NAC Lead Technician

Saltchuk Aviation is a family of diversified air cargo and aviation services companies. We operate Part 121, 135, and 145 certificates, creating vital connections by serving customers and communities across the U.S. with reliable and efficient aviation services. Saltchuk Aviation employs over 900 employees in air cargo, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, aviation logistics, and air freight on-demand charter sectors across five operating companies, transporting over 380 million pounds of freight annually.

About the Company

• Northern Air Cargo (NAC): The largest all-cargo airline in Alaska since 1956, serving 13 communities with safe, reliable cargo services.
• Northern Air Maintenance Services, LLC (NAMS): A Part 145 certified repair station providing year-round maintenance and ground services, including baggage handling, catering, aircraft servicing, and passenger loading.
• Ryan Air, Inc.: A Part 135 air carrier operating a fleet of 23 aircraft, delivering bypass mail, general freight, and passenger services to over 70 villages in rural Alaska.
• Aloha Air Cargo (AAC): The largest air freight carrier in Hawaii, moving approximately 350,000 pounds of diverse cargo daily.
• Aloha Tech Ops (ATO): Provides aircraft maintenance and repair services, executing over 2,000 pre-departure checks monthly.

About the Role

The Lead Technician provides oversight of work assigned and leads Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. Responsible for the quality and quantity of work output and adherence to all company policies, manuals, and FAA regulations. Ensures a positive work environment, promotes technician development, and enforces standards of safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Leads Technicians on all maintenance, scheduled and unscheduled, performed on company aircraft.
• When an aircraft goes into “AOG” status, opens an AireXpert narrative stating the aircraft log page discrepancy and communicates this status to NAC Flight Followers.
• Monitors aircraft status and communicates updates on “advise time” or “return to service” for “AOG” aircraft to NAC Flight Followers and/or AireXpert.
• Monitors the aircraft status board and ensures a timely, well-communicated aircraft availability plan with NAC Flight Followers and/or AireXpert.
• Controls MEL usage; requests and expedites parts when necessary.
• Monitors aircraft cycles and flight hours to ensure inspections and maintenance or MEL/DMI/CDL dates/times do not expire.
• Updates the aircraft status board and communicates MEL/DMI/CDL “open” and “closed” status with NAC Flight Followers.
• Audits work packages, inspection forms, log pages, and records for accuracy and timely submission to NAC QC Records.
• Updates, monitors, checks part number effectivity, and audits TRAX for correctness and completion in a timely manner.
• Monitors all maintenance tasks and ensures all work performed is documented prior to aircraft release for flight.
• Maintains the line maintenance turnover log, reporting all work accomplished on their shift, pertinent open items, items in troubleshooting, and any special instructions.
• Coordinates deicing/anti-icing procedures and ground crews on a day-to-day basis.
• Ensures apprentice technicians receive proper on-the-job training (OJT) and monitors their progress toward their A&P license.
• Assigns technicians based on qualifications and ensures ongoing training and certification.
• Identifies safety hazards within the maintenance department and company operations, reporting them through the WBAT or departmental hazard reporting systems.
• Provides performance feedback and initiates employee disciplinary actions for direct reports.
• Schedules day-to-day manpower to meet operational demands.
• Assumes temporary responsibilities of the Maintenance Manager when delegated, including attending and/or leading meetings as required.
• Ensures completion of assigned hangar tasks and projects.
• Ensures timely injury reporting and incident documentation via the Red Injury Folder and Nurse Triage process.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager.

Requirements

• Hold an FAA Technician Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings (required).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience on the type of aircraft for which they are supervising maintenance.
• Extensive experience in repair and troubleshooting of company-maintained aircraft.
• Ability to supervise personnel and maintain adequate production levels.
• Qualified to run/taxi the type of aircraft on which they are supervising.
• Experience returning aircraft to service within one year of achieving the position (not applicable to relief leads).
• Valid driver’s license and clear driving record.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and receive TSA clearance to operate in secure areas.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% for outstation aircraft maintenance.

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret U.S. government regulations (e.g., FAA), manufacturers' manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Demonstrated ability to give clear oral and written instructions to staff or other team members.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Effective communication within the maintenance department and with other departments as needed.

Work Environment

• Most work is performed in the maintenance hangar or outdoor airline ramp.
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions (cold and heat), wet surfaces, and icy conditions.
• Works around stationary and moving aircraft and aircraft ground equipment.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 70 pounds.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects or tools.
• Frequently required to stand on ladders; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms (full range of motion); climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• May be required to work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to climb and stand on ladders for up to two hours.
• Must be able to see, speak, and hear.

Benefits

• Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance programs.
• Company-Provided Benefits: Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Retirement: Competitive 401(k) match program with a zero-day vesting period.
• Bonuses: Annual performance bonus and regular salary review programs.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO, personal days, and recognized federal holidays.
• Reimbursements: Wellness/fitness, transportation, and tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.
• Perks: Extensive employee discount programs with major national retailers.