MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) brings together two globally respected legacies: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the CRJ Series aircraft program. We provide comprehensive aircraft maintenance, engineering, technical publications, and customer support solutions to operators across the global regional aviation market.
At MHIRJ, operational excellence, safety, collaboration, and regulatory compliance guide everything we do. We are committed to building a team with a deep understanding of the demands and responsibilities of certified aircraft maintenance operations—and who bring experience, accountability, curiosity, and the ability to lead effectively through change.
Why This Role Matters:
The Operations Manager – Aircraft Maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft maintenance programs are delivered safely, in compliance with regulatory and quality standards, on schedule, and within financial commitments. They are both a people leader and a business partner, connecting frontline execution with customer expectations and financial performance.
As the primary customer interface during the maintenance event, the Operations Manager balances technical scope, workforce execution, schedule control, and cost management while leading cross-functional maintenance teams through complex, deadline-driven work.
What You’ll Do:
- Partner with technicians, planners, engineers, and support teams to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient aircraft maintenance work packages
- Balance safety, quality, labor utilization, schedule, and cost across multiple concurrent projects
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Serve as the primary customer point of contact throughout the maintenance lifecycle
- Communicate clearly and confidently on scope, timelines, labor/material estimates, progress updates, approvals, and post-delivery follow-up
- Address issues proactively, resolve squawks and warranty concerns, and identify opportunities to add value or expand services
- Manage multiple aircraft maintenance projects simultaneously, identifying risks, constraints, and mitigation strategies
- Build, review, and manage work orders, labor charges, pricing codes, and Pro Forma invoices
- Monitor profitability, margin performance, and cost controls; ensure projects meet or exceed financial objectives
- Review and approve final invoices, including warranty negotiations and service order revisions
- Lead daily and recurring status meetings with operations, planning, materials, quality, and engineering teams
- Maintain accurate reporting on aircraft status, workflow, and shop floor efficiency
- Support special programs and OEM initiatives (e.g., ESP, MSP, SmartParts, warranties) in partnership with internal stakeholders
- Adapt to shifting priorities, regulatory updates, customer requirements, and operational changes
- Bring a problem-solving mindset to process improvements, productivity initiatives, and cross-functional alignment
- Coach and develop team members, building bench strength and engagement across experience levels
What You Bring:
- 5+ years of experience in an aircraft maintenance environment or substantial similar experience
- 2+ years of experience in customer-facing project management, operations leadership, supervision, or lead roles
- Working knowledge of aviation regulatory governance (FAA, EASA, or Transport Canada), including Part 91/121/135/145 environments
- Understanding of jet aircraft maintenance inspection programs
- Knowledge of Environmental, Health & Safety standards as they apply to workplace safety and environmental aspects of aircraft maintenance operations
- Demonstrated strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop people and build an enabled team
- Strong communication skills with the ability to adjust style and messaging for different audiences and situations
- Proven organizational skills to prioritize work across multiple projects and timelines
- Comfort using enterprise systems and tools (ERP, maintenance, project tracking, reporting, and Microsoft Office applications)
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- FAA A&P License or certification under FAR Part 65
- Experience with SAP, Empower MX, or similar maintenance/ERP systems
- Familiarity with ISO/OHSAS management systems
- Working knowledge of budgeting, cost controls, and financial reporting (P&L awareness, margin analysis, cost drivers)
Work Environment:
- Safety-first culture with a strong emphasis on quality and compliance
- Modern, climate-controlled hangars and well-equipped service centers
- Highly collaborative, in-person environment at our Tucson, AZ facility
Why Join Us?
At MHIRJ, we take pride in delivering safe, compliant aircraft maintenance while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professional respect. We value experienced aviation maintenance leaders who understand the realities of regulated operations and can guide teams through complex maintenance events with confidence and integrity.
If you’re energized by leading people, improving processes, delivering results, and navigating change in a complex operational environment, we’d love to hear from you.We provide comprehensive benefits for you and your family, as well as ample opportunities to grow your career.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Company paid life insurance and short-term disability
- Annual wellness incentives up to $750
- Employee assistance program
- 401K with 6% company match
- Annual bonus plan
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Apply and take the next step in your leadership journey with MHIRJ.
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We do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
We do not currently provide sponsorship to work in the United States. All applicants for U.S. jobs must be a United States citizen or be authorized to work in the United States.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- FAA issued Airframe or Airframe and Powerplant License (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
