Lead Aircraft Component Repair Technician

About the role

STS Technical Services is hiring a Lead Aircraft Component Repair Technician in Chatsworth, California, for a direct-hire opportunity supporting an FAA Part 145 component repair station. This is a senior, hands-on technical role focused on aircraft accessory, hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-mechanical component repair. The Lead Aircraft Component Repair Technician will perform complex bench work, troubleshoot difficult repairs, direct daily shop-floor assignments and mentor junior technicians while supporting quality, compliance and return-to-service requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on inspection, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, modification and functional testing of aircraft components
• Work with aircraft accessory, hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-mechanical systems
• Serve as the senior technical resource for difficult or unusual repairs
• Help technicians resolve technical problems using approved data and manufacturer specifications
• Direct and prioritize daily work for repair technicians and inspectors
• Ensure assigned work is completed safely, on schedule and to required quality standards
• Oversee and perform aircraft accessory and hydraulic component repairs and overhauls
• Review completed work packages
• Review non-conformance reports
• Review inspection buy-backs
• Review parts lists and completed repair work before final certification
• Execute and sign FAA Form 8130-3 documentation when authorized by repair station procedures and applicable certificate limitations
• Ensure repairs comply with approved procedures, technical data and manufacturer specifications
• Maintain compliance with 14 CFR Part 145
• Follow the Repair Station Manual and Quality Control Manual
• Maintain compliance with applicable Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins and technical publications
• Ensure proper use, calibration, control and storage of tools and test equipment
• Maintain accurate maintenance and repair records
• Follow customer requirements, safety standards and FAA regulations
• Enforce shop safety practices and cleanliness
• Maintain foreign object debris control
• Follow Cal/OSHA and company safety requirements
• Communicate with customers, vendors and regulatory representatives regarding technical findings and work status
• Support new repair capabilities, special projects and other technical assignments as required

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervise repair technicians
• Coordinate daily shop-floor work assignments
• Set clear performance and quality expectations
• Hold team members accountable for completing compliant work on time
• Train new employees
• Identify technical and professional development opportunities
• Mentor and coach junior technicians
• Provide feedback and support performance reviews
• Participate in corrective action and personnel decisions when required
• Review and approve parts lists and repair work completed by other technicians

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Five to seven years of aviation maintenance experience
• Significant hands-on experience within an FAA Part 145 repair station
• At least three years of leadership experience in repair station operations, inspection, quality assurance or regulatory compliance
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate strongly preferred
• Equivalent hands-on component repair experience within an FAA Part 145 repair station may be considered in place of an A&P Certificate
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations
• Strong understanding of repair station operations and airworthiness requirements
• Knowledge of technical publications and aviation quality systems
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Advanced troubleshooting ability
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings
• Experience working with manufacturer maintenance and overhaul manuals
• Experience using Component Maintenance Manuals
• Knowledge of Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to produce accurate maintenance documentation
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to read, speak and write in English
• Dependable and reliable work habits
• Strong commitment to safety and quality
• Ability to satisfy required background screening and drug and alcohol testing

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Inspection Authorization
• Direct overhaul experience with hydraulic components
• Direct overhaul experience with pneumatic components
• Direct overhaul experience with electro-mechanical components
• Aircraft accessory repair experience involving valves, actuators, pumps, indicators or lighting systems
• Experience working from OEM Component Maintenance Manuals
• Experience establishing repair processes for components new to a repair shop
• Experience working in a small or rapidly growing repair station
• Ability to maintain a hands-on bench workload while leading technicians
• Familiarity with FAA Form 8130-3 issuance
• Experience with repair station recordkeeping systems
• Exposure to EASA Part 145 requirements
• Exposure to OEM or airline supplier quality programs
• Experience training and mentoring junior technicians

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle tools, parts and equipment
• Ability to lift, push, pull and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
• Ability to sit, climb or balance occasionally
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing
• Visual ability sufficient for close and distance work
• Ability to differentiate colors
• Sufficient peripheral vision, depth perception and focus adjustment for component repair work

Work Environment

This position works onsite in an aircraft component repair shop and warehouse environment with moderate noise levels.