Flight Operations Performance Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Flight Operations Performance Engineer is a senior-level engineering and technical leadership role within the Flight Operations division of our charter/cargo airline, based in Miami, FL. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, this individual serves as the airline's primary technical authority for operational systems performance — driving engineering-led improvements across fuel efficiency, weight & balance, ACARS data utilization, and flight operations technology infrastructure. The role simultaneously owns the full lifecycle of the airline's Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) program, encompassing FAA compliance, hardware fleet management, and application governance.

At its core, this is a systems engineering role. The Senior Manager is the primary liaison between the airline and its operational technology vendors, software providers, and data platform partners — responsible for evaluating, integrating, and continuously optimizing the systems that underpin safe, efficient charter/cargo flight operations. The ideal candidate is a technically sophisticated aviation professional with deep hands-on experience in operational data systems, fuel performance engineering, weight & balance systems, and ACARS platforms, coupled with the organizational discipline to manage a complex FAA regulatory compliance portfolio. This individual thrives at the intersection of engineering, technology, and flight operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Performance Engineering & Systems

• Own the airline's operations performance engineering function — architect and execute a systematic, engineering-driven program to quantify, analyze, and eliminate inefficiencies across flight operations, dispatch, weight & balance, and fuel management.
• Serve as the primary liaison to all operational technology vendors — including flight data systems providers, W&B software vendors, ACARS platform partners, fuel optimization solution providers, FDM/FOQA system vendors, and performance analysis tool developers. Lead vendor evaluations, contract support, system integration oversight, and ongoing relationship management to ensure platforms meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Lead fuel efficiency engineering — develop, implement, and continuously refine fuel conservation programs using ACARS data, FDM/FOQA outputs, and aircraft performance modeling. Identify and address systemic fuel burn inefficiencies (cruise altitude optimization, step-climb strategies, APU usage, tankering analysis, taxi fuel management) and deliver measurable, reportable cost reductions.
• Own Weight & Balance systems, engineering oversight, and vendor management — serve as the airline's technical lead for all W&B-related systems, software platforms, and operational processes. Ensure W&B applications are validated, compliant with aircraft flight manuals and FAA requirements, and seamlessly integrated with dispatch and EFB workflows. Manage all W&B software vendors through updates, recertification events, and system validations; maintain all associated regulatory documentation.
• Manage and optimize ACARS infrastructure and data utilization — oversee ACARS message design, data capture standards, and system integration with operational platforms including dispatch, maintenance control, and flight following. Serve as the primary technical interface with the ACARS service provider. Leverage ACARS data as a primary source for performance analytics, fuel burn monitoring, and real-time operational situational awareness.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive operational performance dashboard suite — providing leadership with real-time and trend visibility into fuel performance, W&B accuracy, on-time performance, system uptime, and engineering KPIs.
• Conduct rigorous root cause analyses on operational performance deviations, fuel overages, W&B discrepancies, and systems failures; develop and track engineering-based corrective action plans with measurable outcomes.
• Evaluate, pilot, and integrate new operational technologies — including flight optimization software, aircraft performance tools, dispatch automation platforms, and data analytics systems — managing vendors and internal stakeholders through the full implementation lifecycle from requirements definition through go-live.
• Collaborate with Flight Operations, Maintenance, and Safety to provide performance engineering data that supports SMS risk assessments, safety reviews, and operational audits.

