AIRCRAFT WORKER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Aircraft Worker handles what happens when an aircraft cannot fly. Grounded platforms cost operational readiness, and in defense contracts governed by NATOPS and O-level maintenance standards, that cost is measured in mission failures. This role covers the hands-on inspection, repair, servicing, and modification of military aircraft systems, structural, electrical, environmental, and support equipment, within maintenance organizations supporting active flight schedules. The work demands physical precision, documentation discipline, and the ability to operate under shift rotations tied directly to operational tasking.

As the Aircraft Worker, you keep military aircraft airworthy by performing scheduled inspections, component-level repairs, and servicing across structural, electrical, and environmental systems in compliance with applicable technical data and maintenance manuals. You work within a maintenance team operating against active flight schedules, contributing directly to mission readiness under the oversight of journeyman-level supervisors or maintenance leads.

Career Impact: Hands-on time on military platforms, including H-60 rotary aircraft and fixed-wing P-3 and P-8 systems, builds a documented maintenance record that carries significant weight when pursuing advancement to journeyman or lead mechanic roles in the defense sector.

Business Impact: Airworthiness decisions made at the Aircraft Worker level determine whether a military aircraft launches on schedule, making this the point where technical precision translates directly into operational readiness rates.

Growth Opportunity: Completing qualifications such as Navy Aviation Class A School equivalency and ordnance certification expands the range of aircraft systems you are authorized to work, accelerating the path toward specialist and lead-level designations.

• Inspect aircraft surfaces, structural components, and systems for corrosion, damage, and defects, documenting findings per applicable technical data.
• Repair and modify aircraft structural components by manufacturing, installing, patching, and reinforcing parts to engineering specifications.
• Service aircraft engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and fluid levels, including fueling, defueling, and contamination checks.
• Overhaul and repair aircraft electrical systems and accessories, including wiring, generators, alternators, inverters, and cockpit controls.
• Perform preflight, through-flight, and post-flight maintenance inspections on environmental and egress systems to verify airworthiness.
• Launch and recover aircraft in support of flight schedules using standard ground handling procedures and applicable safety regulations.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in compliance with environmental and safety requirements, maintaining clean work areas.
• Support training and qualification of new personnel and participate in injury and performance investigations.

• High school diploma or equivalent, or completion of Navy Aviation Class A School or military equivalent program.
• 2 or more years of actual and recent aircraft maintenance, modification, or repair experience on military platforms, with documented hands-on time.
• Ability to read and interpret technical data, maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, blueprints, service bulletins, and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of aircraft safety practices, corrosion identification and control procedures, and hazardous materials handling requirements.
• Proficiency with common maintenance tools, including pneumatic drill motors, rivet guns, grinders, calipers, gauges, and hand tools.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks independently or within a team under minimal supervision and adapt to shifting operational priorities.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Military aircraft platform experience on H-60, P-3, or P-8 airframes, with documented O-level maintenance time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ordnance qualification per applicable military standards.
• Valid driver's license with eligibility to obtain ground support equipment operator licenses.
• Familiarity with Personal Qualification Standards completion processes and maintenance record-keeping practices.

• Aircraft-on-ground rate, measuring how quickly assigned repairs restore the platform to mission-ready status.
• Inspection discrepancy closure rate, tracking the percentage of documented findings resolved within required timeframes.
• Maintenance documentation accuracy rate, reflecting compliance with technical data and recordkeeping standards per audit cycle.
• Shift task completion percentage, measuring the proportion of scheduled servicing and inspection items completed per rotation.
• PQS milestone completion rate, tracking qualification progress against allotted timeframes for newly assigned personnel.

• Base Salary Range: $45,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on platform experience and certifications
• Bonus: Retention or completion bonuses are common on defense contracts; varies by contract
• Equity: Not typical for this role in defense contractor employment
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; standard US employer plans
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, with federal holidays typically observed
• Common Perks: Shift differentials for non-standard rotations; employer-sponsored certification support

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all positions, and employment may be contingent on the ability to obtain applicable security or facility clearances. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. A background check, and, where applicable, drug screening, is a condition of employment.

