Senior Director of Airship Operations

Senior Director of Airship Operations

Requirements

• Experience with lighter-than-air vehicles or airship-specific operations.
• 10+ years of experience in aviation operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a regulated, high-stakes environment.
• Strong knowledge of airship operations, including ground handling, flight operations, and maintenance.
• High familiarity with FAA regulations, airworthiness certification, and aviation safety standards.
• Strong background in an aviation maintenance related field or similar aircraft maintenance background.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience in team development, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Exceptional communication skills, including written reports and presentations for technical and executive audiences.
• Proven success managing relationships with regulatory bodies or airport authorities.
• Ability to coach and lead managers.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage the Director of Maintenance (California) and the Director of Ground Operations (California) teams, providing clear direction and support.
• Assist with the management of Flight Operations as directed by the V.P. of Airship Operations.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and development of team members to build a high-performing, cohesive unit for each team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, offering mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities to team leads and staff.
• Ensure team leads prioritize and assign tasks to team leads and technicians, ensuring efficient resource allocation and operational readiness.
• Serve as a stand-in for the Director of Ground Operations and Director of Maintenance during PTO events.
• Support Flight Operations and Flight Testing as directed by the V.P. of Airship Operations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Maintenance and Ground Operations teams to ensure productivity, safety, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement processes to improve operational performance and address inefficiencies in team workflows.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, safety standards, and airworthiness requirements across all operations.
• Collaborate with airport authorities to secure approvals for flight tests and operations, maintaining strong, productive relationships.
• Coordinate with V.P. of Airship Operations communications and notifications to airport and various airport facilities (tenants) of LTA activities to communicate LTA intentions. Develop and foster these relationships to be viewed as a, ‘good neighbor’ for airport relations.
• Negotiate operational needs with stakeholders (Airport, FTE, PMO, etc.) to facilitate seamless airship activities at airports and test sites.
• Provide strategic input to the VP of Airship Operations on team capabilities, resource needs, and long-term operational goals.
• Align team efforts with departmental and company objectives, such as preparing for first flight milestones and supporting certification processes.
• Identify and lead initiatives to enhance operational capabilities, including new equipment, skills, or procedures.
• Oversee and coordinate documentation efforts across Ground Operations and Maintenance.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Manager of Tech Pubs and Director of Flight Operations to ensure consistency and integration of documentation across the department.
• Contribute to the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of operational procedures.
• Ensure robust document control practices are in place for managed teams.
• Support regulatory compliance and internal quality standards through accurate documentation.
• Help ensure documentation supports safe and efficient airship operations.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.