Director of Maintenance- Part 145

Desert Jet is looking for a Director of Maintenance who is ready to take full ownership of our Part 145 Repair Station’s performance and future growth in Thermal, CA and Hayden, CO. This leader will shape strategy, ensure regulatory integrity, strengthen operational systems, and develop talent, all while driving sustainable profitability. 

 This is a build-it, scale-it, own-it opportunity backed by a supportive executive leadership team and a strong culture. You will be surrounded by leaders who are engaged, collaborative, and excited to build something exceptional together. 

We love working here and think you will too! Here's why:

• Base salary: $165,000-190,000- DOE.
• Eligibility for annual profit sharing bonus based on company performance.
• High degree of ownership and influence. 
• Schedule flexibility. 
• Company paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time employees.
• 401(k) with 6% company match.
• PTO that starts accruing on Day 1. 
• Company paid holidays.
• Monthly gym membership reimbursement.
• Company sponsored events.
• Strong safety culture.
• Leadership training opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction and expansion of Desert Jet Maintenance. 
• Design and execute growth plans for facilities, tooling, staffing, service capabilities, and market positioning.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with clients, vendors, OEMs, and industry stakeholders to drive growth.
• Oversee vendor negotiations, and tooling acquisitions to ensure scalable operations.
• Champion a culture of safety, hospitality, accountability and operational excellence. 

Tactical Responsibilities:

• Serve as FAA Accountable Manager (as assigned), with full ownership of regulatory compliance and responsibility for OpSpecs administration, maintaining manuals, and acting as point of contact for FAA audits and inspections.
• Lead efforts for establishment of satellite location(s)
• Provide executive oversight of scheduling, quoting, parts readiness, and final work order reviews to ensure operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and margin control.
• Review monthly P&L statements and performance metrics, proactively driving profitability improvements and cost discipline.
• Adhere to company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directly supervise Repair Station leadership.
• Build leadership through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Foster a high-performance environment focused on ownership, teamwork, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Step into General Manager responsibilities when necessary to ensure uninterrupted leadership and operational stability.
• Oversee the full talent lifecycle for direct reports to ensure team effectiveness and continuity.

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Prior experience supporting business jet maintenance operations. 
• Strong working knowledge of FAA regulations, compliance, and regulatory engagement.
• Ability to lead growth initiatives, manage P&L performance, and scale operations
• Strategic mindset with the ability to execute tactically and independently
• Ability to work as operational needs require

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Inspector Authorization (IA)
• Knowledge of Corridor software
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Business Management or similar.