Aircraft Maintenance Operations Manager

Aircraft Maintenance Operations Manager Fuel Systems Location: Chicago, IL | Travel Required as Needed Employment Type: Full-Time Salary: $70,000$85,000 per year About Davcor Aviation Services Davcor Aviation Services specializes in aircraft fuel systems maintenance and repair, providing technical aviation services built around safety, quality, accountability, and operational performance. Founded in 2016, Davcor has grown from its roots in aircraft fuel tank maintenance by developing an experienced workforce capable of supporting demanding aircraft maintenance environments and customer requirements. We are committed to developing long-term aviation professionals and creating opportunities for employees to grow from hands-on technical positions into leadership roles. The Opportunity Davcor Aviation Services is seeking an experienced Aircraft Maintenance Operations Manager Fuel Systems to oversee aviation maintenance operations in the Chicago area. This is a hands-on operational leadership position with a primary focus on aircraft fuel tank and fuel systems maintenance. The Site Manager will be responsible for leading technicians, coordinating multiple aircraft work scopes, supporting customers, managing project costs and schedules, and ensuring work is performed safely and in accordance with applicable technical and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong aircraft maintenance experience with a background in fuel tank maintenance, fuel systems, aircraft structures, heavy maintenance, or a combination of these disciplines. While previous aircraft fuel tank experience is strongly valued, candidates with substantial aircraft structures experience may also bring highly transferable skills, particularly experience with aircraft access, structural inspection, technical drawings, repair procedures, sealants, fasteners, and work performed within commercial aircraft heavy-maintenance environments. Primary Responsibilities Fuel Tank & Aircraft Maintenance Operations Lead day-to-day aircraft maintenance activities with a primary emphasis on fuel tank and fuel systems maintenance and repair Coordinate technicians performing fuel tank inspection, maintenance, repair, and related aircraft work Oversee multiple aircraft projects and work orders while maintaining awareness of scope, manpower, materials, schedule, and customer expectations Support maintenance involving aircraft fuel tanks, fuel system components, access panels, associated structures, and related systems Ensure employees follow approved maintenance procedures, technical data, customer requirements, and company processes Monitor work progression and address potential manpower, material, tooling, technical, or scheduling issues before they affect project completion Maintain a strong presence within active maintenance areas and remain engaged with technicians performing the work Coordinate resources across multiple aircraft and active work scopes Support irregular, AOG, or time-sensitive maintenance requirements when necessary Fuel Tank Maintenance & Technical Oversight Provide operational oversight for aircraft fuel tank maintenance, inspection, and repair activities Support work involving fuel tank access, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, sealing, and restoration Ensure proper procedures are followed when opening, accessing, maintaining, and closing aircraft fuel tanks Reinforce appropriate use and application of sealants, consumable materials, tools, and maintenance procedures Coordinate work involving fuel leaks, sealing discrepancies, access panels, fasteners, and related structural conditions Ensure technicians have the proper technical information, equipment, PPE, materials, and resources necessary to safely complete assigned work Support planning and manpower decisions based on aircraft type, work scope, complexity, and scheduled completion requirements Work closely with Quality, customer representatives, maintenance personnel, and leadership when discrepancies or additional maintenance requirements are identified Promote proper documentation and closeout of completed maintenance activities Aircraft Structures Support Although fuel tank maintenance is the primary focus of this position, aircraft structures knowledge is highly beneficial. The Site Manager may oversee or coordinate work involving: Aircraft structural inspection and minor repair Fuel tank access panels and surrounding aircraft structure Removal and installation of aircraft fasteners and structural components Drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, and fastener replacement Evaluation of corrosion, damage, or discrepancies identified during fuel tank maintenance Reading and interpreting structural drawings, technical specifications, SRMs, AMMs, engineering instructions, and other approved technical data Coordination of structural discrepancies with Quality, Engineering, customers, and other maintenance personnel Team & Workforce Leadership Direct, coach, and support aircraft fuel systems technicians and other assigned maintenance personnel Coordinate employee schedules, staffing requirements, hiring, training, and operational resources Evaluate manpower requirements based on aircraft workload, technical skill requirements, and project deadlines Communicate daily priorities and expectations to technicians, leads, management, and supporting departments Participate in daily operational meetings with the Director of Operations Ensure employees receive the tools, equipment, technical information, PPE, and training necessary to safely perform assigned work Develop employees and identify opportunities for advancement within the organization Reinforce expectations surrounding safety, workmanship, attendance, productivity, and accountability Customer & Project Management Serve as an operational point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders Maintain awareness of aircraft status, work scope, project milestones, staffing, and anticipated completion dates Communicate project progress, maintenance