Flight Line Operations Supervisor

Flight Line Operations Supervisor – Palmdale, CA

Flight Line Operations Supervisor provides hands‑on, independent leadership for all flight‑line activities that ensure the U‑2 "Dragon Lady" is mission‑ready.

Working the second shift with limited on‑site support, the supervisor must be self‑sufficient and decisive, coordinating mechanical and systems‑integration functions, conducting rigorous pre‑flight inspections, and overseeing flight‑test execution to maintain aircraft readiness and support sortie operations.

• Supervise Flight‑Line Work – Direct teams performing mechanical and systems‑integration tasks, ensuring compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and mission timelines.
• Launch & Recovery Operations – Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft launch and recovery procedures for sortie missions, confirming that all ground‑support equipment and personnel are ready and verified.
• Flight & Pre‑Flight Oversight – Perform comprehensive pre‑flight inspections, execute checklists, and maintain configuration control to certify the aircraft for each mission.
• Cross‑Discipline Coordination – Work closely with engineering, mission planning, quality, and logistics groups to resolve discrepancies and eliminate roadblocks that could affect sortie readiness.
• Performance Metrics & Continuous Improvement – Track safety, quality, schedule, and cost metrics; lead corrective‑action initiatives and apply lean‑manufacturing principles to continually improve flight‑line efficiency.

• Flexible work schedules from onsite to remote, with comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security.
• Second shift typically from 1pm-1am; requires onsite Monday–Thursday.

• Flight‑Line Expertise – Proven experience in aircraft launch, recovery, and sortie support acquired at senior enlisted levels.
• Hands‑On Technical Background – Practical experience with Tech data (T.O), 781‑form documentation, mechanical systems, fuel systems, airframe/structural work, and systems‑integration on high‑performance aircraft.
• Regulatory Knowledge – Familiarity with AFI
  00-20-1 and DCMA-8210 aircraft‑operations requirements (or comparable military/industry standards).
• Security Clearance – Active Secret clearance (investigation or continuous evaluation completed within the past 5 years) and eligibility for Special Program Access.
• Flight line Leadership Experience.

• Familiarity with active flight‑line and ground‑operations procedures.
• Proven ability to ensure mission readiness and solve complex operational problems.
• Hands‑on experience with EVMS (Earned Value Management System) data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Exposure to lean‑manufacturing principles and RCCA (Root‑Cause Corrective Action) methodologies.
• Technical degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong manufacturing/start‑up leadership background, with a track record of building and sustaining high‑performing teams.
• Experience (e.g., CDI/CDQAR, level 7 through 9, or equivalent senior‑rank positions in other armed services).

This position requires a government security clearance; you must be a US Citizen for consideration.

The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington, or Washington DC is $77,700 - $136,965. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• EAP, Education Assistance.
• Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
• Incentive plan eligibility.

Lockheed Martin is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5‑30 days of the requisition posting date for optimal consideration.