AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A supervisor who keeps fighter aircraft cleared for flight. That single sentence understates what the role demands: the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor is the accountable authority on a flight line where an undetected discrepancy in an F-35's systems can ground a squadron or compromise a mission. Holding this seat requires an active Secret Security Clearance, fluency in Air Force Instruction 21-101, and the judgment to sign off Aircraft Safety of Flight Releases under real operational pressure. The role sits within an integrated military and contractor workforce, answering to program leadership while directing technicians across multiple maintenance disciplines simultaneously.

As the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, you own the airworthiness determination for assigned fighter aircraft, from work order creation in ALIS through final safety-of-flight release, ensuring continuous mission readiness for the supported USAF Wing. You lead a cross-functional team of military, civil service, and contractor maintainers, coordinating directly with Flight Operations, Maintenance Control, and Field Service Representatives to resolve production issues before they affect the flying schedule.

Career Impact: Signing F-35 Safety of Flight Releases and managing multi-discipline integrated workforces at the 7-to-9 skill level is a credential recognized across both defense contracting and active-duty career tracks.

Business Impact: When aircraft are released on time and without return-to-maintenance events, the supported USAF Wing flies its scheduled sorties; delays here are measured in lost training hours and degraded operational readiness rates.

Growth Opportunity: Supervisors who master ALIS workflow management and AFI 21-101 compliance at the flight-line level build the technical authority needed to advance into Maintenance Control, Quality Assurance, or Program Management roles on major defense platforms.

• Direct daily flight-line maintenance and flying operations, attending operations meetings to align production with the flying schedule.
• Review completed work orders and execute Aircraft Safety of Flight Releases in compliance with applicable technical instructions.
• Supervise technician training, performance assessments, task assignments, and disciplinary actions across an integrated military and contractor workforce.
• Enforce compliance with Air Force Instruction 21-101, local operating instructions, and program-specific housekeeping and safety standards.
• Create and assign work orders within the Autonomic Logistics Information System, tracking material availability and flagging potential production shortfalls to program leadership.
• Coordinate with Field Service Representatives and Maintenance Managers on aircraft status, scheduling conflicts, and emergent issues as they arise.
• Lead Foreign Object Damage prevention walks and hangar housekeeping inspections to protect aircraft and personnel.

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent military or civilian work experience.
• 6 or more years of fighter aircraft maintenance experience, with at least 3 years on F-35 platforms.
• Previously awarded an Air Force, Marine, or Navy 7-to-9-level discipline skill-level rating, or holds an FAA Airframe and Powerplant or Inspector Airframe license.
• 4 or more years of leadership experience in an aircraft maintenance environment, including work scheduling across multiple maintenance disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical publications.
• Working knowledge of USAF maintenance practices, AFI 21-101, and Safety of Flight Release procedures.
• Active Secret Security Clearance with US citizenship; must be eligible for special-access facility entry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordination across Operations, Maintenance, and Logistics Support at the USAF Wing level.

• Experience with the Integrated Maintenance Information System as an ALIS complement or replacement during system transitions.
• Formal task trainer certifier experience with documented certification authority over maintainer qualification records.
• Familiarity with Hazardous Waste Management, FOD programs, and Supply Chain Management within a defense aviation context.
• Valid US passport with willingness and ability to travel on short notice, including extended Temporary Duty assignments.

• Return-to-maintenance rate per aircraft release, measuring the accuracy of Safety of Flight determinations
• Sortie support rate, reflecting how consistently maintenance output meets the Wing's published flying schedule
• Work order cycle time in ALIS, tracking how efficiently open discrepancies are closed relative to mission requirements
• Workforce certification currency rate, measuring the percentage of assigned technicians current on required qualifications at any given time
• Training event completion rate, reflecting on-time delivery of required OJT and recurrency training across the supervised team
• Typical tools: logistics and maintenance information systems (commonly ALIS or IMIS); productivity software (commonly Microsoft Office Suite)

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000 annually, varying by platform experience and clearance level
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 10%, common in defense contractor environments
• Equity: Typically not offered at this level in defense contracting
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; most defense employers cover a significant portion of premiums
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus federal holidays standard across defense contractors
• Common Perks: Security clearance sponsorship, TDY per diem, tool allowances, and tuition reimbursement programs

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants; this position is located at a facility that mandates special access, and employment is contingent on obtaining and maintaining the required security clearance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. A background investigation, which may include criminal history and employment verification, is a condition of hire.

The Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor owns the airworthiness of fighter aircraft by directing general overhauls, repairs, modifications, and periodic inspections while managing work orders through the Autonomic Logistics Information System. Supporting the Developmental Foundation Contract, this role supervises subordinate technicians across multiple maintenance disciplines and delivers technical readiness outcomes that keep aircraft operationally fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages general services, repairs, and overhauls of fighter aircraft and aircraft engines to ensure airworthy mechanical condition
• Enforces housekeeping and safety practices under the Developmental Foundation Contract
• Supervises subordinate training, performance assessments, work assignments, and recognition or disciplinary actions
• Directs periodic inspections, general overhauls, repairs, and modifications requiring part replacement and assembly
• Provides technical assistance as required
• Creates and assigns work orders in the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS)

Required Qualifications

• At least 7 years of fighter aircraft maintenance experience
• Previously awarded Air Force, Marine, or Navy 7-to-9-level discipline skill-level rating, or possesses equivalent civilian experience with an FAA Airframe and Powerplant or Inspector Airframe license
• Trained and certified on multi-system aircraft with the ability to work in a fast-paced, flexible environment
• Experience supervising multiple maintenance disciplines in an integrated workforce environment, including developing work schedules for employees
• Experience reading engineering drawings and blueprints, and interpreting and translating instructions to mechanics and technicians
• Experience in a flight test environment, including on F-35 aircraft
• Experience performing as a task trainer certifier
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software

Embedded within a Hangar, Dock, and Line team of hourly aircraft mechanics working under a bargaining unit, the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor leads day-to-day task assignments and maintains workmanship standards across active modification projects. Working closely with customer representatives, government agencies, Human Resources, and internal departments, this role shapes labor relations, budget controls, and management reporting to keep modification programs on track.

Core Functions

• Supervises an assigned team of aircraft mechanics on day-to-day tasks in their assigned roles
• Maintains teamwork standards in accordance with established requirements and regulations
• Maintains budget controls for work assignments, overtime goals, and policies
• Coordinates with customer and government agency representatives to ensure quality standards are met
• Coordinates with other internal departments to establish tools, parts, training, test procedures, and related resources
• Works with Human Resources to obtain and maintain effective employee and labor relations within the team and union
• Maintains reports to keep management up to date as projects progress

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience.
• An Associate's degree with a minimum of 6 years of prior related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered
• Holds an A&P license (preferred)
• Minimum of 6 years of supervisory experience in general aviation, military aircraft, or aircraft modifications
• Hands-on aircraft structural and electrical experience
• Working knowledge of military, commercial, or general aviation aircraft
• Understands basic supervisory approaches, including work scheduling, prioritizing, and process execution
• Able to read electrical and mechanical drawings, schematics, and general aviation electrical documentation
• Willing and able to support any shift as required
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel

Reporting to the AMSU Manager or deputy, the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor leads mechanical aircraft engineering at RAF Shawbury, covering storage preparation, in-storage maintenance, and disposal activities across a wide range of air platforms. Partnering with authorization holders and platform teams, this role builds operational readiness outcomes by ensuring aircraft are correctly signed off and maintained through their full storage lifecycle.

