Aircraft Structures Mechanic III

About the role

Tyonek Services Group provides aviation maintenance, aircraft modification, prototype integration, flight test support, and aviation management services in support of the Technology Development Directorate (TDD), Aviation and Systems Integration Division (A/SID). The Aircraft Structures Mechanic III serves as a senior aircraft structural repair and modification specialist supporting research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) aircraft. The position is responsible for aircraft structural repairs, fabrication, modifications, prototype installations, and airframe integration efforts supporting experimental and developmental aviation programs. The incumbent will work closely with engineers, flight test personnel, and maintenance teams to execute aircraft modifications, potentially support flight operations, and maintain aircraft airworthiness.

Responsibilities

• Perform aircraft structural repair, modification, fabrication, and installation activities on military and commercial aircraft.
• Fabricate, repair, modify, and install airframe structural components in accordance with approved technical data, engineering drawings, and maintenance publications.
• Conduct sheet metal layout, drilling, riveting, forming, fitting, assembly, and structural repair operations.
• Manufacture and install prototype aircraft components, modification kits, brackets, mounts, panels, and specialized structures supporting flight test programs.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, repair schemes, technical manuals, and installation instructions.
• Support aircraft integration activities involving developmental, prototype, and experimental systems.
• Assist structural and mechanical engineers with aircraft modifications, troubleshooting, and installation planning.
• Remove, inspect, repair, modify, and install structural components and airframe assemblies.
• Perform corrosion identification, treatment, repair, and prevention activities.
• Utilize sheet metal brakes, shears, rollers, drill presses, rivet guns, bucking bars, precision measuring tools, and specialty fabrication equipment.
• Safely operate Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) and other support equipment required for maintenance and modification activities.
• Document maintenance actions and initiate work orders using Aircraft Notebook (ACN) or equivalent tracking systems.
• Maintain bench stock, tools, consumable materials, petroleum products, and HAZMAT inventory necessary to support operations.
• Provide ground support during flight operations, including tethered hover, pace vehicle, external load support, and other flight test activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 8–10 years of experience in aircraft structural repair, sheet metal work, airframe modification, or aircraft maintenance.
• Experience performing structural repairs, aircraft modifications, and fabrication on military or commercial aircraft.
• Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, technical publications, and installation instructions.
• Experience fabricating, fitting, and installing aircraft structural components.
• Experience supporting aircraft modification, integration, or modernization programs.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers, flight crews, and maintenance personnel in a research and development environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Willingness to undergo post‑offer, pre‑employment substance‑abuse testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Army 15G Aircraft Structural Repairer experience.
• Air Force Aircraft Metals Technology experience.
• Navy or Marine Corps airframes experience.
• Rotary‑wing aircraft maintenance experience.
• Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) aircraft experience.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate.
• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) qualification.
• Experience supporting classified aviation programs.
• Willingness and ability to participate in flight test activities and meet flight‑duty requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Walk and stand on level or inclined surfaces for extended periods.
• Climb stairs, ramps, ladders, and work stands; work at heights with fall‑protection devices.
• Crouch, crawl, grasp or handle objects; use finger dexterity; bend elbows/knees; reach above and below shoulders.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and carry short distances as needed.
• Read dials/gauges, identify small objects and hand tools.
• See imperfections, micrometer readings, and other small scales.
• Communicate by voice and detect sound by ear.
• Distinguish color and judge three‑dimensional depth.
• Operate power vehicles, machinery, hand tools, ground support equipment, forklift, APU, etc.