Lead Aircraft Interior Technician - 1020

West Star Aviation Inc.; East Alton (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits start day one

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays & PTO accruals

Flexible work schedules

Weekly paydays

Job summary

West Star Aviation is seeking a Lead Aircraft Interior Technician to head a team of technicians in producing high-quality aircraft interior work. You will supervise installation, modification, repair, refurbishment, and fabrication of interior components, while ensuring safety and efficiency.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive interior systems knowledge, and the ability to train and mentor staff in a fast-paced hangar environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience on aircraft, auto, RV, or marine interiors.
• Extensive knowledge in all areas of the position.
• Ability to lead small work groups with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to complete jobs with good judgment.
• Independently manage installations by coordinating with the Interior Team Leader and staff.
• Perform quality checks, supervise, and assign daily activities.

Skills

Aircraft interior experience

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Power tools

Sheet metal cutters

Glue guns

Metal benders

Job description

West Star is the fastest-growing maintenance repair organization in the industry, and we recognize that this success is the result of our talented team of trusted employees working together to deliver customer service excellence. We are committed to providing our employees with personal and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of respect and well-being that retains a small company feel.

When you join our team, we don’t believe you should have to wait for your benefits to kick in. That’s why, when you start, they start with you! This includes medical and dental coverage, a 401(k) match, time off accruals, weekly paydays, and much more. We don’t want you to live to work; we want you to work and live.

What You Can Expect as a Lead Aircraft Interior Technician at West Star:

As a Lead, your primary focus will be on leading a team of technicians in producing timely results of the highest quality for aircraft interiors. This includes leading the installation, modification, repair, refurbishment, and fabrication of aircraft interior components. There will also be varying amounts of parts replacement and general mechanical applications. The ability to evaluate and adjust modifications is essential, as well as training and maintaining workflow.

You Will Be ESSENTIAL To Many FUNCTIONS, Including

• Leading the team to complete necessary jobs/tasks, using good judgment in handling day-to‑day tasks, and knowing when to involve your manager or team leader.
• Independently managing installations by communicating with the Interior Team Leader and various departmental staff to determine the flow for completing assignments.
• Performing quality checks, supervising, and assigning personnel on daily activities.
• Training, coaching, and mentoring team members to develop the job knowledge and performance of installation technicians.
• Preparing and delivering annual performance evaluations for assigned team members.
• Assisting with engineering designs for major modification projects.
• Completely removing, repairing, and modifying aircraft interior components with little or no supervision.
• Working independently on projects when required.
• Performing daily turnover sheets.
• Effectively and clearly communicating (i.e., speaking, writing, reading) in English.
• Any other job‑related duties as assigned by a supervisor or management.

Your Education

A high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of supervisory training classes is preferred.

Your Experience

• 8+ Years on aircraft, auto, RV, or Marine interior's
• Exclusive knowledge in all area's of the position
• This position requires minimal supervision and will lead small work groups on daily tasks

Your Initiative

We’re looking for team players who are self‑motivated and able to perform in a fast‑paced environment, where working under specific deadlines and time constraints will be common.

Your Sense Of Responsibility

Attend work every day as scheduled, including for overtime and weekend assignments.

Notify the supervisor in advance of your shift start if you are unable to work.

Must have reliable transportation to get to work each and every day.

Perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.

Follow all company and safety rules during the performance of duties.

Maintain customer‑oriented work habits.

Assist in major modification work as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Routine walking, bending, squatting, or sitting.
• Routine or repetitive physical motion with arms and hands, with an emphasis on grasping, feeling, and finger dexterity.
• Standing for long periods.
• Climbing ladders and stairs, and working in small, restricted areas.

Mental Requirements

Understanding and implementing regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to OSHA, Hazmat, etc.

Working with others in a professional manner.

Reading and comprehending various documents.

Planning and organizing procedures and operations.

Supervision

Working under the supervision of the assigned Team Leader and Interior Management.

May be directed to supervise other technicians in some capacity.

Working with minimal supervision when required.

Working Conditions

The majority of work will be performed in a hangar or shop environment.

Occasional work outside on the ramp.

Varied positions in and around the aircraft.

Equipment Used

Personal hand tools supplied by the technician.

Electrical power tools such as sanders, saws, power drills, etc.

Sheet metal cutters, glue guns, and metal benders.

Computers, copy machines, work order printouts, and standard office equipment.

Compensation & Benefit Information

The following information is disclosed according to state specific requirements. If the position applied to is not in a state with these requirements, the following information may not apply. The hourly rate for this position generally ranges between $30-$42. Actual hourly rate will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience and performance. Additional compensation in the form of a shift differential will be provided if the employee is assigned to an alternate shift. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package. Other forms of compensation include a semi‑annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) company match and employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

West Star Aviation’s Benefits

• Benefits Effective Day One for Eligible Employees
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Life Insurance, Disability Benefits & Supplemental Benefits
• 401(k) Plan with Employee Contributions & Employer Match
• Paid Company Holidays & Weekly Paid Time Off Accruals
• Flexible Work Schedules include 5x8, 4x10 and 3x12
• Weekly Competitive & Industry Leading Pay means you are paid more often
• Bonus Opportunity based on Company and Site Performance
• Internal Mobility & Career Advancement opportunities

Company Description

With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full‑service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis and Chicago. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.