Standard Job Description

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Field Sustainment is seeking an Aircraft Maintenance Associate Manager to lead and manage the Interim Contractor Support (ICS) maintenance team supporting F‑35 operations at Ghedi Air Base, Italy. This position provides direct leadership, establishes maintenance priorities, and serves as the primary interface with Italian Air Force squadron leadership regarding F‑35 maintenance requirements and production matters.

What You Will Be Doing:

The Aircraft Maintenance Associate Manager directs the ICS maintenance team in alignment with daily maintenance objectives, integrates closely with Italian Air Force leadership, and advises on maintenance priorities and operational impacts. The role oversees all ICS activities, including over‑the‑shoulder support, On‑the‑Job Training, and Lockheed Martin touch‑labor efforts in support of the customer’s maintenance organization.

Responsibilities include managing personnel actions such as recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluations, work assignments, salary decisions, and recognition or disciplinary measures. The manager also directs inspections, repairs, and modifications; determines repair feasibility through review of manufacturer maintenance manuals; and provides guidance to an hourly workforce in accordance with established policies and procedures.

This position oversees Quality Assurance (QA) reporting to ensure compliance with maintenance standards and conducts Root Cause Analysis for QA findings or aircraft incidents to establish effective corrective actions. The role requires ensuring full compliance with all contracted customer support obligations, supporting Temporary Duty Assignments (TDYs) including travel to hazardous locations when necessary, and working any assigned shift—weekends included—to meet customer requirements.

This accompanied expatriate assignment includes Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) privileges, such as eligibility for a SOFA‑sponsored driver’s license in Italy, access to U.S. military installations, commissary and exchange privileges, and access to U.S. military medical facilities in Italy. U.S. citizenship and an active Secret security clearance are required.

What’s In It For You:

From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here. https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/careers/why-lm/LM_Benefits.htmlhttps://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/careers/why-lm/LM_Benefits.html.

Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you. 

Basic Qualifications

The following Basic Qualifications are skills that a candidate must possess to be considered for this position:

• Fighter Aircraft Maintenance Experience (F-35, F-22, F-15, F-16, or F-18)
• Aviation Maintenance Leadership Experience
• Flight Line and Intermediate Maintenance Experience
• Experience in Modification and Test of Aircraft and Associated Systems
• Experience with Aircraft Ground Operations Procedures and Aviation Safety
• Secret Security Clearance
• Candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or
  • Associate degree in a related field and four years of recent specialized experience; or  
  • A major certification and six years of recent specialized experience; or
  • A high school diploma and eight years of recent specialized experience.

Desired Skills

The following Desired Skills are not required but are those skills that would set a candidate apart from the other candidates:

• F-35 or Fifth generation aircraft maintenance experience
• Thorough understanding of Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), Low Observable maintenance, Avionics fault isolation / troubleshooting and Weapon / Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) maintenance.
• Understanding of Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) 8210.1D Ground Operations requirements
• Experience working with foreign partners.
• Previously awarded an Air Force, Marine, or Navy 7 to 9 level Weapons skill level rating or possess equivalent civilian experience with associated credential such as a licensed FAA “Airframe and Power" plant or Inspector Airframe license.
• Experience with such programs as Hazardous Waste Management, Safety, Training, FOD, Security. Experience reading engineering drawings, blueprints and interpret/translate instructions to specific maintenance mechanics/technicians.
• Ability to develop work schedules and assign tasks.
• Familiarity with the F-35 maintenance and logistics, test and evaluation requirements, technical publications approach, supportable low observable support concept and an understanding level of knowledge of the F35 support equipment management.
• Advanced interpersonal and communications skills to be effective in a high tempo fighter aviation environment.
• Ability to communicate in Italian, including reading, writing and speaking, to support daily coordination wit host-nation partners and Italian Air Force stakeholders.