Aircraft Heavy maintenance planner

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas-including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.

Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability-designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field-what we call connecting design with effect.

Metrea's solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

Group Overview

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions.

Position Summary

In this role, you will be responsible for the short-term planning, heavy maintenance events, D-checks, major inspections, scheduling, and coordination of all line maintenance activities to ensure aircraft availability while maintaining the highest safety and regulatory compliance standards. You will manage a comprehensive planning system involving maintenance scheduling, resource coordination, operational integration, and continuous optimization to ensure maximum aircraft utilization and operational efficiency for the fleet. You will be successful if you are highly organized, able to balance competing operational priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where planning quality directly supports fleet readiness and airworthiness.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain short-term maintenance schedules (daily, weekly, monthly) for line maintenance operations
• Plan and schedule line maintenance checks (A-checks, weekly checks, transit checks) and routine maintenance tasks
• Coordinate routine maintenance activities, inspections, and minor repairs with operational flight schedules
• Optimize maintenance slot utilization and ground time efficiency to maximize aircraft availability
• Balance maintenance requirements with operational flight schedules to minimize delays and cancellations
• Coordinate with Flight Operations to ensure optimal aircraft utilization and schedule integration
• Plan maintenance activities during natural breaks in flight schedules and operational downtime
• Manage emergency maintenance planning and aircraft recovery scenarios during irregular operations
• Coordinate aircraft swaps and schedule adjustments as required for operational continuity
• Plan manpower requirements for scheduled line maintenance activities and coordinate resource allocation
• Coordinate with maintenance teams on task assignments, priorities, and workforce optimization
• Ensure adequate tooling, equipment, and workspace availability for planned maintenance activities
• Plan and schedule contracted maintenance services and vendor support requirements
• Coordinate parts and materials requirements with supply chain and inventory management
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer maintenance planning documents (MPD) and regulatory requirements
• Track and plan mandatory maintenance requirements, due times, and compliance intervals
• Coordinate Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance planning and Service Bulletin incorporation
• Maintain aircraft configuration control and modification planning during line maintenance opportunities
• Maintain accurate maintenance planning records, databases, and scheduling systems
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance planning reports and performance metrics
• Document maintenance planning decisions, schedule changes, and operational impacts
• Provide maintenance planning input for operational performance analysis and improvement initiatives
• Interface with Flight Operations, Crew Scheduling, Ground Operations, and other operational departments
• Coordinate with Maintenance Controllers on daily execution and real-time schedule adjustments
• Communicate with station maintenance teams, contracted providers, and vendor representatives
• Liaise with Engineering and Quality departments on technical issues and maintenance program compliance
• Participate in daily maintenance and operational planning meetings and coordination calls
• Coordinate heavy maintenance planning with long-range and fleet planning teams
• Review and plan MRO work scopes, findings, and carry-over tasks
• Ensure subordinate inspections are reset based on major inspection completion
• Sequence post-heavy maintenance tasks to avoid redundant inspections
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality on heavy maintenance technical requirements
• Track induction, execution, and redelivery timelines
• Support regulatory audits and maintenance program reviews related to line maintenance planning

What You'll Bring

Must Haves

• Minimum 5 years' experience in aircraft maintenance operations or aviation maintenance planning
• Previous experience in maintenance planning, scheduling, or coordination within commercial aviation
• Knowledge of airline operations, maintenance control systems, and operational coordination
• Understanding of regulatory requirements including Part 121, Part 135, and Part 145 maintenance programs
• Proficiency in maintenance planning software (AMOS, Trax, SAP, or equivalent systems)
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance programs, intervals, and manufacturer requirements
• Knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and line maintenance operations
• Familiarity with manufacturer maintenance planning documents and regulatory compliance requirements
• Strong organizational and time management abilities with excellent multitasking capabilities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to optimize complex schedules
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing demands and work under pressure with tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in planning and documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities and professional presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills with ability to work effectively across multiple departments

Nice to Haves

• Experience with multiple aircraft types and maintenance programs
• Previous airline maintenance control or planning experience
• Project management certification or training
• Experience with airline operations and operational control systems
• Knowledge of maintenance data systems and fleet management software platforms
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills for managing competing operational priorities
• Computer literacy including MS Office Suite, aviation databases, and scheduling systems

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Experience with experimental exhibition or special flight permit operations preferred
• Familiarity with DCMA requirements and military maintenance documentation standards a plus
• Experience with KC-135 or Boeing 707 derivative aircraft maintenance planning preferred
• Knowledge of aerial refueling or specialized mission aircraft operations

Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes-Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan options
• HSA/FSA accounts
• Dental and vision coverage
• 6% employer 401(k) match
• Fully paid parental leave for all new parents
• Generous PTO
• Life and disability insurance
• Long-term and Short-term disability coverage
• AD&D Coverage
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager.

Work Location

Mixed operational environment including flight line operations, office facilities, and occasional travel locations as required.

Work Environment

This position operates in diverse environments including active aircraft flight line operations, office settings, and various travel locations. Work involves exposure to aircraft maintenance operations, outdoor weather conditions, and industrial noise levels. Personal protective equipment is required when accessing operational areas. The role requires physical mobility to inspect aircraft systems, climb aircraft, and work in confined spaces. Travel to customer sites, vendor facilities, or other operational locations may be required.

Travel

Yes, as required.