Crew Chief

Socket.dev; Nellis Air Force Base Census-Designated Place (NV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GMRE in Nevada is seeking an experienced F-16 maintenance lead to oversee scheduled and unscheduled work, mentor junior technicians, and ensure airworthiness of aircraft.

The role requires hands-on expertise with F-16 airframe systems, propulsion, hydraulics, and flight controls, plus strong leadership and safety practices to maintain high readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience in civilian or contractor-operated F-16 maintenance.
• Familiarity with maintenance tracking systems like IMDS or ALIS.
• Leadership experience to train and mentor junior technicians.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and deadline adherence.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to delegate and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work in a high-paced, stressful environment.
• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Professional appearance.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, service, and maintain F-16 aircraft ensuring airworthiness and readiness.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, and flight-control systems.
• Perform scheduled phase maintenance and component replacements.
• Use manuals, schematics, and diagnostic tools to fix discrepancies.
• Document actions in the maintenance tracking system.
• Ensure FAA, OEM data and company policies compliance.
• Coordinate with team to optimize workflow and minimize downtime.
• Train and mentor junior technicians and support staff.
• Maintain safety and follow procedures to protect personnel and equipment.

Skills

F-16 experience

IMDS/ALIS familiarity

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Organization

Time management

Problem-solving

Delegation

Stress management

Attendance

Appearance

Education

F-16 maintenance experience (5+ years)

A&P license (preferred)

Military training on F-16 (desirable)

Knowledge of airframe, powerplants, hydraulics, flight controls, avionics

Job description

Description

Job Summary

This role involves performing and overseeing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and inspections on F-16 aircraft. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands‑on experience with F-16 airframe systems, propulsion, and flight controls, along with leadership skills to mentor junior technicians.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, servicing, and maintenance on F-16 aircraft, ensuring airworthiness and operational readiness.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, and flight control systems.
• Perform scheduled phase maintenance, launch and recovery operations, and component replacements as required.
• Utilize technical manuals, schematics, and diagnostic equipment to assess and repair aircraft discrepancies.
• Document maintenance actions accurately in the aircraft maintenance tracking system.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, OEM technical data, and company policies.
• Coordinate with other maintenance personnel and supervisors to optimize workflow and minimize aircraft downtime.
• Train and provide technical guidance to junior technicians and support personnel.
• Maintain a high level of safety awareness and follow established procedures to prevent damage to personnel and equipment.

Why Work for GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran‑owned company who cares about our employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed.

GMRE offers the following benefits to all permanent full‑time employees:

• health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• vacation
• Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws
• paid holidays
• life insurance

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Previous experience working in a civilian or contractor‑operated F-16 maintenance environment.
• Familiarity with maintenance tracking systems such as IMDS, ALIS, or similar platforms.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to train and mentor junior technicians.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of F-16 maintenance experience, preferably at a Level 7 (Craftsman) skill level.
• A&P license preferred but not required; previous military training on F-16 aircraft is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of F-16 airframe systems, powerplants, hydraulics, flight controls, and avionics integration.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment, work in confined spaces, and perform duties in extreme weather conditions.

Security Clearance and Other Requirements

• Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation.
• Driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency. For insurance purposes, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Do you have the ability to pass a background check to be granted access to the specific working location installation bases to perform work for GMRE?

Physical Requirements

• Normal color vision as defined by GMRE, with a passing score of 75% or greater.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Travel required

• Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position for meetings, trainings, and/or site visits.