Chief Operating Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview

We are a leading PART 145 FAA/EASA/CAA/NATO certified aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organization dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and reliability to our global aviation clients. Our commitment to excellence and innovation positions us as a trusted partner in the aerospace industry.

Position: Chief Operating Officer/ COO

Location: Company Headquarter at 10814 NW 33rd. Street, Suite 100, Doral Florida 33172
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: President / CEO

Compensation

·         Base Salary: $180,000 - USD annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

·         performance-based bonuses: $60,000 USD annually, tied to operational efficiency, cost savings, and strategic growth objectives.

·         Total Cash Compensation: Up to $240,000 USD annually, combining base salary and performance bonuses.

·         Additional Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and potential relocation package. Total compensation, including benefits and equity, may achieve a total compensation package valued at $300,000 USD annually.

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the operational excellence of our aircraft engine MRO operations. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in the aviation MRO industry, with a proven track record of optimizing processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving organizational growth. This role demands deep expertise in PART 145 FAA/EASA/USAF/NATO/CAA certifications, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to align operations with the company’s strategic vision in a competitive global market.

Key Responsibilities

·         Operational Leadership: Oversee all MRO operations, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with PART 145 FAA/EASA/CAA/NATO standards.

·         Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute operational strategies that support revenue growth, market expansion, and long-term business objectives.

·         Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and optimize resource utilization while maintaining safety and quality standards.

·         Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all operations adhere to FAA, EASA, CAA, and NATO regulations, maintaining certifications and fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

·         Financial Oversight: Manage operational budgets, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and implement cost-saving measures without compromising service quality.

·         Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, including managers, engineers, and technicians, fostering collaboration and professional growth.

·         Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key clients, suppliers, OEMs, and regulatory bodies to support operational goals and enhance the company’s reputation.

·         Technology Integration: Oversee the adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., predictive maintenance, AI-driven diagnostics) to improve MRO capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.

·         Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and regulatory changes, to ensure business continuity.

Metrics/Accountability:

1. Operational Performance

• Turnaround Time (TAT) Compliance (%)
• • % of engine overhauls completed on or ahead of schedule.
• On-Time Delivery Rate (%)
• • Reflects reliability in customer delivery commitments.
• Production Efficiency (%)
• • Ratio of productive hours vs. available labor hours.
• Work-in-Progress (WIP) Cycle Time Reduction
• • Tracking days in process per engine/project.
• Asset Utilization Rate (%)
• • % utilization of engine bays & tooling.

2. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• First Pass Yield (%)
• • Work completed and passed QA without rework.
• Customer Return Rate / Rework Rate (%)
• • Engines/components returned for correction.
• Regulatory Compliance Score (100%)
• • FAA, EASA, AS9110 audits, internal audits.
• Safety Incident Rate (TRIR or DART)
• • Total Recordable Incident Rate – goal: 0.
• Corrective Action Closure Rate (within 30 days)

3. Financial & Cost Management

• Gross Margin on Operations (%)
• • Measured per engine type/program.
• Cost per Engine Overhaul ($)
• • Tracked and benchmarked across platforms (CFM56-2/-3/-5/-7, JT8D, TF33, etc.).
• Overtime Utilization Rate (%)
• • Indicates labor planning and resource management.
• Operational Budget Adherence (%)
• • Variance from planned operating expenses.

4. People & Culture

• Employee Retention Rate (%)
• • Especially for skilled technicians and engineers.
• Training & Certification Completion Rate (%)
• • % of workforce current with required certifications.
• Employee Engagement Score (Survey-based)
• Cross-Training Metrics
• • % of workforce certified on multiple engine platforms or disciplines.

5. Strategic Execution Milestones

• First 90 Days:
• • Full operational assessment complete.
  • Improvement plan submitted.
  • KPI dashboard implemented.
• By 6 Months:
• • Cost savings initiatives underway.
  • Process improvements implemented in at least 2 departments.
  • Weekly ops meetings with clear KPIs in place.
• By 12 Months:
• • TAT improved by X%.
  • Rework rate reduced by Y%.
  • Margin improvement achieved on key engine program(s).

 Bonus Metrics / Strategic Projects

• New Capability Launches
• ERP or MRO Software Implementation Milestones
• Internal Capability Expansion (e.g., new test cell, tooling)
• Customer Satisfaction / Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Qualifications

·         Experience: Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in the aviation MRO industry, with a focus on aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

·         Industry Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of PART 145 FAA/EASA/CAA/NATO certifications and their application in MRO operations.

·         Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive organizational change, and achieve operational excellence in a high-stakes environment.

·         Financial Acumen: Strong experience in budgeting, cost management, and financial analysis to support operational and strategic goals.

·         Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and board members.

·         Problem-Solving: Strategic thinker with a track record of resolving complex operational challenges and implementing innovative solutions.

·         Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.

·         Travel: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (up to 30%).

Preferred Skills

·         Experience implementing lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies in MRO operations.

·         Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and MRO-specific software for operational management.

·         Background in managing military or government contracts in the aviation sector.

·         Multilingual capabilities to support international operations and client relationships.

Why Join Us?

·         Strategic Impact: Shape the operational future of a globally recognized MRO provider with a reputation for excellence.

·         Leadership Opportunities: Lead transformative initiatives in a dynamic and growing industry.

·         Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary, substantial performance-based bonuses, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package.

·         Innovative Culture: Work with a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing aviation technology and operational excellence.

Growth Opportunities: Access to professional development and career advancement in a dynamic industry.

Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package.

Collaborative Culture: Work with a passionate team dedicated to innovation and quality in aviation.

Application Process

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.