findings, operational concerns, and schedule changes as appropriate Respond to customer concerns professionally and promptly Prepare and review operational correspondence, reports, and project documentation Support operations during high-volume, irregular, or time-sensitive maintenance periods Maintain a strong focus on quality, turnaround time, and customer satisfaction Budget & Cost Control Oversee financial performance and spending associated with approximately 1015 active aircraft work orders Prepare, administer, and monitor project quotes and bids Evaluate labor and staffing requirements against aircraft work scope and scheduled completion dates Monitor project costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency Manage payroll and workforce utilization with an emphasis on controlling unnecessary overtime Monitor attendance and lost time while consistently administering company attendance policies Balance labor, materials, customer expectations, and project schedules to support profitable operations Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance Maintain operational compliance within a safety-sensitive, FAA-regulated aviation maintenance environment Reinforce company and customer safety procedures associated with aircraft fuel tank and confined-space maintenance Ensure required procedures and controls are followed before and during fuel tank entry and maintenance activities Promote proper use of PPE and applicable safety equipment Reinforce proper use of approved technical data, maintenance documentation, Standard Operating Procedures, and customer requirements Work with Quality personnel to address maintenance discrepancies and workmanship concerns Investigate operational discrepancies and compile information required for reporting and corrective actions Complete delay analyses, irregularity reports, and related operational documentation Ensure employees complete required initial and recurrent training Maintain accurate training, procedural, and compliance records Qualifications & Experience Required: Minimum 3 years of aviation maintenance experience Experience within aircraft maintenance, MRO, heavy maintenance, modification, repair, fuel systems, aircraft structures, or a comparable aviation environment Demonstrated ability to lead and develop maintenance personnel Working knowledge of aircraft maintenance processes and technical documentation Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and maintenance instructions Ability to manage manpower and resources across multiple aircraft work scopes Strong decision-making skills in demanding and time-sensitive environments Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational, administrative, and analytical abilities Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based systems High school diploma or equivalent Ability to work in hangar, ramp, aircraft, and outdoor environments Ability to work varying shifts, extended hours, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational requirements dictate Highly Desired Experience Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply: Aircraft fuel tank maintenance and repair Aircraft fuel systems Fuel leak troubleshooting and repair Fuel tank sealing and sealant application Fuel tank inspection Aircraft fuel tank entry and confined-space work Commercial aircraft heavy maintenance Aircraft structures or sheet metal Structural repair and modification Aircraft access panel removal and installation Reading and interpreting AMMs, SRMs, engineering drawings, and other approved technical data Leading aircraft maintenance technicians or project teams Estimating manpower, materials, labor hours, and project timelines Coordinating maintenance activities with Quality, Engineering, Planning, and customer representatives Previous experience leading aircraft fuel tank maintenance teams or projects is especially valuable. Preferred Qualifications Previous aircraft fuel tank or fuel systems maintenance experience Previous aviation lead, supervisor, site manager, or project management experience Aircraft structures or sheet metal experience Commercial aircraft MRO or heavy-maintenance experience Experience managing multiple aircraft work packages simultaneously FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% Work Environment & Schedule This position operates across office, hangar, ramp, aircraft, and active maintenance environments. The Aircraft Maintenance Operations Manager should be comfortable transitioning between administrative responsibilities and direct operational leadership throughout the workday. Because of the nature of Davcor's work, the position may require regular exposure to aircraft maintenance environments, varying temperatures, outdoor conditions, and fuel tank/confined-space operations. Schedules may include: 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts Day and night operations Weekends and holidays On-call responsibilities Overtime and extended hours Compensation & Benefits Annual Salary: $70,000$85,000 Benefits available to eligible employees include: 401(k) Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Paid time off Employee referral program Build Your Career With Davcor This opportunity is well suited for an aviation professional who understands aircraft maintenance from the ground level and is ready to take ownership of an active operation. Whether your technical foundation was built primarily in aircraft fuel tank maintenance, fuel systems, aircraft structures, or commercial heavy maintenance, Davcor is looking for a leader who understands the work, can earn the respect of technicians, effectively manage customer expectations, and keep aircraft projects moving safely and efficiently. For an experienced fuel systems professional who has progressed from technician to lead, supervisor, or manager, this position offers the opportunity to apply both technical expertise and leadership experience while helping develop the next generation of Davcor technicians. Equal Opportunity Employer Davcor Aviation Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.