently lift and/or carry objects of small size between 2lbs and 5lbs
Frequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and balance
Occasionally required to walk
Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and handling varying sizes and shapes of parts.
Compliance with safety standards and guidelines.
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.
Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Works well independently and handling multiple projects.
Is perceptive in identifying problems and providing solutions
Demonstrates strong communication, active listening, judgement, decision-making, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Exceptional organizational and analytical skills
Works well within a team, with other managers, team leads, and employees
Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
Inspires, motivates and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping

Responsibilities

Develop and own the long-term MRO strategy for our Class III UAV product lines, aligned with company growth and customer sustainment needs.
Establish the depot-level maintenance organization, including structure, staffing, workflows, and supporting systems.
Define and implement service offerings (e.g., depot repair, overhaul, upgrades, retrofit programs, modification kits, and field return processes).
Create and maintain MRO policies, standards, and procedures that ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with military and regulatory requirements.
Lead day-to-day operations of domestic MRO depot(s), ensuring on-time delivery, cost control, and high quality of repairs and overhauls.
Build and oversee international MRO capability (company-operated and/or partner depots), including governance, performance management, and standard work.
Implement and manage KPIs for MRO performance (TAT, MTTR, readiness rates, cost per repair, quality metrics, etc.).
Drive continuous improvement in throughput, quality, and cost using lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
Ensure all maintenance and overhaul activities comply with applicable military standards, aviation regulations, company quality standards, and customer requirements.
Partner with Engineering and Quality to maintain configuration control, manage obsolescence, and implement engineering changes into the MRO environment.
Oversee documentation and records management for all maintenance actions, including traceability, inspection records, and configuration data.
Maintain strict adherence to ITAR, EAR, and other export-control requirements in all domestic and international MRO operations.
Serve as the primary senior MRO leader supporting Program Management, Contracts, and Business Development for sustainment-related bids, proposals, and program execution.
Support lifecycle cost modeling, spares planning, and readiness support strategies for new and existing programs.
Build strong relationships with key customer stakeholders in logistics, sustainment, and fleet operations.
Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing depot managers, supervisors, planners, and technicians.
Create training and certification pathways for maintenance personnel, including technical and regulatory training.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within all MRO teams.
Prepare the organization for growth, ensuring scalable processes and succession planning as domestic and international operations expand.