Primary Duties

• Prepares various aircraft types for storage
• Carries out in-storage maintenance across a wide range of air platforms
• Prepares aircraft for sale and disposal
• Performs any other tasks as directed by the AMSU Manager or deputy
• Assists in signing off aircraft exceptional releases

Skills & Qualifications

• Formal mechanical aircraft engineering training with formal certification
• Completed a MoD Hawk T Mk1 Q course or equivalent
• Extensive aviation experience, including demonstrable experience working on fast jet aircraft
• Significant experience in a supervisory role, with the ability to hold authorisation up to a 3rd signatory level
• Experience working on other aircraft types
• Must be able to achieve the appropriate security clearance level for this role

The Supervisor, Aircraft Maintenance leads all shift maintenance functions at the assigned station, ensuring technician assignments, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance align with company, FAA, and manufacturer procedures to achieve maximum productivity and cost control. Reporting to divisional leadership and accountable to employee groups within the station, this role shapes a fair, safe work environment and delivers consistent attainment of station and divisional performance goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all maintenance functions on shift at the assigned location, ensuring activities are performed safely, on schedule, and in compliance with all established company, regulatory, and manufacturer procedures
• Assign aircraft maintenance technicians and related personnel in accordance with requirements to achieve maximum productivity and cost control
• Ensure the team has appropriate resources available and hold them accountable for the work assigned and performed
• Build and reinforce a fair and respectful work environment through consistent application of CBA work rules and company policies
• Execute station performance goals and objectives, aligning with divisional and company goals
• Oversee the safety and security of aircraft and operations to ensure regulatory compliance with technical operations activities
• Maintain a high level of communication with employee groups within the station
• Report the status of operations, highlighting significant events to leadership while providing direction to assigned station personnel to ensure station and divisional objectives are achieved

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or comparable work experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience
• FAA A&P Certificate
• 5 years of experience in the aircraft maintenance industry
• 2 years of experience in a leadership role within a maintenance organisation, including a unionised labour workforce
• Extensive knowledge of aircraft maintenance operations and applicable FAA regulations
• Strong technical knowledge of fleet types operated and maintenance programs

Embedded within the repair station's maintenance operation, the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor oversees the performance of maintenance in compliance with the Repair Station and Quality Manual, FARs, and site operating procedures while managing timekeeping, scheduling, and personnel decisions for assigned employees. Working closely with engineering, all departments, and shop teams through DMM meetings and UMT activities, this role builds productivity and continuous improvement outcomes across all product lines supported by the facility.

Core Functions

• Adhere to general work requirements and administer team-related policies and procedures
• Supervise a safety and security program covering the operation of support equipment, aircraft systems, 5S, general housekeeping, and lean manufacturing, ensuring regular audits are conducted, and discrepancies are addressed
• Perform supervisory responsibilities for assigned employees, including timecard and vacation approvals, performance reviews, professional development opportunities, personnel decisions, salary adjustments, and scheduling
• Coordinate unscheduled aircraft maintenance and work performed at locations other than the repair station's fixed location
• Supervise the performance of maintenance, ensuring work is carried out in accordance with the Repair Station and Quality Manual, site operating procedures, and FARs
• Oversee and manage resources to maximise productivity and minimise DOI
• Submit requests for engineering support, including REDs, RFEs, SRPSAs, and installs, in direct support of operations for all product lines
• Support UMT activities, including coordination of tooling and parts, scheduling of personnel, and aircraft return-to-service
• Manage the timekeeping system to ensure employee hours are accurate and attendance is tracked
• Coordinate technical shop floor issues such as engineering and specialised tooling requirements, and facilitate DMM meetings with all departments and shops
• Monitor housing and facilities for compliance with 14 CFR 145.103 and report any insufficiency
• Identify and communicate best practices, champion continuous improvement initiatives, and engage in BAS Network Database and reporting activities

Qualifications & Experience

• A&P Certificate or equivalent certification under FAR Part 65
• 3 years of experience performing aircraft heavy or line maintenance
• 2 years of leadership, supervisory, or lead experience, preferably in aircraft maintenance
• Previous experience in project management
• Working knowledge of applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, including Parts 91, 121, 135, and 145
• Working knowledge of aircraft maintenance inspection programs for jet aircraft
• Working knowledge of Environmental, Health, and Safety rules and regulations as they apply to workplace safety and environmental aspects of aircraft maintenance operations
• Working knowledge of SAP, Pivotal, and Autotime maintenance transactions
• Working knowledge of ISO/OHSAS management systems and resources
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with training skills sufficient to provide employee instruction
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to develop people, build a strong team, and plan and prioritise workload across multiple projects