Flight Operations Manager Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Job Summary
The Flight Deck Coordinator is a vital member of the aviation team, responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely coordination of all ground-based and flight-related activities on the flight line. This role requires exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic and high-stakes environment. The Flight Deck Coordinator has direct superior authority over daily operations and serves as the central point of communication between maintenance, flight crews, and ground personnel to ensure seamless operations.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Maintenance Coordination
Provide direct oversight and synchronize with maintenance personnel to ensure aircraft are flight-ready, addressing any open discrepancies or scheduled maintenance actions.
Assist in managing, directing, and coordinating maintenance priorities to support the squadron's operational goals and flight schedules.
Collaborate directly with Quality Assurance (QA), Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Program Managers, and Safety personnel to ensure all maintenance and pre-flight activities adhere to strict operational safety and compliance standards.
Operational Efficiency & Safety
Coordinate and supervises activities with QA personnel to certify that all work areas and aircraft are FOD-free before any flight, testing, or maintenance operations.
Actively monitor all flight line and hangar activities to ensure adherence to safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ground support equipment.
Play an active role in emergency response procedures, including aircraft emergencies, fuel spills, and medical incidents on the flight line.
Communication & Reporting
Serve as the primary communication point of contact and supervises activities between maintenance control, shop leadership, flight crews, and ground personnel regarding aircraft status, maintenance progress, and priority changes.
Maintain detailed logs and records of all flight line and hangar activities, including aircraft movements, maintenance actions, and safety incidents.
Attend pre-shift briefings with all relevant personnel to ensure clear communication of the day's operational plan and any potential hazards.
Additional Responsibilities
Direct and coordinate the safe movement of all aircraft, vehicles, and personnel.
Oversee passenger and cargo loading/unloading procedures.
Monitor and ensure the safety of all fueling operations.
Address and report any safety, process, or procedure failures to the appropriate leadership.
Provide direction over a group of two or more individuals daily
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements 

• Minimum of 15 years flight line experience or in a maintenance control environment.  Of the 15 years, a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience

• Advanced knowledge and skill working with OOMA/FAME

• Ability to obtain and maintain a government flight line driver’s license

• Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical data, manuals, and regulations

• Possess a valid US State driver's license

• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• Maintenance Control Class C-555-0053, C-555-0040 and C-555-0054 or subsequent courses

• Quality Assurance experience

• In-depth advanced knowledge of FAA regulations and naval aviation procedures

• Experience with flight scheduling software

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially under pressure

Physical Requirements / Working Environment
Work is performed in an aircraft maintenance hangar and outdoors on the flight line.
Must be able to respond to a wide variety of operational circumstances, including extreme weather conditions.
Exposure to extreme noise from turbine and jet engine aircraft, fumes, airborne particles, and potential electrical shock hazards.
Work near moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and aircraft is constant.
Requires the ability to walk and stand on level and/or inclined surfaces for extended periods.
Must be able to climb stairs, ramps, ladders, and work stands.
Requires the ability to crouch, crawl, grasp, handle objects, use finger dexterity, and reach in all
directions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Requires clear vision to see aircraft in flight, read dials/gauges, identify small objects, and detect imperfections.
Must be able to communicate effectively by voice and detect sounds by ear.
Must be able to distinguish colors and judge three-dimensional depth.
May be required to operate power vehicles, machinery, hand tools, and ground support equipment.

Salary Range - $110,000 to $125,000

• Benefits include the following:
• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
• Wellness programs
• Paid time off, including holidays
• Learning and Development resources
• Employee assistance resources
• Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time and may be modified at the discretion of the company, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.