Security Clearance: Active SECRET Clearance Required
Position Status: Pending Contract Award
Position Overview:
Check Defense is a fast-growing federal contractor seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead and oversee all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) maintenance operations supporting a U.S. Army training and mission support contract at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The Maintenance Manager is responsible for ensuring mission-ready aircraft, ground support equipment, and associated systems through effective maintenance planning, workforce leadership, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
The successful candidate will manage a team of UAS maintainers, supply personnel, and maintenance supervisors while ensuring all maintenance activities are performed in accordance with Army regulations, technical manuals, manufacturer guidance, safety standards, and contractual requirements. This position serves as the contract’s senior maintenance authority and works closely with Government representatives, the Program Manager, instructors, logistics personnel, and operational leadership to maintain maximum aircraft availability and readiness.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Plan, direct, and oversee all organizational-level UAS maintenance activities.
- Ensure aircraft, payloads, launch and recovery equipment, ground control stations, and support equipment remain fully mission-capable.
- Develop maintenance schedules and coordinate inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, modifications, and component replacements.
- Monitor aircraft readiness rates and maintenance performance metrics to meet contract requirements.
- Establish priorities and allocate maintenance resources to meet training, operational, and customer requirements.
- Ensure accurate maintenance documentation and records management practices.
- Lead, supervise, and mentor maintenance supervisors, technicians, and support personnel.
- Develop staffing plans and assist with recruiting, onboarding, and retention efforts.
- Ensure personnel maintain required certifications, qualifications, and training.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide employee coaching and professional development.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable Army regulations, technical manuals, maintenance directives, manufacturer requirements, and contract standards.
- Support implementation and execution of the Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Quality Management System (QMS).
- Conduct inspections, audits, and evaluations to identify deficiencies and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure maintenance operations consistently meet established quality and safety objectives.
- Support Government inspections, audits, and readiness evaluations.
- Coordinate closely with logistics and supply personnel to ensure timely procurement and availability of repair parts, tools, and consumables.
- Monitor inventory levels and recommend stocking requirements based on maintenance demand.
- Support property accountability and Government Furnished Property (GFP) management.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and accountability of aircraft components and support equipment.
- Investigate maintenance-related incidents, equipment failures, and process deficiencies.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies to reduce maintenance errors and operational disruptions.
Required Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Active Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 8 years of aviation or UAS maintenance experience.
- Minimum 5 years of maintenance supervisory or management experience supporting military, government, or commercial aviation operations.
- Experience managing maintenance programs involving aircraft readiness, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary maintenance teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong understanding of preventive maintenance programs, maintenance scheduling, and quality assurance principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and maintenance management systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree
- Prior experience supporting U.S. Army UAS platforms, including Shadow, Gray Eagle, or similar unmanned aircraft systems.
- Experience supporting Army Aviation training organizations or operational UAS units.
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.
- OEM factory maintenance training on UAS platforms.
- Lean Six Sigma certification.
- Experience managing Contract Field Teams (CFTs) or government service contracts.
- Familiarity with Army aviation maintenance regulations, technical manuals, and readiness reporting requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in aircraft maintenance facilities, hangars, flight lines, and outdoor environments.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work on elevated platforms for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends and non-standard hours when mission requirements dictate.