Operations Manager

Job Summary

ACET is seeking a highly experienced Site Manager to lead day-to-day operations supporting the H-53 Flight Test Program at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21) aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as ACET's senior on-site representative supporting HX-21 H-53 operations.
• Direct daily aircraft maintenance, modification, inspection, and flight test support activities.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all contract requirements.
• Establish operational priorities and allocate personnel and resources to meet customer objectives.
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the primary liaison between ACET and Government leadership, including HX-21, PMA Program Offices, Fleet Support Teams, and NAVAIR representatives.
• Attend daily production meetings, maintenance meetings, planning conferences, and customer reviews.
• Provide routine operational updates, status reports, and executive briefings.
• Build strong working relationships that support mission success and customer satisfaction.
• Lead maintenance activities in strict accordance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP).
• Ensure maintenance documentation, inspections, and maintenance actions are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Oversee Maintenance Control, Quality Assurance, Production Control, and aircraft configuration management.
• Maintain aircraft status, work package completion, and production milestones.
• Ensure contract performance meets cost, schedule, quality, and technical requirements.
• Cook up with Program Management to manage staffing, workload forecasting, and resource planning.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Supervise site supervisors, maintenance personnel, quality assurance staff, maintenance control, and support personnel.
• Mentor employees and develop future leaders.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and employee development.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all NAVAIR, OSHA, Navy, and ACET safety requirements.
• Support internal and external quality audits.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance
• Minimum of 15 years of Naval Aviation maintenance experience
• Minimum of 8 years leading Naval Aviation maintenance organizations
• Extensive knowledge of COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP)
• Demonstrated leadership experience as a Maintenance Officer, Maintenance Chief, Production Control Chief, QA Chief, or equivalent Senior Maintenance Leadership position
• Experience supporting H-53 aircraft maintenance, modification, depot maintenance, or flight test operations
• Strong understanding of NAVAIR maintenance policies, technical directives, maintenance documentation, and quality assurance processes
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a high-tempo operational environment
• Strong customer relationship management and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Retired U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps E-8, E-9, or Warrant Officer with H-53 maintenance leadership experience
• Previous experience supporting HX-21, PMA-261, CH-53K FMF Squadrons, or H-53 developmental flight test programs
• H-53E and/or CH-53K platform expertise
• Previous Contractor Site Manager or Program Manager experience
• Experience with Government performance-based service contracts

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required
• Ability to work in aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and flight line environments that will be subjected to high noise areas, oils, fuel, adhesives, sealants and hydraulic fluids
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, bending, and kneeling
• Ability to work around aircraft, support equipment, and industrial environments
• Must be able to meet all Government site access and fitness-for-duty requirements

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life insurance, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Program
• Wellness programs
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.