Sr. Manager, Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations

The Sr. Manager of Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations will build, lead, and scale the 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 defense customers, including U.S. and international military end-users. The position involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring logistics operations such as warehousing, inventory, transportation, and supply chain processes, while ensuring compliance with ITAR and other defense regulations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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%

Nice to have

• 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

Benefits

• Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.