Airframe Structures Lead Technician

Duncan Aviation; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Duncan Aviation in Battle Creek seeks an Airframe Structures Lead Technician to own and manage complex structural repair projects, coordinating resources and communicating with customers and teams. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and timely delivery while acting as a positive role model and Quality Inspector (QI).

The ideal candidate will lead projects, review documentation for accuracy, and mentor junior technicians in line with company procedures and data.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Five years related aircraft maintenance experience is required.
• Previous experience leading projects at Duncan Aviation is required.

Responsibilities

• Manages all structural repair aspects of assigned aircraft projects to ensure safety, quality and efficiency.
• Performs troubleshooting, fitting and installation of complex structural assemblies and proposes alternative methods when needed.
• Oversees and reviews project documentation, invoices and labor hours to ensure accurate billing and inventory.
• Supervises day-to-day activities of team members and enforces safety and data integrity.
• Shares knowledge with less experienced technicians through on-the-job training.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Quality inspection

Sheet metal

Composite structures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

5 years related aircraft maintenance experience

Experience leading projects

Tools

Maintenance manuals

Technical data

Job description

General Summary

The Airframe Structures Lead Technician demonstrates high level of technical aptitude relating to sheetmetal and composite structures in the performance of safe, quality and efficient aircraft maintenance. The Lead Technician manages and accepts ownership of all aspects of assigned aircraft project including coordinating necessary resources, documentation and communication with team members and customers to ensure timeliness and quality of the projects. In addition, this position acts as a positive role model by promoting respect and trust among team members; interacts positively with customers and team members to foster a company-wide environment of teamwork; participates in personal and leadership development opportunities and demonstrates leadership and professionalism; and performs as a Quality Inspector (QI).

Essential Job Functions

1. Manages all structural repair aspects of assigned aircraft projects to ensure safety, quality and efficiency throughout the projects. Accepts full ownership of assigned projects through planning, prioritizing and communicating with customers, team members, OEM’s, outside contractors and vendors as necessary. Ensures the safety and security of customer’s equipment, parts and aircraft during all maintenance phases.

1. Performs troubleshooting, fitting and installation of the most complex structural assemblies. Proposes and seeks approval for alternate installation and fabrication processes as needed to complete the task to the highest degree of quality and efficiency. Performs all work in accordance with Duncan Aviation approved procedures, appropriate maintenance manuals and technical data. Performs Quality Inspector (QI) duties as needed.

1. Oversees, completes and maintains accurate and timely aircraft and project documentation including reviewing preliminary reports to ensure accuracy of forecasted and billed labor hours. Reviews work orders, invoices, etc. to ensure timely and accurate inventory allocation, appropriate sign-off language, and accurate charges for labor and outside services are applied prior to billing. Participates in reviewing of the final invoice with appropriate management and sales personnel for profitability, accuracy, accountability and documentation. Assists with professionally and courteously addressing customer billing disputes for maintenance actions performed by team members.

1. Supervises day-to-day activities of team members as assigned by the team leader. Holds team members accountable to Duncan Aviation approved policies and procedures, including professionalism, safety and cleanliness of the work environment. Ensures team’s consistent use of appropriate technical data.

1. Willingly and effectively shares knowledge and capabilities with less experienced technicians through OJT to foster their development, ensure accurate work, and support of the team’s goals.

1. Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Job Specific Requirements

Licenses/Certificates: Airframe or Repairman’s Certificate required; Powerplant Certificate preferred; valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record: Respirator Fit qualified; QI designation; Man Lift qualified; meets requirements for Aircraft Run and Taxi Qualifications; tool inventory per department tool list required

Attendance: Regularly scheduled attendance required; occasional overnight and short notice travel required

Physical: Routinely lifts up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 100 lbs.; reads small print; hears sounds associated with mechanical deficiencies; repetitive motion; works with moving parts and vibration; tolerates products, materials and fumes associated with component maintenance; tolerates working in confined spaces and heights above four feet; tolerates standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and sitting

Environmental: Tolerates working in extreme temperatures and in noisy environments

Education and Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent required
• Five years related aircraft maintenance experience required
• Previous experience leading projects at Duncan Aviation is required

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.