Mark Dawkins
Las Vegas
Summary
Dynamic Test Operations Manager and U.S. Air Force Veteran with over 28 years of progressive leadership experience overseeing complex operations, cross-functional teams, and multimillion-dollar assets in diverse global environments. Proven track record in driving mission-critical initiatives, implementing process improvements, and managing large-scale maintenance, logistics, and contract operations. Expertise in workforce development aligns organizational strategy with resource planning while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards. Recognized for building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results under pressure in both domestic and international settings. Currently holds an Active TS/SCI Clearance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Operations
United States Air Force
Las Vegas, NV
06.2023 - 07.2026
- Oversaw performance readiness and development of over 1,000 personnel across 32 specialties.
- Facilitated adoption of next-generation Department of Defense capabilities by spearheading personnel structure redesign and process optimization.
- Oversaw coordination of 8 joint training exercises and 4 international cooperative tests, ensuring improved mission readiness and strengthened global partnerships.
- Led 10 high-level briefings to present strategic initiatives and test priorities, impacting decision-making across multiple agencies.
- Performed rigorous quality maintenance across multiple airframes and subsystems, facilitating the integration of future weapon systems for enhanced combat effectiveness.
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
Operations Manager
United States Air Force
Indian Springs, NV
06.2021 - 05.2023
- Oversaw daily operations for 511 maintenance professionals; supported 56 aircraft valued at $1.2B and ensured operational readiness and aircrew safety.
- Deployed 38 aircraft and 145 personnel to the Indo-Pacific region; established operational capability 30 days ahead of schedule.
- Developed and implemented preventive maintenance schedules, reducing downtime significantly.
- Delivered Satellite Communication (SATCOM) training to 115 personnel, which expanded launch and recovery capacity by 71%.
- Reduced deployment in-processing time by 30%, which led to the first base-wide deployment processing initiative and resulted in an Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award.
- Mentored 441 personnel through leadership development courses, conflict management sessions, and strategic forums; bolstered unit cohesion and retention.
Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent
United States Air Force
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Directed the maintenance of 66K+ flight hours and 4K+ flight operations while supervising 448 personnel in the largest MQ-9 department; maintained a 95.7% quality assurance pass rate.
- Navigated a 48% staffing shortfall; maintained full operational capacity and safeguarding personnel well-being.
- Implemented infrastructure and logistics for the Air Force’s first MQ-9 department in the Pacific region; met $14M mission requirements.
- Resolved two high-level inspection findings through process overhauls and policy updates, achieving 100% compliance.
- Managed $62K in resource allocations to address 12 facility deficiencies and quality-of-life improvements, which enhanced team morale.
- Analyzed maintenance data to improve processes and reduce repeat discrepancies.
Senior Program Manager
United States Air Force
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Oversaw $579M in Unmanned Aircraft System Quality Assurance support contracts; led 49 Contracting Officer Representatives across 12 global locations.
- Facilitated the transition of 94 personnel and $256M in assets during site turnover operations at Kandahar Air Base, which enabled 2K+ flight operations.
- Led operational stand-up of a new overseas site in Sicily, Italy, supporting NATO and U.S. mission requirements.
- Secured $22K in 9110 aerospace industry training; increased team certification levels and operational effectiveness.
- Directed maintenance operations that delivered 824 flight operations and 1K+ flight hours, which reduced logistics footprint by $500K.
Lead Production Superintendent
United States Air Force
10.2015 - 07.2018
- Managed 1249 maintenance personnel supporting 35 aircraft worth $2.4B; ensured 3K+ flight operations and 6K flight hours annually.
- Developed and executed a $401M flying hour program; surpassed contractual obligations by 557 flight operations.
- Orchestrated repairs and logistics for five deployments and three major aircraft modifications; supported 754 flight operations and 1K+ flight hours.
- Spearheaded rapid repair of 332 discrepancies on 31 aircraft, which contributed to 4 consecutive Maintenance Unit of the Year awards.
- Reduced average maintenance delays by 22% through process improvements and collaboration with Boeing and Raytheon.
- Oversaw production operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management / Marketing
University of Phoenix
Associate of Science - Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Skills
- Software: Microsoft Office Suite 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Operating Systems: Mac / Microsoft Windows
- Operational efficiency
- Operations oversight
- Strategic planning
- Quality assurance
- Performance analysis
- Risk mitigation
- Operations management
Certification
- Certified Professional Management | United States Air Force
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) | Project Management Institute
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | United States Air Force
- Aerospace Quality Management Training | United States Air Force
- AS9110 Quality Maintenance Systems - Aerospace | SAE
Timeline
Director of Operations
United States Air Force
06.2023 - 07.2026
Operations Manager
United States Air Force
06.2021 - 05.2023
Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent
United States Air Force
08.2019 - 05.2021
Senior Program Manager
United States Air Force
08.2018 - 07.2019
Lead Production Superintendent
United States Air Force
10.2015 - 07.2018
Associate of Science - Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor of Science - Management / Marketing
University of Phoenix