Aircraft Mechanic III – CDI/QASO

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET, Inc.); United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Life Insurance & Disability

401(k) Program

Wellness programs

Paid Time Off

11 Paid Holidays

Employee Referral Program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET, Inc.) is seeking an Aircraft Mechanic III – CDI/QASO to provide senior technical leadership on F/A-18 maintenance and safety compliance. In this dual-qualified role, you will serve as CDI and QASO with final signature authority for repairs and explosive handling per NAMP.

ACET requires 8+ years of aircraft maintenance on F/A-18 or similar jets, CDI and QASO qualifications, and an active DoD Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of aircraft maintenance experience with F/A-18 or similar military jets.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Expert understanding of NAMP protocols, technical publications, and explosive safety.
• Experience performing final inspections and sign-offs on logbooks and safe-for-flight documentation.
• Ability to supervise teams and provide technical leadership on complex maintenance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Supervise phase inspections and repairs across F/A-18 variants, mentoring junior mechanics.
• Diagnose complex malfunctions using technical manuals and schematics.
• Coordinate aircraft serviceability status with Quality Assurance and Maintenance Control.
• Conduct final CDI inspections verifying mechanical alignments and installations.
• Sign logs and safe-for-flight documentation; perform independent quality checks on critical flight controls.
• Monitor weapons loading and explosive handling as a certified QASO; halt operations for safety deviations.

Skills

F/A-18 maintenance experience

Technical leadership

Troubleshooting and diagnostics

Explosive safety

Mentoring junior technicians

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CDI qualification

QASO qualification

Job description

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm. Incorporated in 1999, we support mission critical Information Technology (IT) business needs for clients within the intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DOD), Veteran Administration (VA) and for select commercial clients. ACET, Inc.’s technical, programmatic, and analytical professionals are experts in commercial technology, customized solutions, and proprietary government systems.

The Position

This position is awaiting contract award

The Aircraft Mechanic III – CDI/QASO performs and inspects organizational-level maintenance on F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, providing senior technical leadership. In this dual-qualified role, you act as a Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) and Quality Assurance Safety Observer (QASO), holding final signature authority for repairs and explosive handling compliance per NAMP standards.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Production Support

• Supervise teams performing phase inspections and repairs across F/A-18 variants, mentoring junior mechanics.
• Diagnose complex malfunctions using technical manuals and schematics.
• Coordinate aircraft serviceability status with Quality Assurance and Maintenance Control.

Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) Functions

• Conduct final inspections to verify proper mechanical alignments and component installations.
• Sign off on logbooks and safe-for-flight documentation.
• Perform independent quality checks on critical flight controls and structural repairs.

Quality Assurance Safety Observer (QASO) & Explosive Operations

• Monitor weapons loading and flight line explosive handling as a certified QASO.
• Halt operations immediately upon identifying safety deviations.
• Enforce compliance with the Explosive Handling Qualification and Certification Program.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of aircraft maintenance experience with F/A-18 or similar military jets.
• Certifications: Prior formal qualification as a CDI and QASO with capability to re-qualify.
• Technical Knowledge: Expert understanding of NAMP protocols, technical publications, and explosive safety.
• Security Clearance: Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Lift components up to 50 pounds.
• Work in confined spaces and endure physical maneuvering like bending, kneeling, and working overhead.
• Climb ladders and stands up to 40 feet.
• Tolerate extreme outdoor weather conditions on the flight line.

Why Join ACET

ACET continues to expand its aerospace and aviation sustainment operations supporting multiple Department of Defense aviation platforms worldwide. This position provides the opportunity to directly shape strategic sustainment growth initiatives while supporting operational readiness and mission success across the global aviation enterprise.

What We Offer

At ACET, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive Total Rewards program that recognizes and supports the diverse needs of our workforce. Our offerings are designed to attract, motivate, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and well-being.

• Employee benefits include the following:
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life insurance, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Program
• Wellness programs
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Please note that all compensation, benefits, and policies are subject to change at the company's discretion. While we make every effort to provide advance notice of changes, adjustments may occur based on business needs, economic conditions, and industry standards.

Must be US Citizen to apply

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.

Drug Free Workplace

ACET is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Affi

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.