Standard Job Description

Flight Line Operations Supervisor- Palmdale, CA

The Flight Line Operations Supervisor provides hands‑on, independent leadership for all flight‑line activities that ensure the U‑2 “Dragon Lady” is mission‑ready.

Working the second shift with limited on‑site support, the supervisor must be self‑sufficient and decisive, coordinating mechanical and systems‑integration functions, conducting rigorous pre‑flight inspections, and overseeing flight‑test execution to maintain aircraft readiness and support sortie operations.

What You’ll Be Doing
Supervise Flight‑Line Work – Direct teams performing mechanical and systems‑integration tasks, ensuring compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and mission timelines.
Launch & Recovery Operations – Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft launch and recovery procedures for sortie missions, confirming that all ground‑support equipment and personnel are ready and verified.
Flight & Pre‑Flight Oversight – Perform comprehensive pre‑flight inspections, execute checklists, and maintain configuration control to certify the aircraft for each mission.
Cross‑Discipline Coordination – Work closely with engineering, mission planning, quality, and logistics groups to resolve discrepancies and eliminate roadblocks that could affect sortie readiness.
Performance Metrics & Continuous Improvement – Track safety, quality, schedule, and cost metrics; lead corrective‑action initiatives and apply lean‑manufacturing principles to continually improve flight‑line efficiency.


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.
• 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.

Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice 

Second shift typically from 1pm-1am

Requires onsite Monday- Thursday

Basic Qualifications

Flight‑Line Expertise – Proven experience in aircraft launch, recovery, and sortie support acquired at senior enlisted levels

Hands‑On Technical Background – Practical experience with Tech data (T.O), 781‑form documentation, mechanical systems, fuel systems, airframe/structural work, and systems‑integration on high‑performance aircraft.

Regulatory Knowledge – Familiarity with AFI 00‑20‑1 and DCMA‑8210 aircraft‑operations requirements (or comparable military/industry standards).

Security Clearance – Active Secret clearance (investigation or continuous evaluation completed within the past 5 years) and eligibility for Special Program Access

Flightline Leadership Experience

Desired Skills

Familiarity with active flight‑line and ground‑operations procedures.

Proven ability to ensure mission readiness and solve complex operational problems.

Hands‑on experience with EVMS (Earned Value Management System) data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Exposure to lean‑manufacturing principles and RCCA (Root‑Cause Corrective Action) methodologies.

Technical degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Strong manufacturing/start‑up leadership background, with a track record of building and sustaining high‑performing teams

• Experience (e.g., CDI/CDQAR, level 7 through 9, or equivalent senior‑rank positions in other armed services).d of building high performing teams.