Director of Maintenance

WHEELING, IL 60090

• Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00 Salary/year

About Priester Aviation

Priester Aviation is a premier aviation services company providing comprehensive aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and flight operations solutions. With decades of experience supporting owner-managed and client-focused flight departments, we are known for our commitment to safety, professionalism, and white-glove service.

Our team operates in a dynamic Part 135 and Part 91 environment, supporting diverse aircraft types and mission profiles across the U.S. and internationally. At Priester Aviation, we value integrity, collaboration, and accountability and we take pride in building long-term careers within aviation.

Position Summary

Priester Aviation is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Director of Maintenance to lead our Maintenance organization through its next phase of growth. With a fleet of 70+ aircraft and ambitious plans to more than double that number over the coming years, this is an opportunity to shape a department, build a high-performing team, and establish the processes and technology needed to support a significantly larger operation.

This is much more than a regulatory compliance role. We are looking for an experienced aviation leader who leads from the front, invests in their people, and knows how to turn strategy into action. The ideal candidate brings experience leading large-scale maintenance operations, a track record of implementing proven processes and technology, and the drive to continually improve how a department operates.

A key focus will be designing and implementing scalable, compliance-driven processes and advancing a technology-forward Maintenance organization that delivers measurable cost savings, operational efficiencies, and improved aircraft reliability. We want a leader who challenges the status quo, embraces innovation, and builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

If you love developing great teams, building better processes, and winning together, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact at Priester Aviation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Department Leadership & Development: Lead with intention, engage and develop team members, establish clear expectations, and build a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
• Process Design & Scalability: Design, implement, and standardize compliance-driven processes that improve consistency, efficiency, and performance as the fleet grows.
• Technology & Continuous Improvement: Implement and optimize maintenance systems, technology, and workflows to reduce manual effort, improve data visibility, and drive measurable cost and operational efficiencies.
• Airworthiness & Compliance: Oversee fleet airworthiness and ensure maintenance complies with applicable FAA regulations, the General Maintenance Manual (GMM), RVSM Manual, and manufacturer-recommended inspection programs.
• Maintenance Oversight: Manage maintenance tracking systems, including CAMP and CMP, ensure scheduled maintenance is completed on time, and audit maintenance records for regulatory and company compliance.
• Vendor Management: Conduct maintenance provider audits, maintain the approved vendor list, and ensure vendors meet applicable safety and anti-drug/alcohol program requirements.
• MEL & Deferral Management: Oversee applicable Minimum Equipment List (MEL), Configuration Deviation List (CDL), and Non-Essential Furnishings (NEF) items and ensure deferred discrepancies are resolved promptly.
• Cost Management: Review and approve maintenance invoices, validate costs against estimates, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance without compromising safety or quality.
• Documentation & Reporting: Ensure required documentation is complete before aircraft release and oversee Mechanical Reliability Reports (MRRs), Mechanical Interruption Summary (MIS) reports, and Special Flight Permits.
• Safety, Quality & Reliability: Champion the company's Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Management System (QMS). Lead Continuous Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) meetings, evaluate reliability trends, and drive corrective actions.
• Regulatory Liaison: Serve as the primary maintenance liaison with the FAA and other applicable regulatory bodies, supporting audits and maintaining compliance with aircraft maintenance requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Maintenance organization and company objectives.

Qualifications

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Experience

• 15+ years of aviation maintenance experience, including 5+ years in a management or supervisory role.
• Prior experience in Part 135 or Part 121 operations involving aircraft carrying 10 or more passengers.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, implementing scalable processes, and improving operational efficiency.
• Experience implementing maintenance technology, systems, or workflow improvements that deliver measurable business results.

Certifications & Regulatory Requirements

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required.
• Must meet the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 119.71.
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Management, or a related field preferred; 7–10 years of equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), maintenance programs, and aviation safety standards.
• Proficiency in maintenance tracking systems such as CAMP, CMP, and AVTRAK; experience with CTA/FL3XX preferred.
• Strong leadership, team-building, coaching, communication, and change-management skills.
• Proven ability to design processes, lead technology implementation, analyze performance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What Success Looks Like

Success means building an engaged, high-performing team and a Maintenance organization equipped to support a fleet of 140+ aircraft. The Director will establish scalable processes, leverage technology to improve efficiency, strengthen aircraft reliability and cost management, and maintain the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance, all while creating a culture where people take ownership, work collaboratively, and continually raise the bar.

Position Requirements: This is an onsite, exempt leadership position based at Priester Aviation's headquarters in Wheeling, Illinois, requiring flexibility to meet the demands of the business.

Compensation & Benefits

Priester Aviation offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our team members, including:

Relocation Assistance: Available

Health & Wellness

• Medical coverage (PPO and High Deductible plans) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans

Financial & Retirement

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Annual company-funded profit-sharing contribution
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA options

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Paid company holidays
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), subject to scheduling guidelines
• Sick leave in accordance with company policy

Additional Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement program
• Company-paid legal services and identity theft protection
• Company-paid pet insurance for dogs or cats
• Employee assistance and support resources

Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on role, employment type, and client program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Priester Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to take your career to the next level and meet the qualifications for this role, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume detailing your experience and why you are an excellent fit for this position.