The Aircraft Worker shapes the structural integrity of military aircraft by performing visual inspections, corrosion repair, surface treatments, and precision structural repairs and modifications in accordance with technical data. Working with journeyman-level tools and documentation standards, this role supports airworthiness outcomes for the maintenance team and ensures aircraft components meet exacting engineering specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspections of aircraft surfaces and components for damage, corrosion, and defects, recording findings using proper documentation.
• Inspect aircraft for dings, dents, loose or missing rivets, and corrosion.
• Tape windows, landing gear, and plastic and fiberglass components to protect from chemicals during surface treatment.
• Perform acid etching, washing, priming, and application of epoxy and paint.
• Perform structural repairs by manufacturing and installing new parts, reinforcing, patching, and replacing defective parts.
• Perform modifications to aircraft structures and conduct final inspections.
• Utilize precision tools to perform structural repairs and modifications to exacting standards in accordance with technical data.
• Utilize mechanical and hand blending techniques on major aircraft structural components using high-speed grinders, sanding blocks, DA sanders, and similar tools.
• Prepare aircraft, panel, and part surfaces prior to coating and painting using mechanical stripping methods.
• Provide maintenance support, including mechanical stripping and sand applications on aircraft, panels, and parts.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of four years of experience on aircraft as a structure and sheet metal mechanic.
• Military aircraft experience preferred.
• Experience performing quality mechanical stripping of paint materials on aircraft panels and surfaces.
• Experience in corrosion repair and mitigation of aircraft panels and structural components.
• Experience in modifications to and structural repair of aircraft panels and structural components.
• Experience in inspecting and evaluating structural damage to aircraft sheet metal systems.
• Experience preparing composite surfaces using current materials, methods, procedures, and inspections.
• Experience in the removal of panels, skins, and other aircraft components in preparation for surface coating application.
• Knowledgeable in the use of common tools, including hammers, punches, pneumatic drill motors, rivet guns, hand sanders, high-speed grinders and sanders, protractors, calipers, height gauges, depth gauges, dial gauges, and other common pneumatic tools.
• Ability to read and follow technical data, blueprints, engineering drawings, standard operating procedures, and manufacturing specifications.

Embedded within the aircraft maintenance organization, the Aircraft Worker delivers repairs, overhauls, and modifications to aircraft electrical systems, including motors, generators, alternators, and cockpit controls under journeyman supervision. Working closely with maintenance and operations teams, this role ensures electrical system airworthiness and supports safe, continuous flight operations.

Core Functions

• Replace defective wiring and install new wiring for aircraft electrical changes using overhaul and maintenance manuals, aircraft change bulletins, local engineering instructions, blueprints, and wiring diagrams and schematics.
• Overhaul, repair, test, and modify aircraft electrical systems and accessories, including motors, dynamotors, inverters, voltage regulators, relays, engine synchronizers, DC generators, AC alternators, DC/AC electrical controls, cockpit air conditioning controls, engine temperature controls, and transistorized control equipment.
• Disassemble units to the extent necessary to complete required repairs.
• Use basic hand and power tools in accordance with trade requirements.
• Carry out assigned tasks with full responsibility and authority.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of documented experience in aerospace or aircraft electrical procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of aircraft electrical safety, aviation safety, and accident prevention practices.
• Knowledge of test equipment, including oscilloscopes, frequency meters, voltmeters, and watt meters.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to work independently or in groups in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to draw conclusions and communicate issues to management.
• Ability to adapt to changing work environment priorities and take on additional responsibilities based on operational needs.
• Strong self-motivation and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English.

