Ian Metz
Abilene
Summary
Accomplished U.S. Air Force Senior Leader with 20 years of expertise in maintenance, repair, and operational support of reconnaissance, refueling, and bomber aircraft within demanding and fast-paced environments. Demonstrated success in leading, mentoring, and developing teams to maintain mission readiness and uphold the highest standards of operational performance. Seeking to leverage comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance management, and leadership in a progressive organization. Proficient in mechanical troubleshooting, system enhancements, and technical problem resolution, driven to improve efficiency and optimize full-spectrum line operations. Committed to fostering innovation, continuous growth, and making a meaningful contribution to a high-achieving, results-driven team.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Enlisted Leader
Air Force
09.2023 - Current
- Oversaw financial planning and resource allocation for complex maintenance operations, ensuring budgets aligned with organizational goals and mission requirements.
- Ensured maintenance teams consistently met mobility, readiness, and deployment standards to support dynamic operational demands.
- Supervised multidisciplinary staff responsible for aircraft maintenance planning, inspections, and repairs, driving operational efficiency and stringent safety compliance.
- Led a premier operational test organization of 51 professionals spanning 18 technical specialties; directed $2.5B in sustainment operations for $640M in advanced weapons systems and managed a $17.4M annual flight operations budget.
- Served as Chief Operations Officer for an elite testing division, overseeing all test operations and providing strategic guidance to senior leadership, multiple major command structures, and program offices to maintain platform relevance and advance next-generation strike capabilities.
- Acted as Senior Operations Executive and primary advisor on workforce development, training, professional advancement, and employee relations for a specialized testing organization with personnel across five technical disciplines.
- Provided strategic leadership as Chief Enlisted Advisor, leading workforce planning, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives; served as primary liaison coordinating multi-million-dollar maintenance operations supporting a $22M annual flight operations program.
- Directed comprehensive workforce development strategies, training programs, and career progression initiatives for multi-disciplinary technical teams across five specialized fields; facilitated inter-organizational partnerships to execute maintenance operations supporting high-profile flight testing programs.
- Functioned as Senior Human Resources Executive overseeing talent development, employee welfare, and training strategies; managed cross-functional collaborations supporting a $22M operational budget in a premier testing environment.
- Led organizational culture and workforce development initiatives across five technical specialties; coordinated strategic partnerships and maintenance operations supporting multimillion-dollar flight test programs at a premier national testing facility.
Lead Production Superintendent
Air Force
03.2022 - 08.2023
- Senior-level leader responsible for overseeing and directing organizational aircraft maintenance and production processes, ensuring operational targets, quality standards, and deadlines were consistently achieved.
- Ensured maintenance teams were properly equipped with appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment to perform duties efficiently and safely.
- Fostered effective communication and collaboration between senior leadership and maintenance teams to drive operational excellence and efficiency.
- Managed maintenance programs for fixed-wing aircraft, ensuring compliance with regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and company policies.
- Collaborated with supply chain, flight operations, and support teams to enhance maintenance procedures and resolve logistical and operational challenges.
- Interpreted and applied work order specifications, technical manuals, and job instructions to effectively plan, schedule, and execute maintenance tasks.
- Analyzed and interpreted complex aircraft schematics, blueprints, and technical data to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring accurate repairs and communicating timelines to leadership.
- Collaborated with cross-functional leadership and department heads to coordinate workflow, align resources, and optimize production and maintenance operations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by proactively addressing service issues and implementing corrective actions to resolve complaints and maintain service excellence.
- Directed daily maintenance operations, including workstation setup and team mobilization, ensuring adherence to quality standards, production schedules, and safety protocols.
- Managed maintenance documentation, reporting processes, and records for aircraft repairs, inspections, and parts tracking, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness.
- Oversaw maintenance planning, scheduling, and inspections to maximize aircraft availability, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.
Production Superintendent
Air Force
04.2020 - 03.2022
- Supervised and managed aircraft and munitions maintenance teams, ensuring all maintenance tasks were completed safely, on time, and to regulatory and organizational standards.
- Planned and scheduled maintenance activities, identified and troubleshot technical issues, and ensured proper use and accountability of tools, parts, and equipment.
- Trained, mentored, and led a workforce of 200 personnel in safe equipment operation and industry-standard aircraft maintenance practices, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Developed and adjusted production schedules to meet dynamic operational and mission requirements.
