Aircraft Mechanic III - Structures and General Maintenance

About the role

Performs scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance for rotary and fixed wing programs, emphasizing structures, sheet metal and composite repairs, daily inspections, servicing, preservation and de-preservation. Troubleshoots discrepancies, documents work, supports ground operations and guides junior technicians.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily, pre-flight, thru-flight, post-flight, periodic and special inspections using applicable technical data; document and report discrepancies.
• Inspect structures, skins, panels, fairings and attachments for cracks, corrosion, deformation and delamination; coordinate engineering or NDI evaluation when required.
• Remove, repair, fabricate, fit and install sheet metal parts and structural components using approved repair data, drawings and work instructions.
• Perform close-tolerance drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting and fastener installation while maintaining dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.
• Perform approved composite repairs, including surface preparation, damage removal, layup, bonding, curing and finishing, within qualifications and authorization.
• Perform corrosion removal, sealing, coating, painting, preservation and de-preservation in accordance with technical guidance.
• Troubleshoot, remove, install, service and check mechanical systems, flight controls, hydraulic/pneumatic components and powerplant accessories.
• Interpret current technical manuals, IETMs and engineering drawings; assist in developing maintenance work instructions.
• Complete maintenance records, discrepancy logs and signoffs; perform authorized in-process checks and coordinate Quality inspections and hold points.
• Maintain tool accountability, calibration compliance, FOD prevention and clean-as-you-go practices; inspect and safely use tooling, stands and ground support equipment.
• Support towing, parking, flightline servicing and aircraft delivery.
• When qualified and authorized, perform F/A-18E/F engine ground runs and maintain required currency.
• Guide junior technicians, support team leads and report task status.
• Travel of up to 20% may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and documented military/civilian aircraft maintenance training; technical school graduation or associate degree preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of aircraft maintenance experience, including hands-on structural/sheet metal repair, aircraft inspections and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of composite repairs, corrosion control, calibrated measuring tools, maintenance records and approved technical data.
• Ability to work independently, follow inspection requirements and guide junior personnel.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Must be able to walk and stand on level and/or inclined surfaces for certain periods throughout the day.
• Must be able to climb stairs, ramps, ladders, and work stands, working at heights with fall protection devices.
• Must be able to crouch, crawl, grasp or handle objects, use finger dexterity, bend elbow/knee and reach above/below shoulders.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds and carry for short distances.
• May be required to read dials/gauges, identify small objects and hand tools.
• Must be able to see imperfections, micrometer readings and other small scales.
• Must be able to communicate by voice and detect sound by ear.
• Must be able to distinguish color and judge three-dimensional depth.
• May be required to operate machinery, hand tools, ground support equipment, forklifts, etc.
• May be required to work in varying temperatures and weather.

Qualifications

• Preferred: FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
• Preferred: previous F/A-18E/F engine turn operator qualification.
• Preferred: U.S. Navy aircraft experience; previous CDI, CDQAR or Plane Captain qualification; modification team leadership or ordnance-handling experience.