Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Total Aviation Staffing is hiring a Maintenance Controller for our client, a leading airline maintenance operation.

This role is ideal for an experienced A&P-certified aviation maintenance professional who is ready to move into a high-impact operational support position. As a Maintenance Controller, you will help manage aircraft maintenance activity in real time, support safe and efficient aircraft operations, coordinate repairs, manage MEL deferrals, and help keep aircraft moving through the system safely and economically.

If you have strong aircraft maintenance experience, can make sound technical decisions under pressure, and understand how maintenance control supports airline reliability, this is a strong opportunity to step into a key role within a fast-paced airline environment.

As a Maintenance Controller, you will oversee aircraft maintenance coordination, troubleshooting support, MEL management, and operational decision-making to help maintain aircraft safety, airworthiness, and schedule reliability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee and expedite timely, safe, and cost-effective aircraft repairs using approved maintenance procedures.
• Authorize, manage, and ensure proper application of Minimum Equipment List deferrals.
• Coordinate aircraft routing and flow to maintenance bases based on operational and maintenance needs.
• Adjust maintenance plans and aircraft schedules in response to unexpected maintenance events.
• Make technical decisions to support aircraft safety, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide troubleshooting and repair support to maintenance teams across multiple locations.
• Communicate maintenance status, aircraft issues, irregular operations, accidents, or incidents to management as needed.
• Work closely with maintenance personnel, operations teams, and other departments to support safe and efficient airline operations.
• Maintain strong situational awareness in a fast-paced maintenance control environment.
• Support compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and approved maintenance documentation.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong aviation maintenance professional who can stay calm, organized, and decisive when aircraft issues come up in real time. You should be comfortable interpreting technical manuals, working with MELs, communicating across departments, and making maintenance decisions that balance safety, compliance, cost, and operational needs.

This role is a strong fit for someone who understands airline maintenance reality: aircraft do not break on a convenient schedule. Maintenance Control is where calm heads and good decisions keep the operation from turning into a circus with headsets.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance technician, lead technician, or maintenance supervisor.
• Strong ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, maintenance procedures, and aircraft documentation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong multitasking skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and additional hours as required.
• Valid driver’s license.

• 5+ years of aircraft maintenance experience preferred.
• Prior airline maintenance control experience.
• Experience managing MEL deferrals and aircraft operational decisions.
• Experience supporting line maintenance, aircraft routing, troubleshooting, and AOG situations.
• Prior lead technician, maintenance supervisor, or maintenance operations experience.
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations and airline maintenance requirements.

This is a high-visibility role where your maintenance experience directly supports airline safety, reliability, and operational performance. You will work across multiple areas of the airline and play a key part in keeping aircraft safe, compliant, and available for service.

This opportunity offers:

• Competitive salary of $95,100 – $110,000 annually
• Direct impact on aircraft reliability and operational performance
• Opportunity to move from hands-on maintenance into maintenance control
• Exposure to airline operations, technical decision-making, and fleet support
• Fast-paced environment with strong career growth potential
• Meaningful role supporting safe and efficient airline service

This opportunity includes a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Free or reduced-rate travel privileges on Delta Air Lines and more than 80 global air carriers for eligible employees and family members
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with company match starting on day one
• Operational Performance Rewards program
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Additional voluntary benefits

If you are an experienced A&P Mechanic, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Lead Aircraft Technician, Maintenance Supervisor, or Aircraft Maintenance Controller looking to advance your career in airline maintenance operations, we encourage you to apply today.

Total Aviation Staffing connects qualified aviation professionals with career opportunities across commercial aviation, business aviation, MRO, aerospace manufacturing, defense, airline operations, and aviation technology.