Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
AI
AeroVironment, Inc.
Sr. Manager, Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations
Career Insights for Operations Manager (General)
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
An Operations Manager manages operations for a specific area within a company or organization. Supervises staff, oversees quality control, process improvement, and budget management for daily work activities. Has significant authority within their area of responsibility such as hiring, training, and managing staff.
$123,566 / year median in California
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Sr. Manager of the Depot Repair & Sustaining Operations will build, lead, and scale our enterprise-wide MRO function for Class III unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role is responsible for establishing and managing depot-level maintenance operations, sustaining engineering interfaces, and global support capabilities for our defense customers, including U.S. and international military end-users. This position requires deep experience in aerospace/defense maintenance operations, strong leadership skills, and the ability to operate in a regulated environment with ITAR, export controls, and other defense-compliance requirements. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring logistics operations such as warehousing, inventory, transportation, and supply chain processes. Position Responsibilities MRO Strategy & Organization Develop and own the long-term MRO strategy for our Class III UAV product lines, aligned with company growth and customer sustainment needs. Establish the depot-level maintenance organization, including structure, staffing, workflows, and supporting systems. Define and implement service offerings (e.g., depot repair, overhaul, upgrades, retrofit programs, modification kits, and field return processes). Create and maintain MRO policies, standards, and procedures that ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with military and regulatory requirements. Operational Leadership Lead day-to-day operations of domestic MRO depot(s), ensuring on-time delivery, cost control, and high quality of repairs and overhauls. Build and oversee international MRO capability (company-operated and/or partner depots), including governance, performance management, and standard work. Implement and manage KPIs for MRO performance (TAT, MTTR, readiness rates, cost per repair, quality metrics, etc.). Drive continuous improvement in throughput, quality, and cost using lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Technical & Regulatory Compliance Ensure all maintenance and overhaul activities comply with applicable military standards, aviation regulations, company quality standards, and customer requirements. Partner with Engineering and Quality to maintain configuration control, manage obsolescence, and implement engineering changes into the MRO environment. Oversee documentation and records management for all maintenance actions, including traceability, inspection records, and configuration data. Maintain strict adherence to ITAR, EAR, and other export-control requirements in all domestic and international MRO operations. Customer & Program Support Serve as the primary senior MRO leader supporting Program Management, Contracts, and Business Development for sustainment-related bids, proposals, and program execution. Support lifecycle cost modeling, spares planning, and readiness support strategies for new and existing programs. Build strong relationships with key customer stakeholders in logistics, sustainment, and fleet operations. People Leadership Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing depot managers, supervisors, planners, and technicians. Create training and certification pathways for maintenance personnel, including technical and regulatory training. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within all MRO teams. Prepare the organization for growth, ensuring scalable processes and succession planning as domestic and international operations expand. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Operations Management, Logistics or Supply Chain is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum of 10+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience; At least 3+ years in a supervisory role Experienced using MRP/ERP systems and firm grasp of supply chain, inventory, distribution, business, and management principles Minimal travel, up to 10%