Director of Maintenance (DOM)

Position Title: Director of Maintenance (DOM) 

Reports to: CEO 

FLSA Status: Full-time; exempt

Compensation: $180k-$220K Annually 

Schedule/Location: M-F / IN-Office KAPA

The Precision Aircraft Management Director of Maintenance (DOM) is the senior leader responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and cost-effective maintenance of the company’s managed aircraft fleet under the requirements of 14 CFR Part 135, 14 CFR Part 43, Part 65, and all applicable FAA guidance and manufacturer recommendations. The DOM serves as the company’s primary maintenance authority under the Air Carrier Certificate and meets the qualification requirements of 14 CFR 119.71. 

From a business perspective, the DOM oversees all aspects of fleet maintenance planning, budgeting, vendor management, staffing, and operational coordination. This role leads the Maintenance Control Department, supervises Crew Chiefs assigned to specific aircraft, works closely with the Flight Operations Team and Account Contract Managers to optimize aircraft availability, and is an active member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), collaborating cross-functionally to support company strategy and client satisfaction. 

The DOM ensures the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, reliability, and fiscal accountability for all company-managed aircraft. 

Essential FAA/Regulatory Responsibilities  

As defined in the General Operations Manual and required by 14 CFR:  

• Meets all qualifications and experience requirements of 14 CFR 119.71 for the Director of Maintenance position. 
• Ensures all maintenance manuals, technical data, and manufacturer standards are followed for inspection, repair, and return-to-service of aircraft. 
• Directs, plans, and lays out inspection standards, methods, and procedures to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and manufacturer recommendations. 
• Maintains all aircraft maintenance records for managed aircraft to FAA standards. 
• Provides the Director of Operations, Chief Pilot and Flight Operations Team with a current list of available aircraft and planned maintenance schedules. 
• Oversees Maintenance Control and establishes procedures to ensure Flight Operations Team has an up-to-date aircraft availability status. 
• Coordinates with the Director of Operations, Chief Pilot and Flight Operations Team regarding aircraft changes or substitutions necessary to support flight operations. 
• Maintains a professional working relationship with the FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) and proactively coordinates on all certificate-related maintenance matters. 
• Ensures adequate maintenance and inspection facilities are available, working with the Facility Manager when necessary. 
• Submits required reports under 14 CFR 135.415 and 135.417 using FAA Form 415 or the FAA SDR electronic system. 
• Ensures all MEL-deferred maintenance items are tracked and monitored; prevents aircraft dispatch when MEL, maintenance, or inspection limitations may be exceeded. 
• Issues flight permits or special flight authorizations when necessary. 
• Conducts annual audits of maintenance records to identify and address occurrences of recurrent defects. 
• Has authority to terminate flights under the Air Carrier Certificate when maintenance or airworthiness concerns exist. 
• Issues Airworthiness Releases and coordinates with the Director of Operations regarding operational control and aircraft release. 
• Ensures proper documentation and calibration of company tooling and test equipment. 
• Ensures aircraft weight and balance remain compliant with 14 CFR 135.185. 
• Oversees control and tracking of parts, consumables, and life-limited components. 
• Provides required drug and alcohol testing notifications to the FAA Anti-Drug Program Office when using technicians not enrolled in an approved program. 
• Maintains and updates the list of qualified mechanics and personnel authorized to perform Airworthiness Releases both at the main maintenance base and approved repair stations. 
• Serves as the responsible manager for the MEL Management Program. 
• In coordination with the Director of Operations, disseminates operational and safety information, including revisions and updates to Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFMs). 

Business & Leadership Responsibilities  

Expands beyond the GOM requirements to reflect company operations and expectations.  

Fleet Maintenance Oversight  

• Provides strategic leadership for all maintenance on the managed aircraft fleet, ensuring optimal aircraft reliability, safety, and availability. 
• Oversees Crew Chiefs assigned to specific aircraft; provides guidance, performance management, and ongoing professional development. 
• Manages relationships with repair stations, vendors, and OEMs to ensure quality work and favorable terms. 
• Evaluates and approves major maintenance events, modifications, and technical programs. 

Financial Responsibility and Budgeting  

• Develop semi-annual maintenance financial projections, including scheduled inspections, major services events, and anticipated component replacements. 
• Review, approve, and track all maintenance-related expenses including parts, contractor/vendor invoices, tooling, and technical subscriptions. 
• Ensures maintenance activities remain with budget while upholding safety and compliance standards. 
• Notifications and approvals to aircraft owners as defined in the Services Agreements. 
• Provide timely responses to the Financial Team and aircraft owners on inquiries to expenses. 

Maintenance Planning and Scheduling  

• Work closely with the Flight Operations Team and Account Contract Managers to optimize timing of maintenance events, minimizing downtime and reducing operational disruptions. 
• Forecasts upcoming maintenance events using aircraft maintenance tracking programs and ensures timely planning for inspections, major checks, and long-lead-time components. 
• Provide aircraft availability forecasts to support revenue planning and client trip demands. 

Client and Colleague Collaboration  

• Partner with Account Contract Managers to provide transparent maintenance forecasts, cost projections, and service updates to aircraft owners. 
• Serve as a technical authority and trusted advisor for clients regarding aircraft condition, reliability, and long-term maintenance planning. 
• Represent the Maintenance Department on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and participate in cross-departmental strategy, resource planning, and company initiatives. 

Safety, Quality, and Compliance Leadership  

• Reinforce a safety-first culture aligned with company Safety Management System (SMS), risk management standards, and industry best practices. 
• Ensure adherence to all FAA, OSHA, EPA, DOT, and company-level safety and compliance rules. 
• Ensure compliance of all technicians, vendors, and repair stations with the Drug & Alcohol Program requirements. 
• Oversee internal quality audits related to maintenance and ensure corrective actions are completed in a timely manner. 

Personnel Management  

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance evaluations for Maintenance Planning, Crew Chiefs, and other maintenance staff. 
• Establish staffing levels, job qualifications, training requirements, and succession planning for maintenance personnel. 
• Ensure maintenance staff maintain required certifications and training currency. 

Qualifications  

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate required; IA preferred 
• 5-7 years of aircraft maintenance experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory or management role. 
• Strong working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 135 regulations and FAA compliance requirements. 
• Experience with turbine aircraft and maintenance tracking systems (e.g. CAMP, Traxxall). 
• Proven ability to manage maintenance programs, budgets, records, vendors, and inspections. 
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with FAA inspectors and supporting audits or conformity activities. 
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test in compliance with the DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program. 

  Skills and Competencies  

• Expert understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and airworthiness standards. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and prioritize safety in all operations. 
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving under dynamic operational conditions. 
• Proficiency with digital records, technical documentation, AD/SB interpretation, and planning tools. 
• Strong communication skills for coordination with pilots, operations, vendors, and FAA officials. 
• Ability to plan and manage major inspections, maintenance scheduling, and SMS-related processes. 

Benefits  

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life coverage for Employee and 50% contribution for dependents. 
• 401(k) plan with Safe Harbor Employer Match up to 4% 
• Paid Time Off (PTO)