Aircraft Maintenance Controller - Flight Test & Operations

 The Aircraft Maintenance Controller (Flight Test & Operations) serves as the central point of coordination for all maintenance activities supporting flight test programs and special operations. This role ensures experimental and production aircraft are maintained in a safe, airworthy, and mission-ready condition by coordinating scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, Modifications, and any other issues in real time, and maintaining close coordination with flight test crews, Program managers, and engineering teams. The controller facilitates timely execution of maintenance by supporting the organization successfully through dynamic test schedules, rapid configuration changes, and operational availability.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and track the status of aircraft assigned to Maintenance / Operations department
• Provide real-time Updates on aircraft status and tasking to programs and management.
• Coordinate rapid maintenance actions to support high-tempo test schedules, including quick-turn inspections and configuration changes.
• Ensure all maintenance performed is documented and aligned with engineering test requirements and regulatory guidance.
• Assist in planning of ground test, taxi test, and flight test events by ensuring aircraft readiness through support of Crew chiefs / Ground operations leads / Engineering
• Coordinate both planned and unscheduled maintenance around evolving test schedules.
• Develop and manage short- and mid-range maintenance forecasts to align with program milestones.
• Balance resources across multiple test aircraft and facilities to minimize downtime and maximize availability.
• Plan and coordinate Parts ordering and delivery, tooling, and outside vendors.
• Serve as the central communication link between engineers, pilots, maintenance crews, and operations.
• Provide timely updates to leadership on aircraft readiness, discrepancies, and recovery actions.
• Coordinate with engineering for resolution of discrepancies, modifications, or test-specific requirements.
• Work closely with supply chain/logistics to ensure parts availability for mission-critical repairs.
• Ensure compliance with FAA experimental regulations, company policies, and engineering requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of maintenance actions and configuration changes in the tracking system.
• Assist in documentation of conformity inspections and configuration control for flight test instrumentation.
• Support audits, conformity checks, and engineering review boards as required.
• Promote strict adherence to safety, FOD, and tool control practices during flight test operations.
• Participate in incident/accident investigations and contribute to root cause analysis for corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement of maintenance processes tailored to the unique demands of test programs.
• Integrate New maintenance / repair / and overhaul (MRO) software across all aircraft as they are delivered.

QUALIFICATIONS

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate. (preferred)
• Minimum [5+] years of experience in aircraft maintenance, preferably with flight test or experimental programs.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft industry standard Maintenance scheduling practices.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test requirements, and experimental work instructions.
• Excellent troubleshooting and decision-making skills under dynamic, high-pressure conditions.
• Proficiency in maintenance tracking systems.
• Experience in staffing assignments and deconfliction of competing priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft project, Visio, and all other common Microsoft 365 / Microsoft office applications
• Team player with exceptional interpersonal skills
• Self motivated to accomplish tasking with a high degree of accuracy.
• This role required utmost organizational skills to maintain a standardized daily product.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

•  A&P license (preferred)
• IA (Preferred but not required)
• Flight line or flight test experience (Preferred)
• 5+ years in aviation field dealing with aspects of this positions responsibilities

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable  

• This position is in Mojave, CA
• Occasional night / Weekend overtime work 
• Must use a computer for extended periods and access operational work areas, with or without reasonable accommodation. Follow site safety requirements and use required PPE around noise, weather, and moving equipment.
• Ability and willingness to support flexible or off-shift hours and weekends when operational needs dictate; occasional mission travel may be required.
• 4/10 Schedule
• 2-5 years relevant experience: $71,000-$86,000
• 5+ years relevant experience: $82,000-$101,000
• Eligible for up to 10% annual bonus