Airport GSE Lead Maintenance Tech- CHS

Unifi Aviation LLC; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Paid time off

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401k

Exclusive discounts

Wellness programs

Job summary

Unifi Aviation LLC is seeking a senior GSE Lead Technician in Charleston to coordinate daily workflow, mentor technicians, and ensure quality repairs on all Ground Support Equipment. The role serves as the technical authority in the shop and drives safety, documentation, and shop performance.

The position responsibilities include leading diagnostics, coordinating timelines with Operations, and supporting technician development in a fast-paced aviation ground services environment.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• 10+ years of automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, or GSE maintenance experience.
• Must be able to read wiring diagrams and OEM manuals.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support technicians.
• Must pass background checks and drug screening.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily workflow and assign tasks across technician levels.
• Mentor Technician I-III and provide coaching for skill progression.
• Lead diagnostics and repairs on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic systems.
• Ensure safety, PM standards, and proper documentation.
• Communicate equipment status and repair timelines to Operations.
• Support shop organization and continuous improvement.
• Maintain OEM, EPA, OSHA compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Multimeters

Scan tools

Pressure gauges

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Unifi has decades of experience in the aviation services industry. We continue to innovate, adapt, and grow by leaning on our experience and expertise in airline ground services. Our vision is to be the most respected company by providing exceptional experience getting aircraft and passengers to their destination safely.

We are seeking individuals to join our growing team who are passionate, have integrity, and have empathy for how their words and decisions affect our employees, customers, and partners. Join our team and see where the flight benefits take you. Pay Range is $30-$40/hr

Job Summary

The GSE Lead Technician is a senior level, working leadership position responsible for coordinating daily workflow, mentoring technicians, and ensuring the quality and reliability of all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) repairs. This role serves as the technical authority within the shop, performing advanced diagnostics, supporting complex repairs, and acting as the primary resource for Technician I, II, and III employees.

The Lead Technician works closely with the GSE Management to maintain operational readiness, communicate equipment status to Operations, and uphold safety, documentation, and quality standards. This position is a key step in the leadership pathway and plays a critical role in technician development and shop performance.

Benefits

• Flight Privileges: Offered after 30 days for employees and eligible family members.

• Paid time off.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (for full-time employees).

• 401k for all employees.

• Exclusive discounts and additional wellness programs.

Job Duties

Leadership & Workflow Coordination

• Assign, coordinate, and monitor daily work for all technician levels based on priority, skill level, and operational needs.

• Support the Supervisor in managing shop workflow, equipment availability, and repair timelines.

• Serve as the primary technical resource for troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair planning.

• Ensure technicians follow safety procedures, PM standards, and documentation requirements.

Technical Expertise & Advanced Repairs

• Perform complex diagnostics and repairs on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and electronic systems across all GSE types.

• Conduct advanced electrical testing including voltage drop analysis, continuity testing, load testing, and charging system diagnostics.

• Perform advanced hydraulic diagnostics including pressure testing, valve troubleshooting, and cylinder performance evaluation.

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) on repeat or high-impact failures and recommend corrective actions.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Review work orders for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with CCC documentation standards.

• Verify repairs meet OEM specifications, safety requirements, and Unifi, EPA, and OSHA regulatory standards.

• Support parts identification, inventory accuracy, and correct component usage.

Training, Mentoring & Development

• Mentor Technician I, II, and III employees by demonstrating proper repair techniques, troubleshooting methods, and safe work practices.

• Support onboarding and training for new technicians, including PM procedures, documentation standards, and shop expectations.

• Provide real-time coaching and feedback to improve technician performance and skill progression.

Communication & Operational Support

• Communicate effectively with Management, and Operations regarding equipment status, repair timelines, and reliability concerns.

• Provide clear updates during peak operational periods and support rapid response to equipment outages.

• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe shop environment.

Other Duties

• Support continuous improvement initiatives, tool control, and shop organization.

• Represent our team culture that empowers employees to succeed through our leadership engagement and company support.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.

• Five plus (10+) years of experience in automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, or GSE maintenance preferred.

• Provides all needed hand tools. Company provides speciality tooling.

• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues.

• Strong proficiency with diagnostic tools including multi-meters, scan tools, pressure gauges, and electrical testing equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, hydraulic schematics, and OEM technical manuals.

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support technicians at all levels.

• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.

• Must be 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Must be able to pass required background checks and drug screening.

• Valid driver's license is required.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work various hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Work performed in both indoor shop environments and outdoor ramp areas.

• Exposure to weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, and cold.

• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, aircraft, vehicles, fumes, and loud noise.

• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.

• Work pace varies and is often fast paced with tight time constraints.

Unifi is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or veteran status.

Unifi is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or veteran status.