Aircraft Structural Mechanic III at Lockheed Martin Lexington, KY

Lockheed Martin; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structural Mechanic III to support structural maintenance on H6, H60, and H47 helicopters in Lexington, KY. The role involves leading repairs, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards while working in a dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate should have expertise in large-helicopter structures, possess a Secret clearance, and demonstrate leadership in high-tempo operations. This position offers an opportunity to engage in critical missions and enhance maintenance efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience handling, jacking, towing, and positioning H6, H60, and H47 helicopters.
• Independent navigation and validation of structural repairs in logs.
• Strong understanding of airworthiness and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural maintenance on H6, H60, and H47 helicopters.
• Lead complex repairs and mentor junior mechanics.
• Conduct inspections and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Large-helicopter structural expertise

Precision sheet metal fabrication

Leadership experience

Project-management skills

FAA A&P license or equivalent

Education

Completion of Rotor-Wing Structural Maintenance School or equivalent

Job description

Aircraft Structural Mechanic III – Lexington, KY

Lockheed Martin is seeking an experienced Aircraft Structural Mechanic (LevelIII) to support the H6, H60, and H47 rotary‑wing fleets for Special Operations missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform expert‑level structural maintenance, modification, and repair for H6, H60, and H47 helicopters.
• Lead complex unscheduled repairs, oversee large‑scale depot modifications, and mentor LevelII and LevelI mechanics.
• Ensure all structural work meets or exceeds airworthiness standards and support time‑critical missions.
• Direct high‑complexity modifications to primary structures, approve riveting, fastening, bonding, composite, and precision welding processes.
• Lead comprehensive inspections for damage, fatigue cracks, corrosion, and other structural defects and supervise corrective action plans.
• Supervise fabrication, installation, and replacement of sheet metal and composite panels, fairings, and structural components.
• Conduct and certify phase, isochronal, periodic, and special inspections.
• Interpret and translate engineering drawings, repair schemes, and service bulletins into detailed work packages.
• Lead rigging and alignment of major airframe assemblies and control surfaces after repairs or modifications; coordinate functional test fits.
• Perform final QA checks, verify compliance with AWA standards, and release aircraft for operational use.
• Plan and execute structural repairs in both flight line and depot environments and interface with depot shops, program managers, and engineering.
• Train, mentor, and supervise LevelII and LevelI mechanics; develop competency‑based training plans.
• Participate in project‑level planning for fleet‑wide structural upgrades, budget forecasting, and risk assessments.
• Adapt to shift variations, rapid deployment, and travel to forward operating locations as mission needs dictate.
• Identify process improvements, develop best‑practice SOPs, and lead Kaizen events to enhance maintenance efficiency and safety.

Basic Qualifications

1. Proven experience handling, jacking, towing, and positioning H6, H60, and H47 helicopters for structural work.
2. Independent navigation, recording, and validation of structural repairs in required logs and maintenance systems.
3. Track record of verifying work against stringent airworthiness and safety standards.
4. Experience performing structural repairs in both depot and flight‑line environments with a focus on high‑tempo operations.
5. Leadership experience supervising multidisciplinary teams, allocating tasks, and ensuring safety compliance.
6. Eligible for or possess a Secret clearance (or higher).

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Large‑helicopter structural expertise across CH MH47, UH MH60, and MH6 platforms.
• Mastery of precision sheet metal fabrication, high‑strength riveting, TIG/MIG welding, composite lay‑up, and structural bonding.
• Ability to lead LevelII and I mechanics, develop training curricula, and conduct performance assessments.
• Experience interfacing with design, test, and program engineers on modification projects.
• Project‑management skills to develop work packages, schedule resources, and track budgetary constraints.
• Strong understanding of OSHA, AFI/AFMAN, and MIL‑STD safety requirements.
• FAA A&P license or DoD/USAF Aircraft Structural Certification or equivalent military qualifications preferred.
• Completion of Rotor‑Wing Structural Maintenance School (or equivalent) and advanced composite repair courses.

Security Clearance

This position requires a government security clearance. A U.S. citizen is required for consideration. Clearance level: Secret.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lockheed Martin is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.