We are seeking a strategic Planning and Production Control leader with deep expertise in FAR Part 145 repair station operations to lead end-to-end planning and execution in a fast-growing MRO environment. This individual will oversee Production Control, driving accurate work scoping, labor planning, and technical data interpretation to translate complex aircraft requirements into executable, compliant maintenance plans.

The ideal candidate brings proven experience aligning Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure readiness of parts, tooling, and GSE, enabling efficient execution and achievement of TAT, cost, and quality targets. They excel in capacity planning, KPI management, and process optimization, while leveraging ERP/MRO systems (e.g., EmpowerMX) to enhance visibility, compliance, and performance.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can supervise teams, interface with customers, manage SOWs, and drive continuous improvement, ensuring scalable processes, operational efficiency, and adherence to safety, quality, and PMO standards in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advance Production Control and PMO processes to support operational growth, efficiency, and compliance within a FAR Part 145 Repair Station environment
• Incorporate EmpowerMX (or equivalent MRO/ERP system) as the centralized compliance and planning tool for:
  • Labor data collection, project planning, and budget control
  • Resource planning including manpower, tooling, and equipment
  • Document compliance, revision control, distribution tracking, and audit readiness
• Perform in-depth review and interpretation of aircraft technical data including AMM, SRM, IPC, CMM, ADs, SBs, EOs, and engineering drawings to define work scope requirements
• Develop and validate planned labor hours by task using technical data, historical performance, and standard hour methodologies to support ROMs, SOWs, and cost estimates
• Build and maintain detailed work packages and job cards, ensuring proper task sequencing, dependencies, and full regulatory compliance
• Pre-plan all assigned projects by establishing manpower requirements, project flow, and production schedules, ensuring alignment with budget and delivery commitments
• Monitor and reconcile planned vs. actual labor hours, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions to improve forecasting and operational performance
• Ensure all required task/work cards are properly staged, released, completed, and compliant with FAA regulations, Repair Station manuals, and customer requirements
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Materials to ensure all prerequisites (technical data, parts, tooling, and labor) are available prior to work execution
• Partner with Supply Chain and Materials Management to ensure timely availability of parts, consumables, and rotable components to maintain schedule adherence
• Collaborate with Tooling and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) teams to ensure required equipment availability, proper calibration, and readiness to support maintenance activities
• Establish and maintain manpower loading plans based on capacity, skill sets, and project priorities to optimize workflow and resource utilization
• Interface with Program/Project Management to adjust project flow, priorities, and schedules based on operational needs and changing requirements
• Champion for Technology - ensure team is fully utilizing ERP system and PM Software
• Host and manage customer meetings, providing status updates, production reports, and schedule adherence metrics
• Support proposal development, contract review, and statement of work (SOW) definition, ensuring accuracy in scope, cost, and schedule assumptions
• Manage multiple customer programs simultaneously, ensuring compliance with individual contractual, regulatory, and operational requirements
• Monitor performance metrics by customer to identify trends, drive efficiencies, and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Support QA/QC and regulatory audits by ensuring all planning documentation, work packages, and records meet FAA and customer requirements
• Assist in onboarding and training personnel on planning processes, MRO systems, and compliance standards
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning accuracy, process standardization, and operational efficiency
• Provide daily production updates, turnover reports, and communication to ensure alignment across all shifts and departments
• Backup other Planners and Projects as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Self-starting, goal-oriented individual who is able to work both independently and in a group

High energy and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive and dynamic environment

Advanced in Communication, coordination and collaboration skills

Ability to build rapport with both internal and external customers as well as Regulatory Agencies

Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills

A strong leader with the ability to drive processes and improvements while mentoring employee growth

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Acute attention to detail

Working knowledge of FAR and FAA 145 Repair Station Certificate requirements

Ability to maintain high-quality work and meet strict deadlines

Ability to adhere to LAUNCH's Mission and Values

Ability to work in a hangar environment which may not be climate controlled

MINIMUM EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

1. College Degree Preferred
2. A&P Certificate Preferred
3. 5+ years of relevant experience working in a similar role at a 145 Repair Station, MRO or in the Aerospace Industry
4. Experience with contract negotiations & administration, team building and budgeting strongly preferred
5. Proficient skills in aviation ERP system preferred - EmpowerMX
6. Experience with Project Management software preferred - ClickUp
7. Working experience with ISO9001/AS9100/AS9110
8. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office & familiarity with Sharepoint
9. LEAN/Continuous Improvement Experience

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

1. All clients/customers
2. Operations, centralized business support and shared services
3. Corporate Team
4. FAA & Other regulatory agencies