Aviation Director of Maintenance

"Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.

The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning. A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists.

Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently. The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio. The Office of the Chief Operating Officer stewards directorate-wide performance management and provides the primary interface with other directorates ctions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management.

• Reports to the Aviation Operations Manager (AOM).
• Promotes and supports the highest standards of safe maintenance for all assigned aviation assets supporting aviation and aviation-based research.
• Responsible for maintenance of manned and unmanned platforms supporting science missions; performs hands‑on maintenance and supervises a small maintenance/technical team, ensuring qualifications are maintained.
• Provides maintenance support to pilots, ground crew, and research to enable mission completion, including mission/logistics planning for worldwide deployments of aircraft, support/ science equipment, and maintenance tools/spares. Travel up to 25%; deployments up to six weeks.
• Provides technical oversight for modification and delivery of the science-modified Bombardier Challenger 850 (CL-600-2B19), coordinating with the modification contractor and internal stakeholders.

• Develops and executes a comprehensive maintenance program; ensures safe, efficient, and legally compliant maintenance across assigned assets, including oversight of PNNL and contracted personnel and sustainment of the maintenance shop and support equipment.
• Maintains aircraft airworthiness per applicable FAA regulations, manufacturer instructions, and PNNL standards; ensures aircraft modifications are properly completed; removes from service any aircraft that is unsafe or not airworthy.
• Oversees daily maintenance scheduling/assignments and issue resolution; coordinates long‑range plans for scheduled maintenance, modifications, and major repairs with AOM/Flight Operations.
• Maintains aircraft status reporting (including downtime forecasts and mechanical irregularities), current maintenance schedule, and out‑of‑service history.
• Minimizes mission impacts from mechanical failures and parts unavailability through planning and efficient execution.

• Ensures personnel comply with safety regulations/directives/procedures and special instructions; supports Safety Management System (SMS) implementation.
• Maintains safe work areas (housekeeping, tool control, FOD control).
• Develops and delivers training (lesson plans) for mechanics and UAS technicians; maintains current files for FAA regulations, Airworthiness Directives, and maintenance manuals; recommends specialized training to AOM.
• Maintains hazardous materials inventory and Safety Data Sheets…