Manager - Reliability & Maintainability Engineering

Job Summary

The Manager or Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) leads a high‑impact team responsible for driving aircraft reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness across the full product lifecycle—from concept and design through certification, entry‑into‑service, and in‑service support. This leader sets the vision and roadmap for R&M excellence, delivering measurable improvements in dispatch reliability and ensuring best‑in‑class performance for CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations.

In this role, the manager oversees reliability data analysis, root cause investigations, reliability testing, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve the highest levels of safety, reliability, and maintainability. They own the strategy and governance for MMEL/MEL development and maintenance, and partner closely with design engineering, supply chain, quality, and field support to enhance system performance and reduce maintenance burden. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in reliability engineering and aircraft maintenance and excels at leading cross-functional teams to deliver robust, operator‑focused solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) team.
• Define and execute the R&M strategy, roadmap, and standards across all programs.
• Own the Reliability Program Plan (RPP), including RAMS, FMEA/FMECA, MSG 3, RCM, ZSA, and LORA deliverables.
• Write maintainability and serviceability requirements for new programs, ensuring they are integrated into design reviews.
• Lead team to develop and implement aircraft reliability and maintainability programs to monitor, analyze, and predict aircraft performance.
• Lead reliability data analysis, trend identification, and pattern recognition to highlight areas of concern.
• Lead the creation of dashboards, automated reporting, and predictive analytics to preempt AOG events and improve fleet health.
• Develop and maintain R&M metrics, KPIs, and leading indicators to track performance and drive corrective actions.
• Provide R&M requirements and technical guidance for Cirrus IQ or similar data sourcing, analysis, and visualization platforms.
• Lead team in support of customer programs (e.g., Jetstream or piston aircraft support programs) with data, analysis, and guidance.
• Provide technical support and guidance for operator specific MEL development.
• Establish deferral management practices, risk assessments, and governance for MEL-related operational decisions.
• Ensure maintainability and serviceability considerations are embedded in early design phases.
• Participate in design reviews to verify R&M requirements, ease of maintenance, accessibility, and supportability goals.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, and quality teams to align reliability objectives with product architecture.
• Partner with Part 135 operators to tailor reliability and maintenance programs to operational needs.
• Optimize maintenance intervals, task cards, and inspection programs using MSG 3/RCM methodologies.
• Align reliability initiatives with SMS and operational safety controls.
• Lead team in collaboration with Technical Publications/Technical Media to ensure troubleshooting, AMM, and diagnostic documentation is clear and effective.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft reliability engineering, maintainability engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in leadership role
• Expertise with FMEA/FMECA, FRACAS, MSG-3, RCM, ZSA.
• Experience supporting CFR (FAR) Part 135 operations.
• Experience with data analysis, root cause analysis, reliability testing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead teams through change.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Strategic systems-level thinking.
• Data-driven problem-solving.
• Builds Effective Teams
• Communicates Effectively
• Plans and Aligns
• Man