Aircraft Mechanic - EA18G

Aerotek; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Aircraft Mechanic EA-18G Modification to modify, repair, and maintain EA-18G/F-18 aircraft, focusing on weight reduction modifications and avionics upgrades for a Navy program. You will work on egress systems, including ejection seats and canopies, in a fully funded defense environment.

Based in Oak Harbor, WA, this full-time role requires SC clearance eligibility and Boeing badge eligibility, with strict safety and regulatory compliance throughout on-base work at Whidbey

Qualifications

• 4+ years as General/Structures Mechanic on F-18/EA-18G aircraft.
• Experience removing and reinstalling ejection seats and canopies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance.
• Boeing facility badge eligibility; no prior terminations on record.

Responsibilities

• Perform on- and off-equipment maintenance on F-18 aircraft egress systems.
• Remove, transport, inspect, repair, and reinstall ejection seats.
• Manage CAD/PAD explosive devices per safety regulations.
• Maintain On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) for aircrew safety.
• Inspect canopy egress systems and perform removal/reinstallation as required.
• Read blueprints, drawings, and manuals to plan tasks.
• Disassemble and reassemble mechanical and aircraft systems as needed.

Skills

F-18/EA-18G experience

Egress system experience

CAD/PAD handling

Blueprints & manuals

Job description

Job Title: Aircraft Mechanic EA-18G Modification

Job Description

This full-time, long-term Aircraft Mechanic role focuses on modifying, repairing, and maintaining military EA-18G/F-18 aircraft, with a particular emphasis on weight reduction modifications and avionics equipment upgrades on electronic warfare platforms. You will work on critical egress systems, including ejection seats and canopies, as part of a fully funded program supporting U.S. Navy warfighters.

Responsibilities

• Perform all on- and off-equipment maintenance on F-18 aircraft egress systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with technical standards.
• Remove, transport, inspect, repair, and reinstall ejection seats, following established procedures and technical documentation.
• Inventory, store, remove, and replace Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) and Propulsion Actuated Devices (PAD) explosive items in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and inspect the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) to ensure proper operation and aircrew safety.
• Maintain and inspect F-18 canopy egress systems, including arm and de-arm capabilities, and perform removal and reinstallation as required.
• Remove and reinstall canopies and other components of the egress system as part of modification and maintenance activities.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, task cards, and technical manuals to plan and execute maintenance and modification tasks.
• Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble mechanical, fuel, engine/powerplant, flight control, and other general aircraft systems as required by work instructions.
• Utilize appropriate hand and power tools to perform maintenance, repair, and installation tasks safely and efficiently.
• Apply knowledge of military aircraft systems and structures, particularly F-18 and EA-18G platforms, to diagnose issues and perform modifications.
• Follow all applicable safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while working with explosive devices and critical life-support systems.
• Collaborate with leads and customer representatives to ensure work is properly documented, prioritized, and completed on schedule.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a General Mechanic (AD) or Structures Mechanic (AME) working on F-18 or EA-18G aircraft.
• Hands‑on experience with egress and ejection systems, including removing and reinstalling seats and canopies and performing canopy‑related qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) and Propulsion Actuated Devices (PAD) and understand their role within ejection systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, task cards, and technical manuals.
• Experience maintaining, disassembling, and reassembling mechanical, fuel, engine/powerplant, flight control, and general aircraft systems.
• Strong working knowledge of military aircraft systems and structures, specifically F-18 and EA-18G platforms.
• Ability to use a wide range of hand and power tools safely and effectively in an aircraft maintenance environment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
• Eligibility for a Boeing facility badge, with no prior terminations on record with Boeing.
• Attention to detail and adherence to strict safety protocols when working with explosive devices and life‑critical systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Naval Aircrew Common Ejection Seat (NACES) system, including removal, repair, and reinstallation procedures.
• Formal training on NACES or other ejection seat systems is highly beneficial.
• Experience supporting modification, repair, and installation projects on EA-18G and F-18 aircraft.
• Comfort working within structured defense and government programs with detailed documentation and compliance requirements.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, long‑term program that offers consistent work on fully funded projects supporting U.S. Navy warfighters. You benefit from government holidays and the opportunity to contribute to mission‑critical aircraft in partnership with highly reputable defense integrators. The environment emphasizes reliability, professionalism, and pride in supporting national defense, while providing the tools and structure needed to perform at a high level.

Work Environment

This is a day‑shift position, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays as needed, working 8-hour shifts on base at Whidbey Naval Air Station. You will work primarily inside hangars with some tasks on the flightline, generally not exposed to harsh elements. You report to on‑site leads and customer representatives within a structured defense environment. All necessary tools are supplied, and work is performed around military aircraft and associated systems in a professional, safety‑focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oak Harbor, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $39.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oak Harbor,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.