Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician Jobs
Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician jobs are open across commercial airlines, defense contractors, MRO providers, and corporate aviation, with specializations in avionics, airframe and powerplant systems, and inspection, from journey-level technician to senior lead and supervisor. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 430+ Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician jobs
Director of Maintenance (DOM) – General Aviation (A&P / IA)
Location: Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, TX (Central DFW / Mid-Cities Corridor)
Position Type: Full-Time | Direct-Hire | Leadership
Compensation: $100,000+ / year (Open-ended / commensurate with leadership experience, IA scope, and fleet qualifications)
Position Overview
Rio Staffing is partnering with an established, growth-oriented General Aviation maintenance operation in the Central Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex to recruit a hands-on, strategic Director of Maintenance (DOM) holding an active Inspection Authorization (IA) .
This is a pivotal leadership appointment for a seasoned aviation maintenance leader ready to oversee daily hangar operations, regulatory compliance, inspection sign-offs, and technician mentorship. You will partner directly with the CEO to drive operational efficiency, uphold the highest safety standards across a diverse piston General Aviation fleet, and shape the technical direction of the shop.
Why Join This Team
Uncapped Leadership Compensation: Starting at $100,000+ annually , with flexible top-end negotiation structured around your leadership track record, IA sign-off authority, and technical expertise.
Direct Executive Autonomy: Report directly to the CEO with real decision-making authority over shop workflows, quality control, tooling, and technician development—without corporate bureaucracy.
Established DFW Operation: Lead an experienced team of A&P mechanics within a stable, reputable General Aviation facility boasting steady year-round hangar demand.
Primary Responsibilities
Maintenance Operations & Shop Leadership: Direct daily hangar workflow, scheduling, work-order prioritization, and technician assignments across single- and multi-engine piston aircraft.
Inspection Authority & Compliance: Exercise Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges to conduct and sign off on annual inspections, major repairs, and major alterations (FAA Form 337) in strict adherence to 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 91/135 standards.
Quality Control & Airworthiness: Maintain comprehensive aircraft records, logbook accuracy, Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance, and Service Bulletin tracking.
Team Mentorship & Technical Guidance: Coach, mentor, and evaluate A&P technicians on complex diagnostics, troubleshooting, and shop safety/FOD prevention protocols.
Vendor & Customer Relations: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for aircraft owners, parts suppliers, and FAA representatives, ensuring transparent communication and on-time aircraft delivery.
Minimum Requirements
FAA Certifications: Active, unencumbered FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate AND active Inspection Authorization (IA) (Required).
Recency & GA Leadership Experience: Proven track record in General Aviation (piston) maintenance leadership (DOM, Chief Inspector, or Shop Lead), with active hands-on GA maintenance/inspection experience within the last 2 to 3 years .
Location & Commute: Must currently reside in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex within a 1-hour commute of the Central DFW / Mid-Cities area , OR have a concrete, self-funded plan to relocate to DFW within a defined timeframe. (Note: No relocation assistance or stipend is provided).
Work History Stability: Demonstrated career continuity and long-term leadership tenure. (Applicants with more than one role lasting less than 12 months must provide clear context to be considered).
Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) authorized to work unrestricted in the United States. (Visa sponsorship is not available for this role).
Clearances & References: Must pass a standard background check, DOT/FAA drug screen, and provide strong, verifiable executive/supervisory references.
Hiring & Interview Process
We keep the executive search process confidential, transparent, and streamlined:
Confidential leadership discovery & FAA/IA credential verification with Rio Staffing (followed by full facility disclosure).
Brief online prescreen and application paperwork.
On-site facility walk-through and technical leadership discussion.
Final executive alignment and compensation negotiation directly with the CEO, followed by standard background and drug screening.
How to Apply
This executive search is managed confidentially through Rio Staffing . Experienced Directors of Maintenance and Chief Inspectors who meet all requirements listed above are invited to submit their resume, A&P/IA details, and target compensation expectations for immediate, confidential consideration.
Director of Maintenance (DOM) – General Aviation (A&P / IA)
Location: Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, TX (Central DFW / Mid-Cities Corridor)
Position Type: Full-Time | Direct-Hire | Leadership
Compensation: $100,000+ / year (Open-ended / commensurate with leadership experience, IA scope, and fleet qualifications)
Position Overview
Rio Staffing is partnering with an established, growth-oriented General Aviation maintenance operation in the Central Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex to recruit a hands-on, strategic Director of Maintenance (DOM) holding an active Inspection Authorization (IA) .
This is a pivotal leadership appointment for a seasoned aviation maintenance leader ready to oversee daily hangar operations, regulatory compliance, inspection sign-offs, and technician mentorship. You will partner directly with the CEO to drive operational efficiency, uphold the highest safety standards across a diverse piston General Aviation fleet, and shape the technical direction of the shop.
Why Join This Team
Uncapped Leadership Compensation: Starting at $100,000+ annually , with flexible top-end negotiation structured around your leadership track record, IA sign-off authority, and technical expertise.
Direct Executive Autonomy: Report directly to the CEO with real decision-making authority over shop workflows, quality control, tooling, and technician development—without corporate bureaucracy.
Established DFW Operation: Lead an experienced team of A&P mechanics within a stable, reputable General Aviation facility boasting steady year-round hangar demand.
Primary Responsibilities
Maintenance Operations & Shop Leadership: Direct daily hangar workflow, scheduling, work-order prioritization, and technician assignments across single- and multi-engine piston aircraft.
Inspection Authority & Compliance: Exercise Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges to conduct and sign off on annual inspections, major repairs, and major alterations (FAA Form 337) in strict adherence to 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 91/135 standards.
