Operations Manager

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm, headquartered in Maryland. Incorporated in 1999, we support mission critical Information Technology (IT) business needs for clients within the intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DOD), Veteran Administration (VA) and for select commercial clients. ACET, Inc.’s technical, programmatic, and analytical professionals are experts in commercial technology, customized solutions, and proprietary government systems.

Job Summary:

ACET is seeking a highly experienced Site Manager to lead day-to-day operations supporting the H-53 Flight Test Program at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21) aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

This position serves as ACET's senior on-site leader and primary interface with Government leadership, responsible for directing maintenance, modification, quality assurance, maintenance control, logistics, and program execution in support of developmental flight test operations. The Site Manager ensures all work is executed in accordance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP), DCMA Instruction 8210-1D, applicable NAVAIR instructions, contractual requirements, Ground Operating Procedures, and ACET operational standards while maintaining the highest levels of aircraft safety, quality, and mission readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Site Leadership & Operations

• Serve as ACET's senior on-site representative supporting HX-21 H-53 operations.
• Direct daily aircraft maintenance, modification, inspection, and flight test support activities.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all contract requirements.
• Establish operational priorities and allocate personnel and resources to meet customer objectives.
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Customer Relations

• Act as the primary liaison between ACET and Government leadership, including HX-21, PMA Program Offices, Fleet Support Teams, and NAVAIR representatives.
• Attend daily production meetings, maintenance meetings, planning conferences, and customer reviews.
• Provide routine operational updates, status reports, and executive briefings.
• Build strong working relationships that support mission success and customer satisfaction.

Maintenance Leadership

• Lead maintenance activities in strict accordance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP).
• Ensure maintenance documentation, inspections, and maintenance actions are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Oversee Maintenance Control, Quality Assurance, Production Control, and aircraft configuration management.
• Monitor aircraft status, work package completion, and production milestones.

Program Execution

• Ensure contract performance meets cost, schedule, quality, and technical requirements.
• Coordinate with Program Management to manage staffing, workload forecasting, and resource planning.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Personnel Leadership

• Supervise site supervisors, maintenance personnel, quality assurance staff, maintenance control, and support personnel.
• Mentor employees and develop future leaders.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and employee development.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence.

Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with all NAVAIR, OSHA, Navy, and ACET safety requirements.
• Support internal and external quality audits.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with Quality Management System requirements and customer standards.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance
• Minimum of 15 years of Naval Aviation maintenance experience.
• Minimum of 8 years leading Naval Aviation maintenance organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP).
• Demonstrated leadership experience as a Maintenance Officer, Maintenance Chief, Production Control Chief, QA Chief, or equivalent Senior Maintenance Leadership position.
• Experience supporting H-53 aircraft maintenance, modification, depot maintenance, or flight test operations.
• Strong understanding of NAVAIR maintenance policies, technical directives, maintenance documentation, and quality assurance processes.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a high-tempo operational environment.
• Strong customer relationship management and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Retired U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps E-8, E-9, or Warrant Officer with H-53 maintenance leadership experience.
• Previous experience supporting HX-21, PMA-261, CH-53K FMF Squadrons, or H-53 developmental flight test programs.
• H-53E and/or CH-53K platform expertise.
• Previous Contractor Site Manager or Program Manager experience.
• Experience with Government performance-based service contracts.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven operational leadership.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills.
• Strong decision-making under pressure.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong conflict resolution and communication skills.
• Integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required.
• Ability to work in aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and flight line environments that will be subjected to high noise areas, oils, fuel, adhesives, sealants and hydraulic fluids.
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, bending, and kneeling.
• Ability to work around aircraft, support equipment, and industrial environments.
• Must be able to meet all Government site access and fitness-for-duty requirements.

 What We Offer:

• At ACET, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive Total Rewards program that recognizes and supports the diverse needs of our workforce. Our offerings are designed to attract, motivate, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and well-being.
• Employee benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Program
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid Time Off 
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program

Please note that all compensation, benefits, and policies are subject to change at the company's discretion. While we make every effort to provide advance notice of changes, adjustments may occur based on business needs, economic conditions, and industry standards.

*Contingent upon contract award*

**All candidates must be a U.S. Citizen to apply** 

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.

Drug Free Workplace: 

ACET is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.