Flight Test Maintenance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage all flight test maintenance activities for our FTVs, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational readiness.
• Develop, document, and build standardized processes and procedures to support consistent flight test maintenance practices across programs.
• Coordinate closely with Flight Test Engineering, Flight Operations, and Quality Assurance to maintain aircraft configuration and test readiness.
• Oversee scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications, and instrumentation support for flight test programs.
• Plan and direct offsite flight test maintenance operations, including manpower, tooling, and logistics.
• Troubleshoot technical issues arising during development and certification testing; coordinate engineering support and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with CAR 573 AMO requirements, Transport Canada regulations, and internal company policies.
• Foster and maintain a proactive Safety Management System (SMS) culture through reporting, analysis, and risk mitigation.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop AMEs and support staff assigned to flight test operations.
• Act as the primary maintenance liaison to the Person Responsible for Maintenance (PRM) and key stakeholders.
• Responsible for maintenance within the 604 operation

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead daily coordination meetings with engineering, production, and flight test teams.
• Build and refine maintenance processes to improve efficiency, documentation accuracy, and communication flow.
• Support configuration control, flight readiness reviews, and airworthiness documentation.
• Participate in Transport Canada, internal QA, and customer audits and respond to findings.
• Drive continuous improvement in flight test maintenance practices, reliability, and turnaround time.
• Provide input into strategic planning, infrastructure development, and future flight test capability expansion.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Valid Transport Canada AME License (M2 preferred) or equivalent technical qualification.
• Minimum 15 years of aircraft maintenance experience, including 5 years in leadership roles within an AMO or flight test environment.
• Proven flight test experience (development, certification, or experimental aircraft) is essential.
• Strong knowledge of one or more of the following Dash 8 Classics / Q400, CL-215/415, Twin Otter, and Sherpa aircraft.
• Demonstrated experience in process development, documentation, and improvement within maintenance or test programs.
• In-depth understanding of Transport Canada CARs, airworthiness control, and SMS principles.
• Proficiency with MRO/ERP systems, planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work flexibly in dynamic test environments and travel for offsite support as required.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Confident, accountable leader with high technical and professional integrity.
• Process-oriented thinker who takes initiative to build and improve systems.
• Strong communication with proven team-building and mentoring skills.
• Analytical, detail-focused, and calm under pressure in complex test operations.
• Committed to safety, compliance, and delivering operational excellence.