Director - Aircraft Engineering - Gogo - Itasca

Job description
Director, Aircraft Engineering
The Director, Aircraft Engineering is responsible for managing and developing the Certification engineering organization, which is responsible for gaining STC’s in order to install Gogo’s equipment on commercial Aircraft

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, professional development, mentoring, performance management, technical direction and support to the Aircraft engineering department.
Support and manage the development of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) packages
Demonstrate proactive engineering judgment in anticipation and solving procedural issues that may impact the schedule of STC issuance.
Maintain current knowledge in the field in order to recommend process changes or innovations that will improve the quality, economy and effectiveness of the Aircraft engineering department.

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Gogo Aircraft engineering department, ensuring adherence to high levels of industry standards, customer service, and on-time and cost performance.
Responsible for all operational certification decisions. Engaging others as needed for issues that fall outside established policies. Referring to the VP Operations on any ideas that would change the nature of current operating procedures or require additional capital to achieve the change.
Provide timely and accurate reporting of operating results and other special projects and initiatives under his or her direction.
As a senior member of the Operations team, contribute to the overall strategic direction and business plan of Gogo by participating in the ongoing planning process which produces a clear and compelling Operations vision, and mid and long term business objectives.
Manage ongoing operating performance for the Aircraft engineering department against the plans and budgets above, on a quarterly, monthly and weekly basis.
Manage and continuously improve operational performance on key dimensions such as project completion, engineering specifications, certification performance and employee satisfaction and morale.
Establish standards for the Aircraft Engineering department and inspire the team to engage and adopt the Gogo brand promise, identity and culture.
Ensure that Gogo meets all airline, government and corporate regulations and policies on an ongoing basis. Address potential deviations immediately.
Recruit, hire, train and develop employees to meet the objectives for the Aircraft Engineering department. Balance the quality and quantity of available resources to meet growth demands and achieve overall business goals.
Manage relationships with senior representatives of various key constituents including airlines, employees, suppliers and regulators, Alongside the VP Operations, serve as one of the key external ambassadors for the Gogo Operations group.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Operational

15+ years supporting FAA certification projects and/or related projects.
Demonstrable experience selecting, managing, developing and motivating technically diverse teams.
Able to manage talent and promote people accordingly as well as identifying and managing out poor performers.
Proven people management skills with the ability to win instant respect and rapport at all levels of the organization. Able to set goals and provide solutions that all employees can relate to. Ability to work closely with all staff and colleagues to attain strategic goals.
An excellent communicator (verbal and written) internally and externally, able to represent a company to the highest standards and report effectively to the CEO and senior management team on Certification strategy, operations performance and outlook.
Past experience transforming teams and deliverables from variable performance to predictable performance with no surprises.
Knows how to transform teams from a reactive to pro-active mindset.
Can build a unified team (full time and contractors and multi-site) that are focused on the customer and the Gogo business goals.
A leader with the vision and teamsmanship to stay ahead of demands as the company goes through a high growth phase, globally.
Experience working with teams of senior management, design teams, and various internal/external customers as well as experience in various engineering/operations activities including avionics and wireless communications.
Will have the capacity to assume more significant responsibilities over time.

Technical/Business Experience

Existing strong and trusted relationships with airline customers and partners highly desired.
Extensive experience with FAA and international equivalents. Including experience in developing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Packages and working with the FAA regulators and a background with Federal Regulations (14 CFR parts 21, 23, 25), parts (91, 121,135 a plus).
Knowledge of wireless and SATCOM airborne equipment and their use onboard commercial aircraft.
Understanding of US and emerging Americas, Asian and European airline markets strongly desired.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.
Great references. We are looking for an executive that is highly valued by others and has the ability to provide personal and professional references substantiating historical performance and achievement.

Gogo is an equal opportunity employer and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, medical condition or disability.

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