Aircraft Equipment Specialist

About the role

Performs services as an expert technical guide for aircraft structural maintenance, sheet metal, and corrosion control strategies, translating complex engineering principles into executable strategies. Serves as primary technical translator between field maintenance teams and the program office engineering branch with knowledge of DoD/USAF policies, tech pub regulations, and aircraft maintenance language. Develops practical solutions for a range of complex structural problems based on knowledge of DoD/USAF Field, Intermediate, and Depot-level aircraft maintenance practices. Leads the development and verification of technical data (e.g. Technical Orders) by providing critical, experience-based feedback on the feasibility and usability of proposed repairs and procedures. Act as a key resource for the team by mentoring and driving process improvements that enhance the technical data change request process, drawing on a familiarity with Deficiency Reports, Sustainment, and Modernization principles.

Responsibilities

• Resolve technical issues and addressing aging aircraft sustainment requirements through regular coordination between technicians, engineering, and management.
• Serve as the engineer's technical guide on practical maintainability by analyzing submitted data, photos, and technician reports to offer critical feedback on the feasibility of proposed repairs.
• Serve as the technician's trusted technical advisor, translating complex engineering instructions into clear, actionable steps and ensuring repairs are performed correctly.
• Actively manage the library of tech pubs by reviewing, revising, and updating all documentation (including structural repair manuals) ensuring accuracy, clarity, and reflecting all current data (mods, changes, repairs, inspections and other aging aircraft sustainment requirements).
• Utilize standard office and collaboration software to facilitate meetings, prepare technical summaries, and communicate effectively with all stakeholders to drive projects forward and ensure milestones are met.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements: A Bachelor's Degree is preferred in Professional Aeronautics, Aviation/Maintenance Management, Engineering Management, or a related technical/management discipline. An Associate's degree requires 4+ years of additional relevant experience; a High School Diploma requires 8+ years.

Experience – Credibility Though Experience: requires 5+ years (10+ for Senior): Expert-level knowledge of aircraft structures, maintenance principles, and repair, knowing not just the 'what' but the 'why' behind a repair.

Experience – Technical Translation: requires 3+ years (7+ for Senior): High proficiency in interpreting and analyzing complex tech data - you can look at an engineering drawing, a TO, or an AFI and instantly translate it into practical, actionable steps for a maintenance team.

Experience – Liaison/Communication Skills: requires 3+ years (7+ for Senior): Proven skill as a technical translator and diplomat - you excel at building trust and communicating complex ideas with clarity and empathy, whether it's to a lead engineer or a technician on the floor.

Experience – Ownership and Adaptability: requires 5+ years (10+ for Senior): Independently drives issues to resolution, thriving on the trust to take ownership – you embrace new challenges and adapt to evolving client needs to ensure mission success, even when outside your formal job scope.