Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician

West Star Aviation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits effective day one

Medical, dental, vision with HSA/FSA

401(k) plan with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Flexible work schedules

Weekly pay

Job summary

West Star Aviation seeks a Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician to guide a team of technicians in delivering high-quality, timely maintenance on aircraft.

You will supervise daily tasks, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with FAA regulations while coordinating with customers on project scope and timelines. The role requires strong leadership, extensive hands-on experience, and the ability to work in a fast-paced hangar environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and Airframe & Powerplant License required.
• A valid driver’s license and passport are ideal but not mandatory.
• Aircraft-specific factory training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to complete jobs with good judgment and escalate to management when needed.
• Implement smooth turnover of work to next shift.
• Reduce aircraft turn time within your area of responsibility.
• Train and mentor technicians assigned to projects.
• Supervise daily workload and ensure schedule and quality of work.
• Perform mechanical tasks on aircraft and related systems, including panel removal and repair.
• Troubleshoot and evaluate systems and components as designated.
• Move aircraft, perform test runs, and coordinate with customers on scope.

Skills

Aviation maintenance

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

FAA regulations

Education

Airframe & Powerplant License

High school diploma

Tools

Jacks

Pneumatic tools

Hydraulic tools

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Overview

West Star is the fastest growing maintenance repair organization in the industry and we recognize this 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 with a small company feel.

When you join our team we don’t think you should have to wait for your benefits to kick in. That’s why when you start, they start with you! This includes medical, dental, 401K match, time off accruals, weekly pay days and much more. We don’t want you to live to work, we want you to work and live.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician at West Star, your main focus will be centered on leading a team of technicians to produce timely results of the highest quality and accuracy. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the team to complete necessary jobs/tasks, using good judgement and knowing when to involve your manager.
• Implement a strong turnover of work to the next shift.
• Look for opportunities to reduce turn time of aircraft within your area of responsibility.
• Help train and mentor technicians assigned to your projects.
• Supervise team members in daily workload.
• Work independently on projects and lead multiple projects as assigned, ensuring schedule and work quality.
• Perform general mechanical functions on aircraft and related systems, including panel and component removal and installation, repair work, and sheet metal repair or installation.
• Troubleshoot and evaluate systems on the aircraft when designated.
• Inspect and evaluate the aircraft and components when designated.
• Move aircraft, perform performance runs, and taxi when required.
• Maintain and repair the shop facility, equipment, and tooling to support operations.
• Work with customers in project management, pricing, and support roles.
• Effectively communicate in English (speak, write, read).
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Requirements/Qualifications

Your Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and Airframe and Powerplant License are required.
• A valid driver’s license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport is ideal, but not mandatory.
• Aircraft specific factory training is preferred.

Your Experience:

• 8+ years in aviation maintenance preferred.
• 4+ years in program specific airframes.
• This position requires minimal supervision and will lead small groups in daily tasks.
• Must be a subject matter expert with a wide and comprehensive knowledge of the job.

Your Initiative:

We’re looking for a team player who is 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 overtime and weekend assignments.
• Notify supervisor in advance if unable to work.
• Must have reliable transportation to get to work each day.
• Perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
• Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.
• Maintain customer-oriented work habits.
• Direct the work and flow of multiple projects.
• Supervise team members in daily operations and duties.
• Complete work orders and FAA paperwork.

Other Particulars

Physical Requirements:

• Lift at least 50 lbs.
• Routine walking, bending, squatting, or sitting.
• Routine or repetitive physical motion with arms and hands.
• Basic personal computer operations.

Mental Requirements:

• Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines.
• Troubleshoot or evaluate system operation.
• Work collaboratively with others in a professional manner.
• Coordinate projects.
• Exhibit team management skills.

Supervision:

• Directly supervise multiple technicians.Work under the supervision of an assigned Team Leader and Operations Manager.
• Collaborate with other Team Leaders on multiple projects.

Working Conditions:

• The majority of work will be accomplished in a hangar environment which can include extreme temperatures.
• Work outside during aircraft runs will occur.
• Varied positions in and around the aircraft.

Equipment Used:

• Personal hand tools supplied by the mechanic.
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical equipment.
• Jacks, stands, lifts, and other support devices.
• Tugs, power carts, and other engine powered equipment.
• Personal computer and work order prints.

Compensation & Benefit Information

The hourly rate for this position generally ranges between $38.00- $69.00. Actual hourly rate will vary 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, and supplemental benefits.
• 401(k) plan with employee contributions and employer match.
• Paid company holidays and weekly paid time off accruals.
• Flexible work schedules include 5x8, 4x10, and 3x12.
• Weekly competitive and industry-leading pay means you are paid more often.
• Bonus opportunity based on company and site performance.
• Internal mobility and career advancement opportunities.