Aircraft Technician I

Socket.dev; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Citadel Aviation, LLC seeks an Aircraft Technician I to perform basic repair, maintenance, and modification tasks on VIP/vVIP aircraft, under FAA regulations and company procedures. You will work with lead technicians to learn aircraft systems, tooling, and shop practices.

The role emphasizes reliability, attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork to ensure on-time, airworthy re-delivery. On-site work in hangars with growth opportunities as you gain independence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years aircraft maintenance experience or FAA Part 147 program completed.
• Basic understanding of aircraft mechanical systems and tooling.
• Ability to read/interpret manuals in English and communicate in English.
• Must bring a personal set of standard tools and valid driver's license.
• Authorized to work in the United States and pass DOT/FAA screenings.
• Preferred: FAA Mechanic certificate with A&P ratings.
• Experience in VIP/VVIP or Part 145 repair environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic maintenance tasks under direct supervision, assisting senior technicians with checks.
• Disassemble and reassemble mechanical systems including flight controls, hydraulics, and landing gear.
• Follow drawings and SOPs to complete tasks accurately.
• Document work performed and sign off per FAA and Repair Station requirements.
• Tag components and ensure proper storage of parts and panels.
• Support inventory, staging parts, and material handling.
• Adhere to safety, FOD control, and tool accountability policies.
• Maintain open communication with leads and customers to ensure on-time re-delivery.

Skills

Aviation maintenance

Attention to detail

English communication

Tool handling

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or GED

FAA Part 147 program

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Manual reading

Job description

Purpose

The Aircraft Technician I performs repair, maintenance, and modification tasks on aircraft and component parts — including dismantling, assembling, and exchanging electrical and mechanical components — on aircraft undergoing VIP/VVIP completions, refurbishment, or maintenance, in accordance with FAA regulations, OEM specifications, and the Repair Station and Quality Manual.

This role performs basic tasks with growing independence, assists senior technicians in daily work, and applies approved practices while developing knowledge of aircraft systems, tooling, and shop practices. Success in this role looks like reliability, attention to detail, willingness to learn, and strong communication with leads and senior technicians.

This position reports to the Aircraft Operations Manager and works closely with Lead Technicians and senior technicians to support the on-time, airworthy re-delivery of aircraft.

Responsibilities

Maintenance & Assembly

• Perform basic maintenance tasks under direct supervision, such as lubrications, filter changes, and servicing, while developing proficiency; assist senior technicians with engine and flight-control checks and other more complex tasks.
• Support disassembly and reassembly of mechanical systems including flight controls, hydraulics, air systems, landing gear, and cabin mechanical interfaces.
• Follow work instructions, engineering drawings, and standard operating procedures to complete assigned tasks accurately.

Compliance & Documentation

• Become familiar with and follow the requirements of the Repair Station and Quality Manual, Federal Aviation Regulations, Airworthiness Directives, advisory circulars, and manufacturers’ service bulletins applicable to assigned work. Never begin maintenance without proper, current, and applicable approved or acceptable data.
• Accurately document work performed and complete sign-offs in accordance with the Repair Station Manual, FAA requirements, and task requirements, using digital or paper records.
• Perform proper tagging of aircraft components, parts, and panels, and ensure appropriate storage (including racks by aircraft).

Shop & Material Support

• Support inventory control and material handling, including staging parts and verifying components.
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, FOD control, and tool control policies; maintain good housekeeping; ensure tooling, GSE, and ground equipment are returned to proper storage after use.

Communication & Customer Focus

• Maintain close and frequent communication with the Lead Technician, reporting progress and any roadblocks that could impact re-delivery.
• Deal with customers in a cordial, respectful, and professional manner, supporting the re-delivery of airworthy, reliable, and clean aircraft in a timely manner.
• Participate in required training to build knowledge of aircraft systems, tooling, and shop practices.

Requirements

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 1–3 years of aircraft maintenance experience or completion of an FAA-approved Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Program.
• Basic understanding of aircraft mechanical systems, hand and power tools, and hand‑fitting techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret aircraft maintenance manual procedures, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety documentation written in English, and to communicate clearly in English with coworkers and supervisors as required to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must report for assignment with a personal set of standard trade‑specific tools.
• Holds a current, valid driver’s license, where required to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Authorized to work in the United States and able to pass pre‑employment and applicable DOT/FAA drug‑and‑alcohol screening (safety‑sensitive position).

Preferred

• Valid FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings.
• Aircraft maintenance experience on current fleet types maintained or modified by the Repair Station such as Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream and Bombardier.
• Experience in a Part 145 Repair Station, MRO, or aircraft completions environment.
• Experience in V/VIP custom aircraft interior completions.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in aircraft hangars, maintenance shops, and on or inside aircraft; considered MEDIUM work with frequent lifting up to 20 lbs and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working through airframe, engine, and undercarriage openings on ladders, scaffolds, hoists, and lifts; exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, confined spaces, and elevated work stands. PPE and OSHA/company safety protocols required at all times.
• Travel not typically required; may occur on occasion for offsite support, AOG support, or training.
• May require flexible shifts, overtime, weekends, or holidays based on project demand.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Attributes

• Willingness to learn and follow established aviation maintenance procedures.
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in aircraft systems.
• Strong attention to detail and quality of workmanship.
• Awareness of safety protocols, FOD control, and tool accountability.
• Ability to work on routine tasks both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and eagerness to grow in the aviation field.
• Good communication and organizational skills, and the ability to take direction and complete tasks efficiently.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citadel Aviation, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.