Quality Control & Airworthiness: Maintain comprehensive aircraft records, logbook accuracy, Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance, and Service Bulletin tracking.
Team Mentorship & Technical Guidance: Coach, mentor, and evaluate A&P technicians on complex diagnostics, troubleshooting, and shop safety/FOD prevention protocols.
Vendor & Customer Relations: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for aircraft owners, parts suppliers, and FAA representatives, ensuring transparent communication and on-time aircraft delivery.
Minimum Requirements
FAA Certifications: Active, unencumbered FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate AND active Inspection Authorization (IA) (Required).
Recency & GA Leadership Experience: Proven track record in General Aviation (piston) maintenance leadership (DOM, Chief Inspector, or Shop Lead), with active hands-on GA maintenance/inspection experience within the last 2 to 3 years .
Location & Commute: Must currently reside in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex within a 1-hour commute of the Central DFW / Mid-Cities area , OR have a concrete, self-funded plan to relocate to DFW within a defined timeframe. (Note: No relocation assistance or stipend is provided).
Work History Stability: Demonstrated career continuity and long-term leadership tenure. (Applicants with more than one role lasting less than 12 months must provide clear context to be considered).
Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) authorized to work unrestricted in the United States. (Visa sponsorship is not available for this role).
Clearances & References: Must pass a standard background check, DOT/FAA drug screen, and provide strong, verifiable executive/supervisory references.
Hiring & Interview Process
We keep the executive search process confidential, transparent, and streamlined:
Confidential leadership discovery & FAA/IA credential verification with Rio Staffing (followed by full facility disclosure).
Brief online prescreen and application paperwork.
On-site facility walk-through and technical leadership discussion.
Final executive alignment and compensation negotiation directly with the CEO, followed by standard background and drug screening.
How to Apply
This executive search is managed confidentially through Rio Staffing . Experienced Directors of Maintenance and Chief Inspectors who meet all requirements listed above are invited to submit their resume, A&P/IA details, and target compensation expectations for immediate, confidential consideration.
Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsLead Aircraft Maintenance Technician Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Air Methods22
- WEST STAR AVIATION22
- L3Harris16
- Air Evac Lifeteam12
- Guardian Flight11
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Aerospace & Defense
- Airlines
- Education
- Manufacturing
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead aircraft maintenance technician jobs.
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required
- Minimum five years of aircraft maintenance experience with at least two in a lead or supervisory role
- Demonstrated experience maintaining specific commercial or military airframe types
- Proficiency reading and applying aircraft maintenance manuals, task cards, and illustrated parts catalogs
- Experience with maintenance tracking and reliability software systems
- Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance or airport access credentials
Tips for Your Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician Job Search
List every FAA certificate you hold
Your Airframe and Powerplant certificate is assumed, but inspectors, employers, and ATS systems also scan for Inspection Authorization, repairman certificates, and type-specific ratings. List each one with its full name and any associated aircraft types.
Quantify the teams and fleets you led
Lead roles are evaluated on scope, not just years. Specify how many technicians you supervised, the fleet size you maintained, and whether you managed shift handoffs, tooling compliance, or return-to-service sign-offs to show the depth of your leadership experience.
Target postings that name your airframe experience
Narrow your search by aircraft type rather than job title alone. A lead opening at a narrow-body carrier requires a different background than one at a regional turboprop operator, so filtering by airframe keeps you from wasting time on roles where you're not a strong fit.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead aircraft maintenance technician openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a practical skills demonstration
Many MRO shops and carriers include a bench evaluation or walk-through on a live aircraft before extending an offer. Refresh your familiarity with the specific maintenance manuals, task cards, and regulatory references tied to the fleet the employer operates before your interview.
Negotiate shift differentials and per diem separately
Total compensation for lead technician roles often includes overnight differentials, tool allowances, and per diem for travel assignments. Ask about each component individually during the offer stage rather than evaluating only the base rate, since these elements vary widely by employer.
Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead aircraft maintenance technicians?
The companies hiring the most lead aircraft maintenance technicians right now include Air Methods, WEST STAR AVIATION, and L3Harris, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. MRO providers and major carriers consistently account for the bulk of open lead roles nationwide.
How many lead aircraft maintenance technician jobs are remote?
About 10% of lead aircraft maintenance technician openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most maintenance work. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are technical documentation review, maintenance planning and scheduling, and quality assurance auditing, where some administrative tasks can be completed off-site.
How do you become a lead aircraft maintenance technician?
Start by earning your FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate through an accredited aviation maintenance technician school or equivalent military training. Build several years of line or hangar maintenance experience on a specific fleet type, then move into inspection or crew lead assignments to develop supervisory skills. Pursuing an Inspection Authorization and gaining familiarity with maintenance tracking systems strengthens your candidacy for lead postings.
Can you get hired as a lead aircraft maintenance technician with limited supervisory experience?
Candidates with deep airframe-specific expertise but limited formal supervisory experience can be competitive if they highlight informal leadership such as mentoring junior technicians, acting as shift lead during vacancies, or coordinating return-to-service sign-offs. Targeting smaller MRO shops or regional operators is a practical starting point, as those employers often promote from strong individual contributors rather than requiring prior lead titles.
What does the lead aircraft maintenance technician interview process look like?
Most employers begin with a phone or video screen focused on your certificate history, airframe experience, and availability. A technical interview follows, covering regulatory compliance, maintenance manual interpretation, and how you handle discrepancies or sign-off decisions. Many shops then conduct an in-person visit that may include a hangar walk-through, a practical scenario exercise, or a meeting with the maintenance director before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to lead aircraft maintenance technician jobs?
You can find and apply to lead aircraft maintenance technician jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your airframe experience, certificate level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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