EFB Program Management

• Serve as the primary EFB Administrator — oversee all aspects of the airline's EFB program in accordance with FAA Advisory Circulars (AC 120-76D and applicable guidance), company Operations Specifications, and applicable LOAs.
• Manage the full lifecycle of the iPad/tablet hardware fleet — procurement, MDM configuration, deployment, asset tracking, maintenance, and retirement across the pilot workforce; serve as primary vendor contact for hardware procurement and support.
• Oversee EFB application portfolio management — including version control, update scheduling, compatibility validation, and qualification testing for all approved applications (electronic charts, digital W&B, digital manuals, fuel planning tools, etc.).
• Maintain and update the EFB Operations Manual, EFB Risk Assessment documentation, and all FAA compliance records; ensure currency and accuracy at all times.
• Serve as the principal liaison with the FAA for all EFB-related matters — including Operations Specifications amendments, LOA applications, and responding to regulatory inquiries or surveillance audits.
• Coordinate with the Director of Safety and Principal Operations Inspector (POI) on EFB findings from line checks, audits, and operational evaluations.
• Develop and maintain EFB training programs and materials; partner with Training to ensure all crewmembers are proficient on EFB hardware and approved applications prior to operations.
• Establish and enforce mobile device management (MDM) and cybersecurity policies for the EFB fleet in coordination with IT.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop a team of operations engineers, systems analysts, and EFB specialists; establish performance expectations, provide technical mentorship, and build a culture of engineering rigor and continuous improvement.
• Act as subject matter expert and strategic advisor to the Director of Operations on all matters related to operational systems, performance engineering, fuel strategy, W&B, ACARS, and EFB technology.
• Represent the department in internal working groups, vendor technical committees, industry forums (e.g., ATA, IATA working groups), and FAA meetings as required.
• Prepare executive-level reports and briefings on operational performance trends, technology roadmap status, vendor performance, and compliance posture.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aviation Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in airline operations, with at least 3 years in a performance engineering, operational systems, or technical aviation leadership role.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with ACARS systems — including message configuration, data extraction, and operational integration.
• Proven experience with aviation fuel efficiency programs and fuel performance analysis, including use of FDM/FOQA data and aircraft performance models.
• Direct experience managing or administering aviation Weight & Balance systems and software platforms, including vendor coordination and regulatory validation.
• Experience managing or administering an FAA-approved EFB program under Part 121 or Part 135, including working knowledge of AC 120-76 and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a primary technical liaison to operational software vendors — managing relationships, integrations, and contract performance.
• Proficiency in operational data analysis, including experience with aviation data platforms, business intelligence tools, and performance visualization software.
• Strong project management and systems integration skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent vendor relationships and technical programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to produce regulatory documentation, technical specifications, and executive-level briefings.

Preferred

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP Certificate; current or prior flight experience in a charter or cargo environment.
• Experience with ACARS platform providers (SITA, Rockwell Collins, etc.) and FDM/FOQA analysis systems.
• Familiarity with fuel optimization software (e.g., Airbus FUELWISE, GE Digital, Aviaso) and flight performance engineering tools.
• Experience with mobile device management (MDM) platforms in an aviation context (e.g., Jamf, Microsoft Intune).
• Familiarity with W&B software platforms (e.g., Ultramain, SITA LoadPlanner) and EFB application ecosystems (Jeppesen, ForeFlight, Teledyne).
• Experience working directly with an FAA FSDO or CMO on Operations Specifications and LOA processes.
• Experience with API integrations between aviation operational systems (dispatch, FOS, ACARS, W&B).
• Master's degree in a relevant engineering or technical field; PMP or equivalent project management certification.

Core Competencies

• Systems Engineering Mindset — Approaches operational challenges with an engineer's rigor: defining requirements, modeling solutions, validating outcomes, and iterating for continuous improvement.
• Vendor & Partner Management — Skilled at building and managing productive, accountable relationships with technology vendors and data platform partners across complex, multi-system environments.
• Analytical Depth — Ability to extract signal from complex operational data sets (ACARS, FDM, W&B, fuel) and translate findings into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Regulatory Acumen — Deep familiarity with FAA regulations governing EFB, W&B, and operational systems; able to navigate compliance requirements with confidence and precision.
• Technical Communication — Skilled at translating complex systems and engineering concepts for non-technical stakeholders, from flight crew to C-suite.
• Adaptability — Comfortable in the dynamic, irregular-operations environment of charter/cargo aviation, with the flexibility to prioritize across a broad technical portfolio.

Working Conditions

• Office-based in Miami, FL, with periodic travel to line stations, FAA offices, vendor sites, and industry events (estimated 15-25% travel).
• Must be available outside standard business hours to support time-sensitive operational or regulatory matters.
• May require access to secure airside areas; must maintain appropriate airport security badging.