C-130 Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief

Coulson Group of Companies; Thermal (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Coulson Aviation is seeking a C-130 Crew Chief to lead the maintenance team, ensuring airworthiness and regulatory compliance. This full-time role involves directing daily maintenance, coordinating parts, and overseeing inspections under FAA rules for assigned aircraft.

The candidate will hold an FAA A&P certificate, possess heavy aircraft maintenance experience, and be capable of leading crews across rotating locations in the United States. Travel is provided by the company.

Qualifications

• Experience leading aircraft-maintenance personnel in a heavy maintenance environment.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and aircraft-maintenance requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex aircraft systems and perform post-maintenance checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the maintenance personnel assigned to the aircraft; provide orientation and training.
• Ensure all maintenance is performed safely per FAA regs and data.
• Perform final inspections and approve return to service within FAA scope.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate

High School Diploma

Tools

Corridor maintenance system

Job description

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.