C-130 Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief

Coulson-Aviation; Thermal (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rotational schedule

Company-paid travel

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Coulson Aviation seeks an experienced C-130 Crew Chief in Thermal, CA to lead maintenance personnel and ensure airworthiness and regulatory compliance. This full-time role involves directing day-to-day maintenance, inspections, and parts provisioning while supporting worldwide aerial firefighting operations.

The position emphasizes safety, mentorship, and hands-on leadership, with travel across the United States on a rotational schedule and company-paid travel for rotations.

Qualifications

• Current FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate required.
• At least two years of Crew Chief experience.
• Preference for heavy aircraft maintenance experience on large aircraft including C-130 Hercules.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the maintenance personnel assigned to the aircraft.
• Ensure maintenance is performed safely and per FAA regulations and company procedures.
• Perform final inspections and approve aircraft for return to service.
• Review incoming materials and ensure proper identification and storage.
• Coordinate parts provisioning and pre-ordering to ensure availability of materials.
• Troubleshoot complex aircraft systems and oversee post-maintenance checks.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure tools and equipment are kept in good condition.
• Promote a safe, organized, professional working environment.

Skills

Team leadership

FAA regulations

Problem solving

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

C-130 Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief

Thermal, CA, US

At Coulson Aviation, we operate, modify, and maintain a diverse fleet of specialized aircraft supporting aerial firefighting operations worldwide. Our fleet includes C-130 Hercules, Boeing 737 FIRELINERS™, Cessna Citation 550 and 560 aircraft, CH-47D Chinooks, and Sikorsky S-61 and S-76 helicopters. We operate across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Chile.

As our company and aircraft fleet continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced C-130 Crew Chief to join our team. This full-time position is responsible for leading the maintenance personnel assigned to an aircraft and ensuring the highest standards of safety, airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.

This position follows a rotational schedule, allowing employees to live anywhere in the United States and travel to the assigned work location for scheduled rotations. Company-paid travel is provided, so permanent relocation is not required.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• A rotational schedule that allows you to live anywhere in the United States.
• Company-paid travel to and from the work location for scheduled rotations.
• No requirement to permanently relocate.
• Competitive, year-round compensation with no seasonal uncertainty.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• A leadership role supporting the operation and maintenance of the legendary C-130 Hercules.
• Challenging and varied work in both hangar and operational environments.
• Meaningful work supporting aerial firefighting operations around the world.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead and supervise the maintenance personnel assigned to the aircraft, providing day-to-day direction, guidance, mentoring, and training.
• Ensure all assigned maintenance is performed safely and in accordance with applicable FAA regulations, company manuals, approved technical data, and established procedures.
• Perform final inspections and approve aircraft for return to service within the scope of your FAA certificate and company authorization.
• Review incoming materials and ensure raw materials, parts, and components are properly identified, controlled, segregated, stored, and maintained according to manufacturer requirements and accepted industry practices.
• Work with the Maintenance Control Manager and Stores personnel to ensure the appropriate availability of parts, materials, tools, and supplies for the assigned aircraft.
• Manage assigned inventory, receiving, shipping, core returns, work orders, and other maintenance-related activities in Corridor.
• Plan and coordinate parts provisioning and pre-ordering to ensure required maintenance materials are available when needed.
• Troubleshoot complex aircraft systems and oversee required post-maintenance inspections, operational checks, and testing.
• Ensure worksheets, technical logs, tracking updates, work orders, and other required maintenance records are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Ensure tools, ground-support equipment, and mission-specific equipment are properly calibrated, stored, maintained, and kept in safe working conditions.
• Promote a safe, organized, and professional working environment throughout all maintenance activities.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• A current FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of previous Crew Chief experience.
• Previous experience leading aircraft-maintenance personnel in a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility or a comparable operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, aircraft-maintenance requirements, company manuals, and approved technical data.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex aircraft systems and completing post-maintenance checks.
• A valid driver’s license.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• The ability to obtain a CDL Class A license for the required truck-and-trailer combination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Candidates must have previous heavy aircraft maintenance experience. Preference will be given to applicants with C-130 Hercules experience; however, qualified candidates with heavy maintenance experience on other comparable aircraft are encouraged to apply.

We support diversity, equity, and a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please notify us, and we will work with you to meet your needs.