AMES Unlicensed Technician A&P Pathway Program

Air Transport Services Group; Wilmington (OH); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits Package

401(k)

Job summary

Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, an Air Transport Services Group subsidiary, offers an Unlicensed Technician role as part of the A&P Pathway Program. You will gain hands-on experience in heavy maintenance, with opportunities to advance to A&P certification and higher pay as you progress.

The program starts with a September 2026 class, includes paid toolbox, and a long-term career track within a growing aviation company, with full benefits and 401(k) offered upon employment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of aviation mechanical experience.
• Basic tool knowledge required.
• High School Diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Provide general maintenance support during heavy maintenance visits.
• Assist with inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks.
• Support structural and composite work as needed under supervision.

Skills

Aviation maintenance

Basic tool knowledge

High school diploma

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Basic hand tools

Job description

VA EDUCATIONAL BENFITS MAYBE AVAILABLE

Overview

Launch Your Aviation Career with Airborne’s A&P Pathway Program – Have you ever wanted to build a rewarding career in the aviation industry but weren’t sure how to get started? Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc., is proud to offer a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to enter the field of aviation maintenance — two years of prior aviation experience required. As an Unlicensed Technician, you’ll join the Airborne Tech program — a hands-on, earn-and-learn pathway that leads directly into our FAA-certified A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) school in partnership with Laurel Oaks Career Campus. With a September 2026 class start date and an industry-leading program completion time of just 12 months, this program allows you to earn a wage and benefits while gaining real-world experience in our large-scale MRO heavy maintenance operation. As you achieve your General, Airframe, and Powerplant certifications, you’ll be promoted along the way. Plus, you will receive a paid toolbox at the beginning of employment (restrictions apply) and a long-term career track within a growing aviation company — all at a significantly reduced cost, thanks to Airborne’s investment in your future.

About the Unlicensed Technician Role

The Unlicensed Technician position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in aircraft maintenance. This hands-on role offers the chance to learn while you work, gaining valuable experience in a heavy maintenance environment. Technicians will support various areas including general aircraft maintenance, structures, and/or composites, depending on operational needs. This position reports directly to the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor and plays a key role in supporting the repair and upkeep of customer aircraft, ensuring work is performed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general maintenance support for aircraft during heavy maintenance visits.
• Perform inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the supervision of licensed technicians.
• Assist with structural and composite repairs, including sanding, cleaning, painting, and preparation of aircraft components.
• Read and interpret technical data, such as aircraft maintenance manuals and work specifications.
• Carry out mechanical tasks including bolting, torquing, rigging, and removal/replacement of components, engines, and flight controls.
• Tag and document parts (repairable, serviceable, condemned) in accordance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Safely operate powered and non-powered ground support equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follow all safety protocols and promote a safety-first mindset.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on maintenance needs and supervisor direction.

Placement

Candidates may be assigned to one of the following focus areas based on aptitude and operational requirements:

• Structures
• Mechanical
• Composites

Training Opportunity

Selected candidates will have the opportunity to attend the A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Program, providing a pathway toward becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance technician.

Job Requirements

• At least 2 years of aviation mechanical experience
• Basic tool knowledge
• High School Diploma or GED
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift 75 lbs. and work at a height of up to 50 feet
• Ability to twist, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, crawl, and climb, and sustain those positions for extended periods
• Ability to work at heights up to 80 feet
• Ability to work with arms raised above head and perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to precisely manipulate hand tools in a variety of situations
• Participate in Airborne Tech
• Successfully complete the WorkKeys assessment prior to employment

Additional Details

• Full-Time Position
• Starting Pay: Based on years of experience
• Full Benefits Package + 401(k)

Career Progression & Pay Increases

Start your journey as an Unlicensed Technician while gaining hands-on experience in our maintenance operations. As you advance and earn your Airframe certification, you’ll receive a pay increase and take on greater responsibilities. Upon full completion of the A&P program and obtaining both Airframe and Powerplant licenses, your pay will increase based on years of experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services (AMES) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran, or disability status.

Program Requirements for Acceptance

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug and background screening
• Complete and pass the program-specific WorkKeys assessment test prior to the start date (at applicant’s expense)
• Commit to a three-year employment agreement with Airborne following completion of the A&P program