Director, Aviation Maintenance

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Date: Nov 9, 2026

Location: West Chicago, IL, US, 60185

Company: McDonald's Corporation

Company Description: 

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world. 

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements. 

Department Overview

The Director, Aviation Maintenance, is responsible for the strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, operational performance, and financial management of the company's aviation maintenance function. This role ensures the continued airworthiness, safety, reliability, and availability of the corporate aircraft fleet while providing leadership for maintenance personnel, facilities, vendors, and maintenance programs.

 

The Director, Aviation Maintenance, partners with Executive Leadership, Flight Operations, Safety, and Administration to develop and execute maintenance strategies that support operational excellence, fleet readiness, regulatory compliance, risk management, and long-term business objectives.

Duties

Strategic Leadership

  • Lead all aviation maintenance activities in support of corporate flight operations.
  • Develop and execute long-term maintenance, fleet support, and lifecycle strategies.
  • Provide strategic guidance on fleet planning, aircraft acquisitions, facility investments, and capital projects.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

 

Maintenance Operations

  • Ensure fleet airworthiness, reliability, and operational readiness.
  • Direct scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities and maintenance planning.
  • Coordinate aircraft availability with Flight Operations to maximize dispatch reliability.
  • Provide leadership during AOG and other critical operational events.

 

Compliance and Safety

  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, international requirements, company policies, and industry standards.
  • Lead regulatory audits, inspections, quality assurance initiatives, and SMS programs.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and industry partners.

 

Financial, Vendor, and Facility Management

  • Develop and manage maintenance operating and capital budgets.
  • Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and maintenance expenditures.
  • Direct hangar operations, facility maintenance, environmental compliance, and support equipment programs.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.

 

Leadership and Talent Development

  • Lead staffing, succession planning, training, and employee development initiatives.
  • Establish performance expectations and support professional growth within the maintenance organization.
  • Build organizational capability to support current and future fleet requirements.

 

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Senior Director, Aviation

Direct Reports: Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Maintenance Coordinators, and other assigned personnel.

Travel Requirements: Occasional domestic and international travel in support of maintenance operations, inspections, aircraft acquisitions, and fleet-related activities.

Qualifications

Education

  • Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology or related field required.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline preferred.

 

Experience

  • Minimum 10 years of progressive aircraft maintenance experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in corporate, business, or commercial aviation maintenance.
  • Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance, maintenance program management, budgeting, and vendor management.

 

Certifications

  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate required.
  • FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) required.
  • Valid Driver's License required.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Extensive knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation maintenance best practices.
  • Strong leadership, strategic planning, financial, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to lead teams, manage resources, and drive operational excellence.
  • Excellent communication, decision-making, and stakeholder management abilities.

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $182,574.00 - $228,217.00 per year
 

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

 

The position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which
includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.

Additional Information: 

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance. 

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance. 

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan. 

McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment. 


Nearest Major Market: Chicago