C17 Structures Mechanic- San Antonio, TX

North Central Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. is hiring a C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic I (Contract) in San Antonio, TX. The role requires reading maintenance manuals, interpreting drawings, and performing structural repairs using sheet metal and engines/tools.

You will work from 1st/2nd shifts with overtime as needed, supporting safety and quality programs on site. Required experience with non-porous metals and aircraft structural repair practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.
• Experience interpreting schematics, specifications, drawings and operating procedures.
• Experience using structural hand tools such as drills and countersink devices.
• Ability to interpret maintenance manuals and technical orders.

Responsibilities

• Perform close-tolerance drilling, reaming, removal, and installation on critical structures.
• Locate blind holes for installation of structural components.
• Seal, paint, shim, and preserve according to repair processes.
• Read engineering drawings and retrofit requirements for repairs and modifications.
• Utilize fixtures for depot-level modification and repair of components.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and replace aircraft mechanical components.
• Read and interpret electrical/system data and perform maintenance tasks.
• Maintain required certifications and adhere to safety procedures.

Skills

Schematics interpretation

Aircraft hand tools

Structural repair

Reading manuals

Overtime flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Sheet metal equipment

Welding equipment

Rivet guns

Drills

Torque wrenches

Dial indicators

Micrometers

Testing equipment

Job description

C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic I (Contract)

Schedule: Must be available to work variable shifts based on business needs (1st and 2nd shift). Overtime and weekend work required as needed.

Overview

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic I (Contract) to support aircraft maintenance and structural modification activities in San Antonio, TX.

Position Summary

The Aircraft Mechanic I troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structures, landing gear, flight controls and surfaces, anti-icing systems, pneudraulic systems, engines, auxiliary power units (APU), and ventilation and heating systems. The mechanic repairs, replaces, and rebuilds aircraft structures such as wings and fuselage sections and functional components including rigging, surface controls, plumbing, and hydraulic units.

This position requires the use of hand tools, power tools, sheet metal equipment, welding equipment, rivet guns, drills, and other specialized aircraft maintenance tools. The mechanic reads and interprets maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical orders, engineering data, and other specifications to determine proper repair or replacement methods for damaged or malfunctioning components.

The role also includes performing various inspections, diagnosing mechanical issues, inspecting reciprocating and jet engines for wear and damage, conducting engine operational testing, and removing, repairing, rebuilding, and reinstalling aircraft engines and components as required.

Position Responsibilities

Perform close-tolerance drilling, reaming, removal, and installation on critical support structures and fracture-critical areas.

Locate blind holes required for installation of new structural components to existing aircraft structures.

Perform sealing, painting, shimming, and preservation activities in accordance with standard repair processes.

Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical orders, process specifications, and retrofit requirements to perform structural repairs and modifications.

Utilize tooling assemblies and fixtures for depot-level modification and repair of structural components.

Troubleshoot, repair, and replace aircraft mechanical components.

Perform aircraft sheet metal, structural modification, and repair activities.

Determine functionality of non-complex electrical systems.

Utilize aircraft-specific tools and equipment, including torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, cable tensiometers, sheet metal brakes, shears, and testing equipment.

Access aircraft maintenance data through computer systems and initiate online parts and discrepancy requests.

Maintain required certifications, licenses, and permits necessary for assigned work.

Ascend and descend vertical ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift up to approximately 35 pounds.

Ensure a safe work environment through proper Hazardous Energy Control and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.

Support General Mechanics, Avionics, and Electronics teams to help achieve cost and schedule objectives.

Successfully pass an assessment at the conclusion of the training cycle.

Adhere to San Antonio site tool control and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) procedures.

Basic Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

Minimum of 1 year of experience working with non-porous metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.

Minimum of 1 year of experience interpreting schematics, specifications, assembly drawings, and standard operating procedures.

Minimum of 1 year of experience using structural hand tools, including:

45° and 90° drills

Pancake adapters

Countersink cages

Hole finders

Experience installing structural components such as stringers, webs, and seat tracks.

Ability to work variable shifts, including scheduled and unscheduled overtime, weekends, and holidays, to support business requirements.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

High School Diploma or GED required.

Required Skills:

Ability to interpret schematics, assembly drawings, and technical manuals.

Working knowledge of aircraft metals and structural repair practices.

Proficiency with aircraft hand tools and maintenance equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience performing aircraft heavy maintenance, preferably in a C-17 Depot-Level environment.

Experience working with titanium aircraft structures.

Ability to operate a forklift, mobile crane, and electric-powered elevating equipment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Candidates must be able to:

Ascend and descend vertical ladders.

Work in confined spaces.

Lift and carry loads up to approximately 35 pounds.

Work in environments with elevated noise levels.

Work on elevated platforms.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for face, eyes, ears, hands, and arms.

Pass visual acuity and color perception testing.

Read, write, and comprehend the English language.

Handle, use, and properly dispose of hazardous materials.

Obtain and maintain all required training certifications.

Physical Demands

Occasional finger manipulation (1-3 hours).

Occasional two-person lifting for items greater than 50 pounds.

Frequent overhead reaching (3-6 hours).

Frequent walking and standing on flat and uneven surfaces.

Frequent balancing on ladders, stairs, and uneven surfaces.

Occasional climbing of 3-12 foot ladders and maintenance stands.

Frequent head and neck rotation.

Ability to sit, crawl, squat, bend, stoop, lie down, and operate foot controls for extended periods.

Occasional contact with metals.

Frequent exposure to industrial noise environments.

Post-Hire Assessment

Assessments will take place on Day 1 of the assignment. Contractors who do not pass the assessment will be released back to their contract house immediately. Contractors who successfully pass will continue into training.

Training Requirement

Successful completion of training is a contingency of employment for this assignment. Training may consist of On-the-Job Training (OJT) and/or formal classroom instruction.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to tal