Aviation Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY

THE AVIATION PROGRAMS MANAGER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXECUTION, COORDINATION, AND OVERSIGHT OF GOVERNMENT AVIATION OPERATIONS CONTRACTS SUPPORTING FUNCTIONAL CHECK FLIGHT (FCF), ACCEPTANCE FLIGHT, FERRY FLIGHT, AND RELATED FLIGHT OPERATIONS. THIS POSITION SERVES AS GMRE'S PRIMARY OPERATIONAL INTERFACE WITH GOVERNMENT CUSTOMERS, AIRCREW PERSONNEL, MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS, AND SUPPORTING AGENCIES TO ENSURE SAFE, COMPLIANT, AND EFFECTIVE EXECUTION OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS. THE AVIATION PROGRAMS MANAGER PROVIDES LEADERSHIP TO GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED AIRCREW WHILE ENSURING CONTRACTUAL COMPLIANCE, OPERATIONAL READINESS, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, AND MISSION SUCCESS. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES SIGNIFICANT MILITARY AVIATION OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE, PREFERABLY WITHIN H-60G/W OR KC-130 AIRCRAFT, AND UNDERSTANDS THE UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, DEPOT OPERATIONS, AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Aviation Operations

• Direct oversight of Functional Check Flight operations supporting Government aircraft maintenance and depot activities. 
• Coordinate daily flight operations between Government maintenance personnel, aircrew, airfield management, quality assurance, and program leadership. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable DCMA, Air Force, Navy, FAA, and local operating procedures as applicable. 
• Provide operational oversight of geographically separated contractor aircrews.

     Customer Relations

• Serve as GMRE's primary operational representative to Government leadership. 
• Attend production meetings, scheduling meetings, and operational planning sessions. 
• Resolve operational issues while maintaining positive customer relationships.     

     Contract Administration

• Ensure work is performed in accordance with the PWS, contract requirements, and company policies. 
• Understand contract requirements sufficiently to identify potential scope changes and coordinate those changes through appropriate company channels. 
• Coordinate with Contracts, Finance, HR, and Business Development as required.

    Personnel Leadership

• Supervise site leads and flight crews. 
• Conduct performance reviews. 
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and mentoring. 
• Promote a strong safety culture.

   Flight Operations

• Maintain situational awareness of daily flight operations. 
• Coordinate with site leads for aircraft movement, ferry planning, and operational support. 
• Support mishap response and safety investigations as required. 
• Ensure operational risks are appropriately identified and mitigated.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran-owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed. 

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

     Required

• Thorough understanding of military flight operations. 
• Knowledge of Functional Check Flight operations. 
• Experience operating within military aviation maintenance organizations. 
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. 
• Ability to build relationships with Government personnel. 
• Understanding of Government contracting fundamentals. 
• Strong written and verbal communication. 
• Ability to travel frequently
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short notice as needed.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance.

     Preferred

• Former military HH-60G/W or KC-130 pilot or aircrew member. 
• Former military instructor pilot or aircrew member. 
• Former Government Flight Representative (GFR), Government Ground Representative (GGR), Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, Maintenance Officer, or Director of Operations. 
• Familiarity with DCMA INST 8210. 
• Familiarity with Air Force flight operations. 
• Familiarity with Navy aviation operations. 
• PMP or similar certification. 
• Lean Six Sigma. 
• FAA Commercial or ATP.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Minimum of five years leading military aviation operations, flight operations, maintenance operations, or Functional Check Flight programs. 

Preferred

• Ten or more years of progressively responsible military aviation leadership. 
• Prior experience managing Government service contracts. 
• Prior experience with geographically dispersed aviation organizations. 
• Prior experience supporting depot maintenance operations.

SECURITY CLEARANCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation. 
• Driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency. For insurance purposes, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Do you have the ability to pass a background check to be granted access to the specific working location installation bases to perform work for GMRE? 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs review/evaluation/submission of timecards, travel estimates and support request.  
• Oversees the daily workflow of the programs. 
• Provides expectations and accountability of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Responsible for the recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training new staff.
• Responsible the discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Position may travel up to 50% of the time out of state and overnight to fulfill contract requirements.