Reporting to the maintenance operations leadership, the Aircraft Worker delivers pre- and post-operational checks, fueling, aircraft movement, and scheduled maintenance inspections on H-60 and equivalent rotary aircraft in support of naval flight schedules. Partnering with flight operations and ground crews, this role enables safe aircraft launches and recoveries while sustaining corrosion control and hazardous materials compliance across all work areas.

Primary Duties

• Perform pre- and post-operational checks, fueling, and operation of support equipment, including conditional, scheduled, and periodic maintenance inspections.
• Perform aircraft movement, fueling and defueling, rotor system tie-down, and installation and removal of blade restraints.
• Service aircraft engines, transmissions, and systems, and perform direct maintenance turns.
• Provide fire guard services and aircraft movement direction during ground and flight operations.
• Launch and recover aircraft in support of flight schedules, including helicopter landing signal services, using standard handling and taxi procedures, NATOPS, specific aircraft manuals, and local regulations.
• Detect corrosion and apply corrosion control procedures in accordance with the corrosion control manual.
• Operate ground support equipment, including electrical power units, tow tractors, light carts, and engine starting units.
• Check for fuel contamination, replenish fuel, oil, water, hydraulic fluid, oxygen, and waste system chemicals, and clean aircraft exteriors and interiors.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials and maintain housekeeping of all work areas.
• Comply with all safety regulations and complete all required training and self-aid responsibilities.
• Maintain familiarity with all maintenance instruction manuals and applicable procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of actual and recent aircraft maintenance, modification, or repair experience on H-60s or equivalent rotary aircraft.
• Prior experience with naval repair and maintenance operations on military aircraft is highly preferred.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and obtain all required support equipment licenses.
• Must meet physical demand requirements associated with daily routine aircraft maintenance tasks.
• Knowledge and use of special tools and equipment required to perform assigned maintenance tasks.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Must complete Personal Qualification Standards (PQS) within allotted timeframes as directed.
• Must be able to work all shift rotations, with start and end times dependent on flight schedule and operational tasking.

Sitting at the intersection of aircraft systems maintenance and flight safety, the Aircraft Worker (AME) owns the troubleshooting, repair, and rebuilding of environmental and egress components, including engine-driven compressors, exhaust fans, ducting, and control valves on P-3 and P-8 platforms. Operating across O-level maintenance, flight-line operations, and quality compliance functions, this role ensures aircraft remain in safe operating condition and supports the training and qualification of new maintenance personnel.

Duties

• Troubleshoot malfunctions in aircraft environmental and egress systems.
• Repair, replace, and rebuild aircraft environmental and egress components, including engine-driven compressors, exhaust fans, ducting, and control valves.
• Perform progressive, isochronal, phase, periodic, and other hourly or calendar inspections of environmental and egress system components for malfunctions, cracks, corrosion, foreign object damage, distortions, warping, wear, and missing fasteners.
• Remove, disassemble, inspect, repair or replace, reassemble, and reinstall EDCs, valves, fans, and associated components.
• Adjust, repair, or replace electrical wiring and aircraft accessories associated with environmental and egress systems.
• Perform preflight, through-flight, and post-flight maintenance inspections and miscellaneous aircraft servicing duties, including greasing moving parts.
• Make flight-line repairs to keep aircraft in safe operating condition.
• Participate in the training and qualification of new personnel.
• Participate in the investigation of injuries and resolution of quality or performance problems.
• Promote communication to enhance employee awareness of accident prevention, quality of work, and environmental compliance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of Navy Aviation Class A School or military equivalent.
• Minimum of three years of actual and recent P-3 or P-8 maintenance experience, with at least three years of O-level aircraft maintenance experience.
• Knowledge and use of special tools and equipment required to perform assigned maintenance tasks.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain ordnance qualification.
• Ability to read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical data, engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repair or replacement.
• Knowledge of maintenance record-keeping practices.
• Ability to follow directions and procedural steps as laid out in publications and by supervisors.
• Strong analytical thinking, decision-making, attention to detail, and ability to interpret data.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to concentrate on tasks, handle stress, and adapt to changes.