Director of Aircraft Operations

My client is an innovative, cutting-edge aerospace startup developing next-gen aircraft that will help shape the future of flight! They\'re hiring a Director of Aircraft Operations to own maintenance and flight test operations for an experimental aircraft fleet , along with day-to-day management of prototyping hangar facilities .

This is a highly hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in flight test environments and can keep an experimental program moving safely, efficiently, and with clean documentation.

Responsibilities

• Own operations and facilities for an experimental aircraft fleet, including maintenance and inspections, and supporting flight test planning/execution.
• Hire, manage, and coordinate technicians, test pilots, flight test engineers, and contractors.
• Maintain aircraft documentation and airworthiness documentation (manuals, logs, renewals).
• Run hangar operations (organization, inventory, shipping/receiving, safety, access control).
• Train staff on hangar and aircraft procedures.
• Participate in Test and Flight Readiness Reviews.
• Partner with engineering to support experimental modifications, ground testing, and flight testing.

Additional Scope (preferred)

• Lead flight test planning, data analysis, and test execution in partnership with engineering leadership
• Own experimental modifications in collaboration with A&P, engineering, and contractors
• Lead ground and flight test operations alongside engineering and test pilots

Required

• 8+ years in aircraft maintenance and operations supporting experimental aircraft.
• Ownership of hangar / maintenance facility operations (safety, tooling, inventory, access, workflows)
• People leadership: experience managing Test Pilots, Mechanics, and Technicians
• Strong documentation discipline: aircraft logs, manuals, and airworthiness recordkeeping
• Experience interfacing with DARs and supporting airworthiness / certification activities
• Pilot ratings and experimental aircraft flight experience (test pilot experience is a plus!)
• A&P certification (IA strongly preferred)
• Exposure to electrified aircraft
• Experience working around high voltage / high-power systems and associated safety procedures
• Hands-on electrical prototyping and test experience

Apply ASAP to take advantage of this opportunity!

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