Internal Senior MRO Manager

Founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 fighter pilots who identified an opportunity to improve military readiness training, Top Aces has since established itself as the world leader in contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training.

We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in support of customers worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., Germany, and multiple other NATO allies and international partner nations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where "Experience Matters." This commitment to innovation and technology ensures we remain adaptable, training allied militaries to succeed against evolving threats.

Top Aces' dynamic team contributes to delivering on our purpose of training the next generation of combat leaders by living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together every day!

Join our team!

Job summary

The Senior MRO Manager will initially lead the successful execution and completion of the A-4 production and modification program in Mesa, Arizona. Following this phase, the role will transition into a key leadership position responsible for developing, scaling, and managing Top Aces' Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the United States, with potential integration across Canadian operations.

This position plays a critical role in establishing and industrializing MRO capabilities across airframe, component repair and overhaul, and potentially engine maintenance. The Senior MRO Manager will be responsible not only for operational execution, but also for building new capabilities, optimizing the MRO network, and supporting the transition of work scopes from external vendors to internal operations.

The role requires a hands-on leader capable of operating in an evolving environment, combining strong execution discipline with the ability to structure, stand up, and scale MRO activities aligned with Top Aces' long-term growth strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership - A-4 Production and Transition

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of the A-4 production and modification program in Mesa, ensuring delivery targets, cost objectives, and technical requirements are met.
• Manage program risks, issues, and recovery actions using a structured, project management-driven approach.

MRO Operations Leadership

• Own day-to-day MRO operations across assigned activities, ensuring safe, compliant, on-time, and cost-effective execution of aircraft, engine, and component maintenance.
• Plan and control maintenance workflow, including prioritization of aircraft, sub-assemblies, and subcontracted work scopes to maximize throughput and minimize delays.
• Ensure readiness of manpower, tooling, facilities, material, and technical data to support planned maintenance activities.
• Oversee work performed by internal teams and external vendors, ensuring quality, schedule adherence, and contract compliance.

Capability Development & Industrialization

• Define, establish, and scale MRO capabilities in the U.S., including airframe, component repair and overhaul, and potential engine maintenance activities.
• Lead facility readiness and industrialization efforts, including process definition, tooling, staffing models, and operational setup.
• Support the development of new repair capabilities and work scopes aligned with fleet requirements and long-term growth plans.

MRO Network Strategy & Growth

• Support the development and optimization of Top Aces' MRO network across the U.S. and Canada, including alignment with the BRS expansion strategy.
• Identify opportunities to internalize maintenance and component repair activities currently performed by external vendors, supporting make vs. buy analyses and transition plans.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering to strengthen vendor performance, reduce reliance on external sources where appropriate, and improve cost competitiveness.

Performance, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (FAA, Transport Canada, and internal standards), as well as company safety and quality systems.
• Drive operational performance through KPIs, including turnaround time, cost, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance MRO efficiency, reduce rework, and improve overall reliability.
• Provide regular operational and program performance reporting to senior leadership.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 12-15 years of experience in aerospace maintenance, MRO operations, or aircraft production environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex maintenance programs, production lines, or MRO operations, with accountability for schedule, cost, and quality performance.
• Experience contributing to, or leading, the establishment, expansion, or scaling of MRO capabilities, production lines, or maintenance facilities is strongly preferred.
• Experience in engine MRO and/or component repair and overhaul operations is highly desirable.
• Valid FAA A&P and/or AME license, or equivalent technical certification.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable regulatory frameworks (FAA, Transport Canada, and/or EASA).
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, supply chain, and quality.
• Strong understanding of maintenance planning, material readiness, and production control in an MRO or heavy maintenance environment.
• Experience managing external vendors and driving performance in subcontracted maintenance activities.

Occupational Health and Safety:

Employees are responsible for:

• Working in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety acts and regulations
• Following safe work practices and procedures and using safeguards and personal protective equipment
• Reporting hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) to their supervisor immediately.

US CITIZEN - REQUIRMENTS TO BECOME AN EMPOWERED OFFICIAL

Position requires Level II clearance with the Canadian Government and the ability to gain access to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program

By joining Top Aces, you will find:

• A work environment in which service, integrity, excellence and teamwork are highly valued;
• Opportunities for development and growth;
• Multidisciplinary and multicultural collaboration at a local and global level;
• A flexible schedule;
• Attractive benefit plan.

Come share your passion with us! Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered, and challenged to be your best self.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Top Aces, all employees are welcome regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age. The masculine form may be used in this job description solely for ease of reading but refers to men, women and gender diversity.

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