Airline GSE Operations Supervisor

Location: Pittsburgh International Airport

Reports to: GSE Regional Manager | Full-Time | Travel: Up to 15%

About the Role

Ground service equipment is the backbone of every ramp operation — and the GSE Supervisor is the person on the shop floor making sure it runs. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of ground support equipment on your shift, including tugs, belt loaders, air start units, ground power units, air conditioning units, lavatory carts, water carts, cargo loaders, and related vehicles and machinery. This is a working supervisor role. You will lead a shift of GSE technicians (Levels I–II), reinforce technical and safety standards set by the GSE Operations Manager, and serve as the first point of contact for equipment issues during your shift. You will also maintain a cross-utilized presence on the ramp, stepping in to support and train agents as needed.

Responsibilities

• Personally perform and oversee preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on ground support equipment including tugs, belt loaders, air start units, ground power units, HVAC units, lavatory carts, water carts, and cargo loaders.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and systems issues using test equipment and applicable technical manuals; conduct repairs with a focus on maximum reliability and minimum downtime.
• Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, engines, transmissions, and related systems; replenish fluids, replace components, and apply lubricants as required.
• Build and assemble mechanical components according to manufacturer specifications and operational requirements.
• Track and document preventive maintenance activities and repair history for each piece of equipment on your shift.
• Maintain accurate GSE paperwork, work logs, and maintenance records in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Escalate equipment issues beyond shift-level scope to the GSE Operations Manager promptly.
• Supervise and coach GSE technicians at Levels I through II; reinforce performance expectations and provide hands-on guidance during the shift.
• Ensure the team has the tools, training, and resources needed to perform their work safely and effectively.
• Provide guidance and consultation to ramp agents and operational staff on correct equipment operation, care, and preventive practices.
• Support ramp operations by filling in and training agents as needed — this is a cross-utilized role.
• Communicate shift handoff information clearly to incoming supervisors and the GSE Operations Manager.
• Ensure all GSE maintenance and operations on your shift comply with FAA, OSHA, company, and airline safety standards.
• Identify equipment safety risks proactively; remove unsafe equipment from service and initiate repair or replacement immediately.
• Complete all required training. Only complete tasks for which you are fully trained.
• Report any safety hazard or incident immediately to the GSE Operations Manager or station leadership.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Demonstrated mechanical experience in automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, or a comparable technical field.
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems on ground support equipment or similar machinery.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must provide own hand tools.
• Must be able to work flexible shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays; available for on-call and emergency call-in.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time for multi-station support and training.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must successfully pass a 10-year background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior lead technician or team lead experience in a GSE, fleet maintenance, or airport operations environment.
• Experience with airport ground support equipment including tugs, belt loaders, air start units, GPUs, and related machinery.
• Vocational or technical certification in diesel mechanics, automotive technology, or a related field.
• Experience with preventive maintenance tracking systems or fleet management software.
• Familiarity with FAA and OSHA compliance requirements in an airport or aviation ground handling environment.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a GSE shop and outdoor airport ramp environment. Regular exposure to varying weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, and precipitation. Subject to noise from aircraft and ground equipment operations, as well as exposure to fumes, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other chemicals associated with equipment maintenance. Personal protective equipment is required and provided.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver heavy equipment, parts, and tools; regular lifting of up to 50 pounds or more with assistance for heavier items.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, crawling, and working in confined or awkward positions for extended periods.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shop and ramp environment.
• Must have sufficient vision, dexterity, and physical ability to safely perform all essential maintenance and inspection functions.

Key Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Hands-on knowledge of ground support equipment mechanics, diagnostics, and repair; a trusted technical resource on shift.
• Safety Leadership: Enforces all safety standards without exception; identifies equipment hazards proactively and acts before incidents occur.
• Team Development: Invests in the growth of Level I–II technicians through coaching and consistent hands-on instruction.
• Accountability & Follow-Through: Maintains complete, accurate maintenance records and ensures every repair and inspection is documented and closed out properly.
• Problem Solving: Diagnoses mechanical and systems issues efficiently; implements reliable repairs that minimize repeat failures and downtime.
• Organization: Manages shift maintenance priorities, parts needs, and team workload.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to equipment breakdowns and on-call demands; keeps the shift moving under pressure.
• Collaboration: Works closely with ramp operations and the GSE Operations Manager to keep equipment availability aligned with operational needs.

Schedule

Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Subject to on-call and emergency call-in based on operational needs.