Manager, Line Maintenance & Field Engineering - Aviation

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

The Manager Line Maintenance & Field Engineering is a key member of ViaSat’s Commercial Airline and Business Aviation Support team, which helps deliver and maintain ViaSat’s best-in-class “ViaSat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC)” services to our Commercial Airline and Business Aviation customers. The Manager Line Maintenance & Field Engineering plays a critical part in the service launch of new customers and maintaining the installed systems of the ViaSat onboard In-Flight Connectivity solution. This role ensures that all work is carried out in accordance with ViaSat procedures and airline manuals, following FAA and local regulations.

Viasat runs an unconventional line maintenance operation with a small, dedicated team across 6 stations and support from broader teams from Quality and Field Engineering organizations. We are looking for a flexible personality willing to think outside the box to both ensure regulatory compliance and manage a team of staff working shifting hours across the week. The ideal candidate will be able to find efficiencies and keep costs low while we grow in size with our customers fleet. They are also not afraid to get their hands dirty by learning “hands-on” in the field and help by filling in with aircraft dispatches as necessary.

• Manage and oversee certified technicians and supervisors performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on the IFEC systems across 6+ line maintenance stations and vendors.
• Manage and oversee Field Engineers working on commercial aviation and business aircraft who may not be qualified under the Part145 roster to support other customer activities.
• Participating with and leading the team to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair any discrepancies related to the aircraft in accordance with approved technical data.
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation and records of all maintenance and field engineering work performed on customer aircraft in accordance with airline partner and FAA regulations, leading a comprehensive review and/or check of aircraft paperwork and records are properly completed at each station on a continuous basis.
• Measuring the performance of each station to ensure assigned work is performed as agreed upon each day.
• Ability to take on multiple roles associated with a traditional line maintenance organization such as quality, inventory and tooling to help a small operation achieve efficiency.
• Managing Facilities, Vehicles, Documentation and tooling for existing line maintenance stations and future expansion.
• Monitoring the timecards and line maintenance schedule to assure that maximum productivity is achieved in the most cost effective manner.
• Be the accountable manager for our FAA Part 145 certificate maintaining a working relationship with our FAA Inspector/FSDO.
• Assist in analyzing system reliability and suggest a course of action based on those findings.
• Travel to customer maintenance locations on short notice to support presentations, repair and audit operations.
• Provide a timely response and resolution to any customer inquiry or escalation.
• Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following OSHA & FAA standards and procedures.
• Build and maintain operational KPIs and present status reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director of Aviation Support.

• 4 year College degree in Aviation or Electrical Engineering or IT or equivalent experience.
• At least 3-5 years of technical field engineering, line maintenance or customer support experience to include a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory/management role.
• The ability to work with and understand Part 121 and Part 145 aviation maintenance manuals, maintenance programs, reliability programs, and interpret FAA regulations.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s) and regulatory manuals.
• Proven experience in establishing and maintaining line maintenance stations.
• Previous experience as an FAA Accountable manager and ability to take on this role for our Part 145 Line Maintenance certificate.
• Hold a FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate.
• Ability to work and direct staff to work a flexible schedule in a 24x7 environment as needed to support round-the-clock operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical material to a variety of audiences.
• Strong Computer skills required including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% of the time.
• Hold a valid Passport for International Travel.
• Must be able to obtain AOA airport badges.

• Prior experience working with Linux/Unix.
• Prior experience working in a networking environment TCP/IP.
• Prior experience interfacing with Business Aviation and/or Airline customers.
• Prior experience with RF Satellite or Wireless Communication systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100d specifications for documentation and compliance.
• Located near the Carlsbad, CA or Tempe AZ offices to enable hybrid working but may consider highly qualified remote candidates located in the contiguous United States.

$127,200.00 - $229,200.00 / annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at Viasat’s benefits .

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here .