Senior Director of Airship Operations (Sunnyvale)

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Base pay range

$210,000.00/yr - $240,000.00/yr

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The Senior Director of Airship Operations is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the operational success of airship programs. Reporting directly to the VP of Airship Operations, this position directly manages the Director of Maintenance (California) and the Director of Ground Operations (California), fostering strong relationships with airport authorities and collaborating across the department. The Senior Director will drive operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and align team efforts with departmental objectives, such as achieving operational readiness and supporting airship certification. We are seeking an experienced aviation leader with a passion for innovation and a proven ability to manage diverse teams in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership and Management:
• 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.

Operational Oversight:

• 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.

Airport Relations:

• 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.

Strategic Planning and Collaboration:

• 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.

Documentation for Airship Operations:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Capability to work in outdoor environments around airship operations.

What We Offer!

• 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
• Relocation assistance
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• 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

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid paternity leave

Disability insurance

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