Aviation Director of Maintenance

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments called Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or operational function. The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio—the largest in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations, facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning, with nearly 800 staff spanning disciplines such as craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. The directorate manages over $250 million in annual budget authority, 2.5 million square feet of facility space, 200 regulatory program areas, and a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Aviation Operations Manager (AOM) and promotes the highest standards of safe maintenance for all assigned aviation assets supporting aviation and aviation-based research.
• Responsible for maintenance of manned and unmanned platforms supporting science missions; performs hands-on maintenance and supervises a small maintenance/technical team, ensuring qualifications are maintained.
• Provides maintenance support to pilots, ground crew, and research to enable mission completion, including mission/logistics planning for worldwide deployments of aircraft, support/science equipment, and maintenance tools/spares. Travel up to 25%; deployments up to six weeks.
• Provides technical oversight for modification and delivery of the science-modified Bombardier Challenger 850 (CL-600-2B19), coordinating with the modification contractor and internal stakeholders.

Core Maintenance Program & Control

• Develops and executes a comprehensive maintenance program; ensures safe, efficient, and legally compliant maintenance across assigned assets, including oversight of PNNL and contracted personnel and sustainment of the maintenance shop and support equipment.
• Maintains aircraft airworthiness per applicable FAA regulations, manufacturer instructions, and PNNL standards; ensures aircraft modifications are properly completed; removes from service any aircraft that is unsafe or not airworthy.
• Oversees daily maintenance scheduling/assignments and issue resolution; coordinates long-range plans for scheduled maintenance, modifications, and major repairs with AOM/Flight Operations.
• Maintains aircraft status reporting (including downtime forecasts and mechanical irregularities), current maintenance schedule, and out-of-service history.
• Minimizes mission impacts from mechanical failures and parts unavailability through planning and efficient execution.

Safety, Training, and Compliance

• Ensures personnel comply with safety regulations/directives/procedures and special instructions; supports Safety Management System (SMS) implementation.
• Maintains safe work areas (housekeeping, tool control, FOD control).
• Develops and delivers training (lesson plans) for mechanics and UAS technicians; maintains current files for FAA regulations, Airworthiness Directives, and maintenance manuals; recommends specialized training to AOM.
• Maintains hazardous materials inventory and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); coordinates with the Hazardous Materials Custodian.

Tools, Equipment, and Supply Chain

• Maintains tool control and tool/instrument calibration programs; keeps Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operational.
• Manages stockroom inventory; researches manuals/catalogs/vendors to support parts/material ordering.
• Supervises Parts Procurement Specialist (QA) to ensure proper incoming inspection and identification of Suspect/Counterfeit Items (S/CI).

Contracts, Budget, and External Interface

• Acts as liaison to external authorities (e.g., FAA) as directed by AOM.
• Develops/manages the annual aviation maintenance budget as directed.
• Supports Procurement in negotiating maintenance support; serves as Technical Officer’s Representative (TOR) for maintenance-related contracts and prepares Scopes of Work for outside maintenance agencies.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED or higher.
• Certification from an organization accredited in aviation maintenance.
• 5+ years of FAA (or equivalent) regulated aircraft maintenance experience involving multi-engine turbine aircraft.
• 3+ years of maintenance leadership experience in a Director of Maintenance, supervisory, or inspector capacity.
• FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) ratings or equivalent.
• Current FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance technology, aerospace engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years providing/overseeing multi-engine turbine airframe maintenance.
• 5+ years maintaining Group 3/Large UAS (≥55 lb).
• CL-600-2B19 experience (Regional Jet Series 100/440, Challenger SE, Challenger 850, CRJ100/200); working knowledge of Collins Pro Line 4 avionics.
• Documented training: GE CF34 engines (CF34-3B1 preferred) and Honeywell 36-150 Series APU.
• Sheet metal/fabrication; experience with computerized maintenance applications (e.g., Veryon/ATP Flightdocs); strong computer and communication skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Travel up to 25%; deployments up to six weeks.
• Physical requirements: lift up to 50 lbs; stand up to 8 hours per day; bend, stretch, crawl, and climb ladders to access all aircraft areas.

Additional Information

• This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching and health savings account.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
• Tuition assistance and relocation support.
• Backup childcare and legal benefits.
• Flexible work schedules.

PNNL is located in eastern Washington State, known for its outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, serviced by the PSC airport with connections to 8 major hubs.