Vice President of Maintenance

Vice President Of Maintenance

Ascent Aviation Services is one of the largest aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul, storage and reclamation operations in the world. Our strength comes from our talented and professional employees who excel through teamwork and enthusiasm. Ascent Aviation Services continues to grow and are continually looking for motivated and career-minded aviation professionals who will support our vision and goals.

The Vice President of Maintenance is a senior executive responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all Part 145 maintenance, quality, safety, and training functions across Ascent Aviation Services facilities. This role oversees aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, storage, return-to-service activities, quality control, regulatory compliance, safety programs, and workforce development.

The Vice President of Maintenance drives operational excellence, regulatory compliance, workforce readiness, customer satisfaction, and financial performance while ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, customer requirements, safety standards, and company objectives. This role supports the organization's growth and long-term success through effective leadership, continuous improvement, and operational execution.

This position champions Ascent Aviation Services' core values of Respect, Safety, Quality, and Results, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus while advancing our mission to be the most trusted aerospace solutions provider in North America.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute maintenance strategies aligned with Ascent Aviation Services' business objectives.
• Lead and mentor maintenance directors, managers, and technical teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute business strategy, workforce plans, and organizational growth initiatives.
• Support business development efforts by evaluating operational capabilities, supporting customer proposals, and ensuring readiness for new programs, aircraft platforms, and growth opportunities.
• Lead major operational initiatives, including new program implementations, facility expansions, and organizational transformation efforts while maintaining operational stability and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Planning, Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, and executive leadership to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and professional development initiatives.

Maintenance Operations

• Oversee all aircraft maintenance, repair, modification, storage, and return-to-service activities.
• Ensure efficient utilization of labor, equipment, facilities, and resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
• Establish performance metrics and monitor operational effectiveness, quality, turnaround times, and cost controls.
• Coordinate maintenance activities to meet customer schedules and contractual obligations.
• Drive operational excellence through lean practices and continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, turnaround times, labor utilization, cost performance, and customer satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, manufacturer requirements, and industry standards.
• Support Quality Assurance and Safety departments to maintain regulatory approvals/certifications and lead corrective actions resulting from audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Promote a proactive safety culture focused on hazard identification and risk mitigation.

Customer Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with commercial aviation customers.
• Participate in customer meetings, contract reviews, and operational planning discussions.
• Resolve customer concerns while ensuring high levels of service quality and satisfaction.
• Support sales and business development efforts by providing technical expertise and operational insight.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets and financial performance targets.
• Monitor labor efficiency, material costs, project profitability, and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Support revenue growth through improved operational performance and customer retention.

Other Duties:

• Demonstrate visible executive leadership and commitment to the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Provide adequate resources and support to ensure compliance with SMS requirements, FAA regulations, and company safety objectives.
• Promote employee participation in identifying hazards and recommending safety improvements.
• Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of department management.

Required Education & Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of progressive aviation maintenance leadership experience.
• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience within commercial aviation, MRO, airline maintenance, or aerospace operations.
• Extensive knowledge of FAA Part 145 regulations and aircraft maintenance programs.
• Proven track record managing large maintenance organizations and multi-site operations.

Required Skills And Abilities:

• Strong executive leadership and organizational management skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of aircraft maintenance operations, regulatory compliance, and quality systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer relationship management abilities.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Ability to analyze complex operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong strategic planning and decision-making capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.
• Bachelor's degree in aviation management, or related field.
• Experience with commercial, narrow-body and wide-body aircraft maintenance operations.
• Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Occasional squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent interaction with aircraft maintenance facilities, hangars, and operational environments.
• Ability to travel as required to support company operations, customers, and business development activities.
• Availability to support operational needs during irregular schedules, emergencies, or critical maintenance events.
• Potential exposure to materials listed on Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Protective Equipment Required: None

Compensation & Benefits:

• 401(k) with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off (PTO) Program
• Seven (7) Paid Company Holidays
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual Incentive Bonus Opportunity Based on Company and Individual Performance Objectives
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)

Ascent Aviation Services is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to making reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . EEO/AA/F/M/VET/DIS