Director of Aircraft Maintenance

Mountain View, California
Airship Operations – Maintenance /
Full-time /
On-site
The Director of Maintenance is a full time position. This person is appointed by LTA Research and Exploration to control and manage aircraft maintenance activities.  Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Responsibilities:

    • Setup and Maintain FAA approvals for Maintenance and Operations
    • Compliance with the applicable FARs - Produce and maintain all related Manuals
    • Support the Flight Test Program
    • Navigate transition from a R&D (Experimental) environment to a fully certified environment (Repair Station, Operator, Production)
    • Fleet Maintenance Management – Maintaining Airworthiness of Standard and Experimental fleet
    • Following and implementing all company policies and procedures
    • Support to the Manufacturing and Engineering Teams
    • Ultimately responsible for “Repair Station” and “Maintenance Program” Management -SOPs to be introduced ahead of implementation of FAA approvals

Skills/Qualifications:

    • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P), Inspection Authorization (IA)
    • Hybrid experience and broad knowledge within the following fields of Aviation Maintenance: Commercial, Private, Experimental, and/or Military experience.
    • Heavy emphasis on Commercial and Research & Development (R&D) aircraft operations and maintenance
    • Proven managerial skills at DOM or equivalent level
    • Must be able to pass a federal background check
    • Strong interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills

What We Offer:

    • Relocation assistance
    • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
    • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
    • Parental leave
    • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
    • 401(k) matching up to 6%
    • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
    • Monthly wellness stipend
    • Monthly cell phone stipend
    • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
    • Mental health benefit
    • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
    • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements:

    • Criminal background check clearance
    • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
$150,000 - $215,000 a year
The base salary range for this role is $150,000 to $215,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.


LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.