Director of Aircraft Maintenance - Internal Only

This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

• $115,200+ annual, Exempt

Purpose of Position

This is an upper-level management position responsible for ensuring mission goals and objectives of maintaining the UND Aerospace fleet of aircraft consistent with a high level of safety and professionalism.

The Director of Aircraft Maintenance is responsible for maintaining the UND Aerospace fleet of aircraft to standards that meet or exceed FAA requirements, the FAA part 145 repair station certificate, and the standards expected by UND Aerospace. The Director of Aircraft Maintenance will lead and manage a team of technicians, flight line operators, and support staff, providing a safe and well-maintained fleet of aircraft for our students and staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct the Maintenance for the UND Aerospace Fleet of Aircraft, Avionics, and Flight Simulators:
  • Responsible for ensuring aircraft maintenance activities are coordinated and performed in an efficient manner while maintaining a high level of quality, safety, and professionalism.
  • Direct, organize, and monitor the aircraft maintenance supervisory staff the flight simulator technician staff.
  • Communicate and coordinate with other departments across UND flight operations.
  • Direct, organize and oversee the utilization of personnel facilities, and equipment. Ensure adequate tools, equipment and labor are available to perform tasks.
  • Responsible for coordinating and overseeing the aircraft maintenance work performed by external providers and ensuring the completion of all billing, work orders, and invoices.
  • Direct, organize, and monitor the repair and maintenance of all ground support equipment.
  • Monitor and approve employee payroll. 
•  Direct Inventory Control Program:
  • Direct, organize, and oversee the purchase and inventory control program of aircraft parts and materials. Responsible for the review and approval of acquisition of major aircraft systems such as power plants, transmissions and rotor systems. Ensure an adequate supply of parts is available as appropriate and conduct the emergency ordering of aircraft parts when required.
  • Oversee annual audits and other inventory checks by state and University auditors.
  • Direct the enforcement of security and access procedures for the inventory control program.
  • Ensure the completion and billing of work orders and invoices from external providers.
  • Direct the filling of warranty claims, scheduling of contract parts, repairs and overhaul, and selection of sources of supply.
  • Direct the payment of invoices for contract maintenance and parts overhaul.
•  Serve as Manager of Federal Aviation Administration Part 145 Repair Station:
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the FAA. 
  • Direct the personnel in meeting regulatory requirements.
  • Establish and maintain FAR Part 145 policy and procedures manual.
  • Direct the timely re-calibration and maintenance of test equipment and tools.
  • Establish and maintain procedures for required records, documents, work orders and aircraft files.
  • Direct the preparation of FAA required reports, evaluations, and maintenance summaries.
  • Oversee inspections conducted by the FAA.
• Direct the Flight Line and Aircraft Fueling Services:
  • Direct, organize, and monitor the flight line operator supervisory staff. 
  • Direct, organize, and monitor the movement of aircraft, storage, and security operations on the airport flight line.
  • Direct, organize, and monitor the operation of the aircraft refueling equipment and fuel storage facility.
  • Direct the implementation of training and safety programs for flight line and refueling personnel.
  • Provide technical and material support through acquisition and maintenance of ground support equipment.
  • Direct the supervision and performance evaluation of personnel.
  • Oversee the performance of periodic safety audits. 
•  Direct the Operation Technical Training and Education Programs:
  • Provide in-house training when required.
  • Direct the selection of management training programs for supervisory staff.
  • Direct the selection and scheduling of factory training programs for maintenance and personnel.
  • Direct the periodic conduct of safety, hazardous material, and first aid programs.
  • Direct the preparation and conduct of maintenance-oriented seminars for flight instructors and students.
  • Direct the preparation and conduct of orientation programs for new full-time and part-time maintenance and line staff.
  • Represent JDOSAS in maintenance matters involving certification of aircraft and maintenance personnel. 
•  Assist the John D Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences:
  • Direct the performance of aircraft incident investigations, damage reports, and corrective actions.
  • Direct the recovery of damaged aircraft and arrange for required services such as site security, escort, and necessary equipment and manpower.
  • Represent JDOSAS in informal hearings and FAA investigations concerning accidents, incidents and certificate action involving UND aircraft or maintenance personnel.
  • Coordinate planning and construction of maintenance facility improvements and expansion programs.
  • Represent JDOSAS as liaison to aircraft manufactures in matters involving product improvements, component or system failures, resolving warranty matters, and expedite the correction of situations involving safety on hazardous equipment.
  • Provide technical advice concerning the maintenance and economic aspects of acquiring and maintaining new aircraft and ground support equipment.
  • Direct the performance of long-term planning for budgeting, fleet maintenance and modification, ground support equipment and inventory control:
    • Direct the evaluation of avionics, instruments and aircraft components for possible inclusion in the fleet.
    • Direct the evaluation and selection of companies for long term programs such as exterior and interior refurbishment and structural repairs.
  • Serve as FAA FAAST team representative. 
•  UND Aerospace Foundation Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate aircraft maintenance operations at the Mesa, AZ satellite site. Coordinate with the UND Aerospace Foundation, the Director of Flight Operations, and aircraft maintenance staff at the Mesa, AZ satellite site.
  • Support standardization of Safety Management System principles and processes across both organizations.
  • Coordinate UNDAF Mesa communications with the FAA regarding Part 145 repair station oversight and requirements.
  • Participate in strategic discussions regarding UND Aerospace fleet purchases and sales, aircraft and simulator maintenance, and equipment.
  • Assist with the negotiations for aircraft leases, purchase commitments, insurance and capital budgets.
  • Assist with the coordination of aircraft transfers between the two sites in Grand Forks and Mesa.
  • Oversee and approve UND employees’ duties in support of UNDAF Operations. - (15%)

Required Competencies

• High level of mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read and understand Aviation technical data.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and coordinate teams of individuals at different locations.
• Strong leadership skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or an associate degree with equivalent experience. Equivalent experience to be considered includes 3 years of:
  • Military leadership and/or managerial and/or supervisory role in a FAA Part 145 repair station.
• 10 years’ leadership experience including all aspects of recruiting, evaluation, coaching and discipline.
• Must hold Airframe and Powerplant certificate. (A&P).
• Must have Inspection Authorization Certificate (IA).
• Must have extensive knowledge of the FAR’s (Federal Aviation Regulations).
• Must have experience with FAR Part 145 operations.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UND Aerospace operations and aircraft maintenance operations.
• Experience with UND Policies and Procedures.
• Experience with UND Aerospace Aviation Information Management System (AIMS) software.
• Experience working with FAR Part 145 Repair Stations.
• Experience maintaining reciprocating, turbine, and rotorcraft aircraft.

To Apply

Submit application material by closing date and include a resume & cover letter.

PLEASE NOTE: For a successful screening, be sure to review all of the position minimum requirements above, and outline how you meet those requirements in your application packet. Additional information may be attached if needed.