Helicopter Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

For over 65 years, Columbia Helicopters has been a trusted provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. We create new aircraft, fly heavy-lift helicopters around the world, and provide maintenance support to ensure you are mission-ready for critical operations. If you are passionate about aviation, join our Columbia Family!
The Fleet Manager is responsible for the overall lifecycle management, operational readiness, configuration control, utilization strategy, and long-term competitiveness of Columbia Helicopters' aircraft fleet. This position leads the coordination of fleet planning, aircraft availability, operational assignment, maintenance integration, and prevent any AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation to ensure CHI maintains safe, compliant, mission-ready aircraft to support customer and operational commitments worldwide.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead fleet lifecycle planning, including aircraft utilization, readiness, sustainment, modernization, and retirement/replacement strategies.
• Monitor fleet performance, reliability, maintenance status, and utilization to maximize aircraft availability and operational effectiveness.
• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, MRO, Supply Chain, and Air Operations to coordinate maintenance schedules, aircraft assignments, modifications, and return-to-service activities.
• Develop fleet readiness and sustainment plans that support domestic and international operations.
• Evaluate fleet capabilities and recommend upgrades, modifications, acquisitions, or replacements to meet evolving business and customer requirements.
• Support operational forecasting, aircraft allocation, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Analyze fleet data and provide recommendations to optimize asset deployment, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.
• Assist with fleet-related budgeting, cost control, and financial planning initiatives.
• Develop performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve visibility into fleet health, utilization, and operational readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, efficiency, and process standardization.
• Provide fleet status updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support special projects, emergency response activities, and other operational initiatives as required.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business, Engineering, Maintenance Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive aviation operational, maintenance, fleet management, or aircraft lifecycle management experience.
• Must have a working familiarity with helicopter structures, mechanical systems or electrical systems.
• Rotorcraft experience on 107/234CH47D preferred; military experience qualifies
• Possesses documented training in program management processes, and knowledge and experience working within quality management systems.
• Airframe and Power Plant license preferred.
• Prior experience managing operational aircraft fleets in a Part 135, military, OEM, MRO, or heavy-lift aviation environment preferred.
• Experience supporting AOG response coordination and operational support centers required.
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional aviation teams required
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance operations, fleet planning, operational readiness, and aviation logistics.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities with the ability to influence across departments.
• Experience with ERP/MRO systems, maintenance tracking systems, and operational reporting tools preferred.

WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE
At Columbia, we believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, challenged, and valued. We're more than a workplace, we're a team built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing meaningful work.
Competitive Pay & Strong Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellness, and work-life balance. Depending on your role, this may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans with company contributions, paid time off, and employee wellness resources.
Growth & Career Development
We invest in our people. From training and development opportunities to internal mobility and leadership support, Columbia encourages continuous learning and long-term career growth.
Purpose-Driven Culture
Your work matters here. Every role contributes to our broader mission, and we believe in empowering employees to make an impact, share ideas, and help shape the future of the company.
A Team That Has Your Back
We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where people are respected, encouraged, and supported. You'll work alongside talented teammates who care about doing great work, and doing it together.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)