Aircraft Mechanic III - Technical Directive (TD) Manager in Virginia Beach, Virginia at Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Inc.
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Job Description
Company Overview
Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm. 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.
The Position:
ACET is seeking an Aircraft Mechanic III - Technical Directive (TD) F/A-18E/F Manager
This position is awaiting contract award.
The Aircraft Technical Directive (TD) Manager serves as the on-site configuration control authority, technical compliance coordinator, and maintenance data supervisor for the F/A-18E/F platforms supporting the VFC-12 "Fighting Omars" Navy Adversary squadron at NAS Oceana. This critical leadership role is responsible for the end-to-end management, tracking, dissemination, and data-logging of all Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Technical Directives, Airframe Change (AFC) updates, Avionics Change (AVC) orders, Power Plant Change (PPC) requirements, and safety-of-flight bulletins. Bridging the gap between defense contractor logistics, corporate quality assurance, and active-duty squadron maintenance control, the TD Manager ensures that 100% of assigned strike-fighter assets maintain absolute airworthiness, configuration accountability, and compliance with the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) and DCMAINST 8210.1 guidelines.Responsibilities:- Identify, review, log, and screen all incoming NAVAIR Technical Directives (TDs), including Interim Safety Rapid Action TDs (ISRATDs), Bulletins, and Formal Changes applicable to the F/A-18E/F airframes and embedded engine systems.
- Manage documentation accuracy across the Optimized Organizational Maintenance Activity (OOMA) and Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS). Review and sign off baseline configurations, verify conditional TDs, and clear deferred maintenance logs.
- Maintain absolute logistical traceability of aircraft serialization, component mods, structural modifications, and avionics suite upgrades. Perform physical verification audits on wing structural stations, weapon systems routing, and software baselines on the tarmac or in hangar bays.
- Coordinate seamlessly with defense supply chains and localized Naval Aviation Logistics Command channels to track, order, inventory, and allocate TD modification kits, unique tooling, and replacement components required to execute specific updates.
- Act as the primary interface between Contract Field Team (CFT) site mechanics, the Quality Assurance (QA) manager, Squadron Maintenance Control officers, and NAVAIR Fleet Support Team (FST) engineers to resolve engineering discrepancies or technical ambiguity.
- Compile, maintain, and present precise daily, weekly, and monthly technical compliance metrics, readiness impact forecasts, and airframe completion histories to both the contractor Program Manager and VFC-12 command leadership via AMSRR and DECKPLATE dashboards.
- Enforce strict compliance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP) Chapter 10 configuration management directives, active Tool Control Programs (TCP), and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Instruction 8210.1C operations safety protocols.
- High School Diploma or equivalent required. A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Management, Logistics, or Engineering Technology is a significant plus. Configuration Management (CM2) or PMP certifications are highly beneficial.
- Minimum of 6 to 8+ years of dedicated experience in military aviation maintenance administration, technical data analysis, or quality inspection, with a mandatory minimum of 3 years focused directly on Navy/Marine Corps F/A-18 E/F Aircraft or EA-18G Growler platforms.
- Must possess and maintain an active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance. Verification of clear background screening is a prerequisite for flight line and technical data server access.
- Expert-level operating knowledge of Navy aviation logbook tracking systems, primarily OOMA/NALCOMIS, DECKPLATE, JEDMICS, NALDA, and the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS).
- Exemplary proficiency in interpreting complex military technical manuals (NATOPs/NAVAIR directives), engineering drawings, structural modification prints, aircraft wiring diagrams, and formal logbook histories.
- Highly preferred background as a senior US Navy or USMC aviation maintenance administrator or supervisor (e.g., AZ - Aviation Maintenance Administration man rating, or E-6+ Maintenance Chief, or equivalent CWO/LDO Maintenance Officer experience).
- Must be comfortable working across dynamic, multi-shift operations in a high-noise jet environment at NAS Oceana. Requires regular mobility between controlled desk environments and raw industrial maintenance bays.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 35 pounds of technical kits or component binders. Capability to walk long distances across active flight lines, climb aircraft maintenance stands, and perform close-proximity visual inspections of cockpit cocking mechanisms or lower avionic bays.
- Tolerance for working in unconditioned, open hangar spaces subject to coastal Virginia seasonal weather conditions (extreme summer humidity, high winds, and winter cold).
- Strict compliance with all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards, including double hearing protection on active tarmacs, steel-toed footwear, and high-visibility crane apparel.
Why Join ACET
ACET continues to expand its aerospace and aviation sustainment operations supporting multiple Department of Defense aviation platforms worldwide. This position provides the opportunity to directly shape strategic sustainment growth initiatives while supporting operational readiness and mission success across the global aviation enterprise.
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.
**Must be US 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. 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.