VP Adversary Center of Excellence-ATAC

Textron•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. This role is in Textron System’s b CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE BUSINESS usiness area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make! About ACE Textron Systems - Adversary Center of Excellence (ACE) supports tactical flight training and adversary air support services for F-35 training across various military contracts, including Luke AFB and the F-35 program for the U.S. Marine Corps at Cherry Point. ACE also provides essential F-35 chase support services for aircraft production activities at Lockheed Martin. ACE strives to deliver high-quality live training and adversary operations to our customers, ensuring world-class preparation for military pilots and teams. About this role The Vice President Adversary Center of Excellence (VP ACE) oversees and manages the operations of multiple F1 contracts and coordinates activities supporting F-35 training, adversary operations, chase support missions, and financial management. Reporting to the Textron Systems General Manager, the VP ACE drives the safety, quality, and operational performance of ACE’s designated activities. This leader ensures adherence to safety and compliance protocols, leads personnel management and professional development, and provides oversight for both operational and financial performance of the organization.

Requirements

Must possess a security clearance and be a U.S. Citizen.
Previously qualified F-1 Fighter Pilot with operational experience in adversary flight operations and maintenance integration.
10+ years of military fighter aviation experience, with operational expertise in flight ops, maintenance, and adversary mission execution.
700 flight hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) of DoD-trained fixed-wing fighter aircraft.
1200 total PIC hours in military tactical aircraft and 100 hours PIC time at night.
Experience with financial reviews and budget management for large-scale military aviation programs.
Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA); advanced education or certification in operations, aviation, or safety is preferred.
Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead or equivalent operational qualification.
Comprehensive understanding of adversary air mission, quality assurance, and contract requirements.
Demonstrated ability to lead safety and quality management systems, including trend analysis and risk mitigation.
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, forecasting, and financial review processes.
Effective communicator with clear written and verbal skills, highly effective team leadership, and conflict resolution capabilities.
Ability to organize and write procedures, ensuring logical and methodical clarity.
FAA Second Class Medical Certification.
FAA Commercial Certificate with Instrument Privileges.

Nice To Haves

Security clearance and active recent flying experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee flight operations and adversary air support for F-35 training at Luke AFB and Cherry Point.
Manage F-35 chase support operations related to Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft production.
Coordinate scheduling, resource allocation, and risk assessments to maintain mission readiness and meet contract objectives.
Coordinate and liaise with AMIC/NAVAIR leadership and assigned government contract flight and ground representatives.
Responsible for oversight of all operational-related subcontractors.
Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes for ACE operations.
Ensure program financial performance meets or exceeds planned objectives.
Conduct regular financial reviews, analyze program profitability, and ensure cost models are aligned with operational expectations.
Establish and implement quality standards for flight and ground operations.
Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, ensuring adherence to best practices and contractual requirements.
Oversee quality management systems (QMS) to identify operational trends and process improvement opportunities.
Manage in accordance with the Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure compliance with internal, DoD, FAA, and industry safety standards.
Conduct flight and ground safety evaluations, including trend analysis and risk assessments.
Oversee flight mishap investigations and ensure submission of relevant safety investigation reports and Hazard Reports (HAZREPs).
Ensure compliance with safety directives by partnering with safety managers and personnel.
Lead a diverse cross-functional team across multiple contracts and locations, fostering collaboration and safety-conscious organizational culture.
Oversee professional development, hiring, and resource allocation for regional Directors of Operations and Maintenance Managers.
Participate in Pilot Review Boards to evaluate qualifications, performance, and competency of team members.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the General Manager, senior leadership, and teams on policy, safety, and mission-critical decisions.
Lead and participate in safety committees and councils, ensuring alignment with DoD, FAA, NTSB, and Textron Systems requirements.
Regularly review and adjust organizational processes to optimize operational performance.