Team

Position Summary

The Bond/Composite Shop Manager provides leadership and oversight for composite and adhesive bonding operations within an FAA Part 145 aircraft component repair station. This role manages supervisors, who directs technicians, and ensures compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards. The Manager is accountable for production performance, regulatory adherence, and continuous improvement, while collaborating with Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Customer Service to achieve turn-time, cost, and reliability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and mentor the supervisors, ensuring effective management of technicians and adherence to company standards.

· Lead and manage a production controller.

· Drive shop safety culture through the supervisor: OSHA compliance, PPE, hazard communication, chemical handling, ESD/FOD control, and housekeeping (5S).

· Ensure compliance with FAA Part 145, RSQM, AS9100/ISO 9001, and customer requirements; monitor supervisor’s adherence to procedures.

· Oversee production planning and resource allocation; approve schedules and priorities to meet TAT and OTD goals.

· Validate supervisor’s execution of composite processes: layups, bonding, vacuum bagging, oven/autoclave cures, hot-bond repairs, and finishing per approved data.

· Approve work instructions and process changes; ensure correct tooling, materials, and cure parameters are enforced.

· Maintain control of technical data and revisions; confirm use of current CMMs/OEM manuals and approved repair specs.

· Coordinate with Quality for audits, investigations, and CAPA; lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Develop the supervisor’s leadership skills.

· Monitor KPIs (TAT, OTD, yield, labor efficiency, scrap/rework) and hold the supervisors accountable for performance.

· Support quoting, customer communication, and capability development; provide technical input for new repairs.

· Manage the scheduling of components through the bond shop.

· Manage staffing plans, succession planning, and performance reviews for the supervisor; enforce company policies and ethical standards.

Minimum Qualifications

· 7+ years composite/bonded structures or component repair experience in aviation Part 145 Repair Station / MRO; 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role.

· Strong knowledge of FAA Part 145, RSQM/MOE, and CMM/OEM technical data usage.

· Familiarity with composite processes and adhesive bonding; ability to coach and support the supervisor on technical and compliance issues.

· Experience managing teams through a single point of leadership; proven organizational and leadership skills.

· Proficiency with ERP/MES systems, production planning, and KPI reporting.

· Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills; ability to influence and lead through others.

Preferred Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Aviation Maintenance, or related field preffered.

· FAA A&P certificate or Repairman certificate eligibility.

· Experience with AS9100/ISO 9001 QMS and FAA / EASA 145 requirements.

· Lean/Continuous Improvement (Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen).

· Familiarity with autoclave load mapping, cure cycle development, and process qualification.

Key Competencies

· Leadership Through One Direct Report

· Strategic Planning & Resource Management

· Regulatory Compliance & Quality Focus

· Continuous Improvement Mindset

Communication & Team Development