Aircraft Modification Supervisor

Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial fire suppression systems. We have grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack and the largest Super Scooper fleet in the U.S. in less than eight years. Bridger is a leader in fighting wildfires, specializing in Air Attack, Fire Suppression, and Aerial Fire-Mapping technologies. Our focus is to provide the most effective and modern capabilities to fight fires from the air. Meeting the needs of the growing threat of economic and environmental damage caused by wildfires and supporting ground-based firefighters is our priority. 

The Aircraft Modification Supervisor is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and oversight of aircraft modification, retrofit, upgrade, and repair programs. This position provides direct supervision of modification personnel and serves as the primary interface between Maintenance, Engineering, Structures, Avionics, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure modification projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.

The Aircraft Modification Supervisor is responsible for managing aircraft configuration changes, ensuring work is accomplished in accordance with approved engineering data, and maintaining compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and quality standards.

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise aircraft modification, retrofit, repair, and upgrade projects.

• Develop and manage modification work packages within the approved work order and maintenance tracking systems.

• Ensure modification activities are accomplished in accordance with approved engineering drawings, STC data, technical publications, and customer requirements.

• Coordinate aircraft downtime requirements and resource allocation to support project schedules and delivery commitments.

• Monitor project progress and provide routine status updates to management and stakeholders.

• Ensure proper aircraft configuration control throughout all phases of modification activities.

• Review engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and modification instructions for accuracy and applicability.

• Coordinate with Engineering regarding design changes, deviations, and technical issues encountered during modification activities.

• Support development and implementation of modification processes and installation procedures.

• Assist in troubleshooting installation, integration, and certification issues.

• Supervise, assign, and direct daily activities of Structures, Avionics, and Maintenance personnel assigned to modification programs.

• Monitor workforce productivity and work quality.

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and performance feedback to assigned personnel.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure all maintenance and modification activities comply with applicable FAA regulations, approved data, company procedures, and customer requirements.

• Coordinate inspections with Quality Assurance personnel and ensure required inspections are completed.

• Support FAA inspections, customer audits, and regulatory oversight activities.

• Ensure maintenance records, modification documentation, and aircraft records are properly completed and maintained.

• Verify compliance with approved engineering data, STC requirements, and configuration management processes.

• Coordinate with Supply Chain to ensure timely availability of parts, materials, tooling, and support equipment.

• Ensure compliance with company tool control, calibration, and material handling programs.

• Identify resource constraints and recommend solutions to maintain project schedules.

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, safety, and cost control.

• Participate in lessons learned reviews and program improvement initiatives.

• Assist in the development of standard work instructions, procedures, and best practices for aircraft modification programs.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.

• Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.

• Minimum 5–7 years of aircraft maintenance, modification, heavy maintenance, or aircraft integration experience.

• Minimum 2–3 years of leadership or supervisory experience in an aviation maintenance environment.

• Strong knowledge of aircraft systems, structures, avionics, and aircraft modification practices.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, installation instructions, and technical publications.

• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, aircraft certification requirements, maintenance documentation, and quality systems.

• Strong organizational, planning, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and aircraft maintenance tracking systems.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience supporting Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) installations and aircraft certification programs.

• Experience with commercial, military, special mission, or business aircraft modification programs.

• Experience supporting FAA conformity inspections and certification activities.

• Experience managing aircraft integration projects involving structures, avionics, and mission systems.

• Previous experience supporting ground and flight test operations.

• Familiarity with project management principles and scheduling tools.

• Ability to work in aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and flight-line environments.

• Ability to climb ladders, work on elevated platforms, and access confined aircraft spaces.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, crawl, and walk for extended periods.

• Aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and flight-line operations.

• Exposure to noise, chemicals, fuels, lubricants, and varying environmental conditions.

• May require overtime, weekend work, shift work, and travel to support aircraft modification programs and customer requirements.

• On-time project completion

• Modification quality and rework rates

• Regulatory compliance

• Aircraft downtime performance

• Safety performance

• Customer satisfaction

• Workforce productivity and engagement