Sr. Manager, Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations

About this role

Worker Type

Regular Job Description

  Summary The Sr. Manager of the Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations will build, lead, and scale our enterprise-wide MRO function for Class III unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role is responsible for establishing and managing depot-level maintenance operations, sustaining engineering interfaces, and global support capabilities for our defense customers, including U.S. and international military end-users.  This position requires deep experience in aerospace/defense maintenance operations, strong leadership skills, and the ability to operate in a regulated environment with ITAR, export controls, and other defense-compliance requirements.  This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring logistics operations such as warehousing, inventory, transportation, and supply chain processes.

Position Responsibilities

MRO Strategy & Organization • Develop and own the long-term MRO strategy for our Class III UAV product lines, aligned with company growth and customer sustainment needs.  • Establish the depot-level maintenance organization, including structure, staffing, workflows, and supporting systems.  • Define and implement service offerings (e.g., depot repair, overhaul, upgrades, retrofit programs, modification kits, and field return processes).  • Create and maintain MRO policies, standards, and procedures that ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with military and regulatory requirements.

Operational Leadership • Lead day-to-day operations of domestic MRO depot(s), ensuring on-time delivery, cost control, and high quality of repairs and overhauls.  • Build and oversee international MRO capability (company-operated and/or partner depots), including governance, performance management, and standard work.  • Implement and manage KPIs for MRO performance (TAT, MTTR, readiness rates, cost per repair, quality metrics, etc.).  • Drive continuous improvement in throughput, quality, and cost using lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Technical & Regulatory Compliance • Ensure all maintenance and overhaul activities comply with applicable military standards, aviation regulations, company quality standards, and customer requirements.  • Partner with Engineering and Quality to maintain configuration control, manage obsolescence, and implement engineering changes into the MRO environment.  • Oversee documentation and records management for all maintenance actions, including traceability, inspection records, and configuration data.  • Maintain strict adherence to ITAR, EAR, and other export-control requirements in all domestic and international MRO operations.

Customer & Program Support • Serve as the primary senior MRO leader supporting Program Management, Contracts, and Business Development for sustainment-related bids, proposals, and program execution.  • Support lifecycle cost modeling, spares planning, and readiness support strategies for new and existing programs.  • Build strong relationships with key customer stakeholders in logistics, sustainment, and fleet operations.

People Leadership • Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing depot managers, supervisors, planners, and technicians.  • Create training and certification pathways for maintenance personnel, including technical and regulatory training.  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within all MRO teams.  • Prepare the organization for growth, ensuring scalable processes and succession planning as domestic and international operations expand.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Operations Management, Logistics or Supply Chain is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience • Minimum of 10+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience; At least 3+ years in a supervisory role • Experienced using MRP/ERP systems and firm grasp of supply chain, inventory, distribution, business, and management principles • Minimal travel, up to 10%

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: • Works well independently and handling multiple projects. Is perceptive in identifying problems and providing solutions • Demonstrates strong communication, active listening, judgement, decision-making, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and presentation skills. Exceptional organizational and analytical skills • Works well within a team, with other managers, team leads, and employees • Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances • Inspires, motivates and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees • Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision • Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping

Physical Demands • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment • Ability to frequently use hand tools (e.g. clamps) using light, minimal force • Regularly required to sit for long periods and occasionally stand for short periods • Frequently lift and/or carry objects of small size between 2lbs and 5lbs • Frequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and balance • Occasionally required to walk • Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and handling varying sizes and shapes of parts. • Compliance with safety standards and guidelines.

Clearance Level

  No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $141,000 - $215,000 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the locati

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