Flight Line Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Line Operations Supervisor- Palmdale, CA
The 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.
What You'll Be Doing
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.
What's In It For You:
• From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
• Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
Second shift typically from 1pm-1am
Requires onsite Monday- Thursday
Basic Qualifications
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
Flightline Leadership Experience
Desired skills
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).d of building high performing teams.
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
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At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), 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. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: 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.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $89,300 - $154,905. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: 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.
This position is incentive plan eligible.