Aviation Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 at PNNL. Functions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management.
Responsibilities

• 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.

Core Maintenance Program & Control

• 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.

Safety, Training, and Compliance

• 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 (SDS); coordinates with the Hazardous Materials Custodian.

Tools, Equipment, and Supply Chain

• Maintains tool control and tool/instrument calibration programs; keeps Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operational.
• Manages stockroom inventory; researches manuals/catalogs/vendors to support parts/material ordering.
• Supervises Parts Procurement Specialist (QA) to ensure proper incoming inspection and identification of Suspect/Counterfeit Items (S/CI).

Contracts, Budget, and External Interface

• Acts as liaison to external authorities (e.g., FAA) as directed by AOM.
• Develops/manages the annual aviation maintenance budget as directed.
• Supports Procurement in negotiating maintenance support; serves as Technical Officer's Representative (TOR) for maintenance-related contracts and prepares Scopes of Work for outside maintenance agencies.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED or higher.
• Certification from an organization accredited in aviation maintenance.
• 5+ years of FAA (or equivalent) regulated aircraft maintenance experience involving multi-engine turbine aircraft.
• 3+ years of maintenance leadership experience in a Director of Maintenance, supervisory, or inspector capacity.
• FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) ratings or equivalent.
• Current FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance technology, aerospace engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years providing/overseeing multi-engine turbine airframe maintenance.
• 5+ years maintaining Group 3/Large UAS (≥55 lb).
• CL-600-2B19 experience (Regional Jet Series 100/440, Challenger SE, Challenger 850, CRJ100/200); working knowledge of Collins Pro Line 4 avionics.
• Documented training: GE CF34 engines (CF34-3B1 preferred) and Honeywell 36-150 Series APU.
• Sheet metal/fabrication; experience with computerized maintenance applications (e.g., Veryon/ATP Flightdocs); strong computer and communication skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Travel up to 25%; deployments up to six weeks.
• Physical requirements: lift up to 50 lbs; stand up to 8 hours per day; bend, stretch, crawl, and climb ladders to access all aircraft areas.

Additional Information
This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $148,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $233,900.00/Yr.