- Provided expert guidance on technical data interpretation, maintenance manuals, and regulatory publications to resolve complex maintenance issues.
- Monitored equipment and resource utilization to align supply and workforce capabilities with demand forecasts.
- Delegated maintenance tasks to team members and ensured accurate, timely completion to meet critical project deadlines and operational milestones.
- Conducted performance reviews and provided coaching to improve employee performance, efficiency, and overall team productivity.
- Maintained rigorous quality control standards, reducing downtime and maximizing operational readiness and resource efficiency.
- Issued work orders for repairs and scheduled preventative maintenance for aircraft, ground support equipment, and vehicles to ensure continued operational reliability.
- Championed a culture of safety, promoting awareness of regulatory compliance and best practices to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Planned and prioritized production and maintenance operations to align with organizational objectives and operational priorities.
- Led inspection teams to assess maintenance quality, operational readiness, and compliance with airworthiness directives and maintenance programs
Section Chief
Air Force
10.2018 - 04.2020
- Administered comprehensive performance review processes and employee recognition programs while managing technical certification requirements and executing cross-functional projects for 58 staff members
- Led 52-person technical team while developing master scheduling systems and directing maintenance operations for $6B+ in critical equipment and testing assets
- Developed comprehensive skills development programs including technical certifications, proficiency training, and competency evaluations; analyzed operational trends and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement
- Managed talent management initiatives including performance evaluations, awards programs, and skills certification oversight; coordinated multi-level organizational projects across 58-person technical team conducted performance evaluations, enforced standards, and implemented corrective actions to maintain high levels of personnel accountability and effectiveness.
- Monitored maintenance quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and safety procedures.
- Managed maintenance documentation and reporting systems to accurately track aircraft status, repairs, and inspection results.
- Briefed senior leadership on maintenance progress, aircraft readiness, and resource needs to support informed decision-making.
- Facilitated communication between maintenance teams and flight operations to ensure seamless mission execution.
Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman
Air Force
06.2006 - 10.2018
- Conducted comprehensive aircraft inspections, including pre-flight, post-flight inspections to ensure airworthiness and compliance with safety regulations.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex mechanical, hydraulic, structural, and engine-related issues using technical data, manuals, and schematics.
- Advised leadership and team members on aircraft maintenance procedures, servicing requirements, and inspection findings.
- Inspected, troubleshot, and maintained aircraft engines, airframes, hydraulic systems, and associated components to ensure operational readiness.
- Performed removal, installation, operational checks, adjustments, alignments, and rigging of aircraft systems and components.
- Led and supervised aircraft maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with technical standards and safety protocols.
- Oversaw and executed detailed inspections of aerospace ground support equipment and ensured all equipment met operational standards prior to use.
- Inspected for corrosion and performed preventative maintenance and corrective repairs on aircraft structures and systems.
- Maintained detailed and accurate aircraft records, maintenance logs, and historical documentation in both manual and digital systems.
- Coordinated and scheduled maintenance activities to align with operational flight requirements and minimize downtime.
- Analyzed maintenance trends and data to improve operational efficiency and reduce repeat maintenance issues.
- Supported emergency crash recovery operations and contributed to safety and recovery team efforts.
- Managed maintenance staff and resources to ensure productivity, safety, and quality standards were met consistently.
- Performed operational checks and troubleshooting on aircraft hydraulic systems, including landing gear, flight controls, and associated hydraulic power units, to ensure compliance with safety standards and airworthiness.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL06-2016
Skills
Aircraft/Equipment Troubleshooting
Interpret and analyze system schematics
Interpret and analyze technical diagrams
Budget Adherence
Hiring and Training
Decision Making
Work Order Analysis
Production Planning
Assigning Work
MS Office
Logistic Supply Requisition
Critical Thinking
Leadership, Staff Supervision
Work Planning and Prioritization
Coordinating Daily Operations
Performance Monitoring
Team Collaboration and Leadership
Shift Scheduling
Problem-Solving
Safety Procedures
Documentation and Reporting
Root Cause Analysis
Time Management
Verbal and Written Communication
Operations Management
Project Management
Timeline
Senior Enlisted Leader
Air Force
09.2023 - Current
Lead Production Superintendent
Air Force
03.2022 - 08.2023
Production Superintendent
Air Force
04.2020 - 03.2022
Section Chief
Air Force
10.2018 - 04.2020
Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman
Air Force
06.2006 - 10.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
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