Lead, Accessories Technician - 1608

West Star is the fastest growing maintenance repair organization in the industry, and we recognize this is the result of our talented team of trusted employees working together to deliver customer service excellence. We are committed to providing our employees with personal and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of respect and well-being with a small company feel.

About the role

This position is responsible for leading and supervising a team in the overhaul, inspection, maintenance, repair, and servicing of aircraft wheels, tires, and batteries, as well as other aircraft accessories and related systems. The Lead Accessories Technician must be able to troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems and components. This position also supervises the inspection and repair of aircraft accessory components. Job duties will vary each day and will encompass projects as coordinated with the Program Manager. Will be required to work independently and lead multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Supervise: Direct a team of technicians, coordinate daily operations, and manage the flow of multiple concurrent projects.
• Wheels, Tires & Batteries: Oversee the inspection, overhaul, maintenance, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting of aircraft wheels, tires, and batteries in accordance with applicable technical data and FAA requirements.
• Troubleshoot and Inspect: Oversee the evaluation, troubleshooting, and inspection of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical systems, components, and other aircraft accessories.
• Train and Mentor: Provide active mentorship, guidance, and technical training to team members to support their professional development.
• Manage Workflow: Implement efficient work turnovers to the day shift and actively identify opportunities to improve shop efficiency, quality, productivity, and accessory turn times.
• Ensure Operational Standards: Supervise the upkeep, repair, and maintenance of shop facilities, equipment, and tooling while driving strict adherence to schedule and quality.
• Administer Documentation: Direct the completion of FAA paperwork, work orders, inspection records, and billing items with high accuracy.
• Demonstrate Drive: Model excellent judgment in handling day-to-day tasks, knowing when to escalate issues to the Program Manager.
• Maintain Professionalism: Communicate effectively and clearly (speak, write, read) in English with team members, management, and customers.
• Attendance and Reliability: Maintain dependable attendance as scheduled, including overtime and weekend assignments, with reliable transportation and advance notification of absences.
• Support Management: Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisors or management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Airframe and Powerplant license or Repairman Certificate highly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport is ideal, but not mandatory.
• 3+ years prior experience working with aircraft wheels, tires, batteries, or related aircraft accessories.
• Experience inspecting, repairing, overhauling, troubleshooting, or servicing aircraft wheels, tires, and batteries preferred.
• Experience in supervision of four or more team members.
• FAA paperwork, work order and billing process experience.
• Customer contact experience is preferred.
• Experience working with hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems preferred.

Skills

• Self-motivated and able to perform in a fast-paced environment with specific deadlines and time constraints.
• Must perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
• Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.
• Maintain customer-oriented work habits.
• Direct the work and flow of multiple projects.
• Supervise team members in daily operations and duties.
• Oversee the inspection, repair, overhaul, maintenance, and servicing of aircraft wheels, tires, batteries, and related accessories.
• Completion of work orders, FAA paperwork, and billing items.
• Understand and implement regulations and guidelines.
• Troubleshoot and evaluate system operations.
• Work with others in a professional manner.
• Coordinate projects through strong team management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Lifts 50 lbs.
• Routine walking, bending, and squatting or sitting.
• Routine or repetitive physical motion with arms and hands.
• Climb ladders and stairs, work in small, restricted areas.
• Standing for long periods of time.

Mental Requirements

• Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines.
• Troubleshoot or evaluate system operation.
• Work with others in a professional manner.
• Ability to coordinate projects.
• Team management skills.
• Extensive customer contact skills.

Supervision

• Work under supervision of assigned Team Leader and/or Program Manager.
• Will supervise other technicians.

Working Conditions

• The majority of work will be accomplished in a heated hangar.
• Varied positions in and around the aircraft and accessory shop.

Equipment Used

• Personal hand tools supplied by the mechanic.
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical equipment.
• Aircraft wheel and tire servicing equipment.
• Aircraft battery testing, charging, and servicing equipment.
• Jacks, stands, lifts, and other support devices.
• Tugs, power carts, and other engine powered equipment.
• Personal computer and work order prints.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and 401K match starting on day one.
• Time off accruals and weekly pay days.

About Us

With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.