A4 Heavy Maintenance Manager

 Founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 fighter pilots who identified an opportunity to improve military readiness training, Top Aces has since established itself as the world leader in contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training.

We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in support of customers worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., Germany, and multiple other NATO allies and international partner nations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where "Experience Matters." This commitment to innovation and technology ensures we remain adaptable, training allied militaries to succeed against evolving threats.

Top Aces’ dynamic team contributes to delivering on our purpose of training the next generation of combat leaders by living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together every day!

Join our team!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The A4 Heavy Maintenance Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of A4 aircraft heavy maintenance events while also serving as the Mission Systems Maintenance Controller for all CATS mission systems across the A4, AJ, and LearJet fleets. He is the main point of contact for the Maintenance Control Center (MCC) at Cold Lake.

A4 Heavy Maintenance Management

• Plan and execute A4 heavy maintenance events from induction through redelivery. 


• Collaborate with CATS Maintenance Controller to develop and manage an 18‑month heavy maintenance plan. 


• Liaise with CATS Maintenance Planner to schedule the completion of required Maintenance tasks. 


• Lead induction, production, and redelivery reviews.


• Manage turnaround time, scope, cost, and technical risk.


• Supervise YOD based heavy maintenance and support functions employees.


• As required, liaise with Fleet Management, Engineering, Airworthiness and ISC to ensure turn around times are met.


• Provide weekly Heavy maintenance update to MCC and Sr DoM Canada.

Mission Systems Maintenance Control – All CATS Fleets

• Serve as Mission Systems Maintenance Controller for all CATS mission systems utilized on A4, AJ, and LearJet fleets. 


• Maintain configuration control, coordinate upgrades and maintenance, and ensure mission systems are fully operational and verified prior to return to service.

People Management

• Strategic Leadership – Setting long-term goals and aligning them with organizational objectives.


• Hiring & Workforce Planning – Recruiting and onboarding.


• Budget & Resource Allocation – Managing financial and operational resources for the team.


• Cross-Team Coordination – Working with other departments and leadership on company-wide initiatives.


• Higher-Level Decision-Making – Involvement in policy development, organizational strategy, and key business decisions.


• Performance Management – Conducting evaluations, addressing broader workplace issues, and implementing disciplinary measures if needed.


• Responsible for approving employee timesheets (where applicable), leave requests and expense reports for all base employees.


• Perform general administrative or any other duties as required by the Sr DoM Canada.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in aircraft maintenance management, including heavy maintenance execution. 


• Minimum 3 years of maintenance control experience. 


• Strong knowledge of avionics and mission systems integration. 


• Proficiency with maintenance tracking systems and Microsoft Office.


• Strong leadership skills and the ability to lead a team in a diversified and changing high tempo environment


• Positive, professional attitude, identify and resolve issues proactively with minimal supervision


• Proven track record to support and lead safe operations: OHS, Flight Safety, procedures, Human Factors etc.


• Knowledge of Airworthiness processes with Transport Canada and DND. Controlled Goods Program, Security Management, ITAR, Military and civilian maintenance. Quality Control an asset;


• Sense of Urgency / Focus on results and deadlines


• Good problem solving and troubleshooting skills

Working Conditions

• Travel is occasionally required


• Occasional visits to aircraft maintenance facilities (company and vendor) is required.  


• Urgent airworthiness issues and operational availability problems will require immediate addressing.  This can result in the requirement to work outside normal office hours.

Supervisory, Training and Advisory Responsibilities:

Supervising, approving timesheets, and vacation requests for: 

• Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and support trade employees

Occupational Health and Safety Responsibilities:

You will have the following responsibilities in order to comply with the company's Occupational Health and Safety program:

• Working in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety acts and regulations 


• Following safe work practices and procedures and using safeguards and personal protective equipment


• Reporting hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) to their supervisor immediately.

Security Clearance Requirements/ CGP / ITAR:

Position requires Level II clearance with the Canadian Government and the ability to gain access to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program

By joining Top Aces, you will find:

• A work environment in which service, integrity, excellence and teamwork are highly valued;


• Opportunities for development and growth;


• Multidisciplinary and multicultural collaboration at a local and global level;


• A flexible schedule;


• Attractive benefit plan.

Come share your passion with us!  Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered, and challenged to be your best self.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Top Aces, all employees are welcome regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age. The masculine form may be used in this job description solely for ease of reading but refers to men, women and gender diversity.

#LI-LS1#LI-Onsite