Lead General Aviation Mechanic - Piston Experience Required

D.O.M. magazine; Alcoa (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Avionics and Maintenance, operating at Alcoa, Tennessee, is hiring A&P mechanics with piston aircraft experience. The role focuses on inspections, repairs, and services for general aviation piston aircraft within a team. Strong emphasis on safety, accuracy, and timely work is required.

The position is full-time, with standard work hours (M–F 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and potential bonus for weekend AOG callouts. Pay ranges from $22 to $45 per hour depending on experience and licensing.

Qualifications

• FAA A&P certification required.
• Minimum 2 years of direct piston aircraft maintenance experience.
• Able to read maintenance manuals, service bulletins and schematics.
• IA certification is a plus and may be compensated.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance to airworthiness standards.
• Inspect, test, troubleshoot, and repair airframes and engines.
• Use maintenance manuals and schematics to replace defective components.
• Collaborate with avionics and maintenance teams to complete tasks.

Skills

A&P certification

Piston maintenance

Troubleshooting

Maintenance manuals & schematics

Education

FAA A&P certification

Tools

Aircraft tools kit

Job description

Lead General Aviation Mechanic - Piston Experience Required

Company:

Category:

Maintenance

Job Type:

Permanent

City:

Alcoa

State:

Country:

USA

Job Description
Horizon Avionics and Maintenance is hiring A&P Mechanics with piston aircraft experience in Alcoa, Tennessee.
Position:

• Horizon is looking for qualified and motivated Aircraft Mechanics to grow our maintenance team. The A&P/IA will perform inspections, repairs, and services on customer aircraft and ensure safe operation in a timely manner. Because the majority of our work is with piston aircraft, prior piston experience is required for success in this role.
• Horizon Avionics and Maintenance has been in business for nearly thirty years at Alcoa's McGhee Tyson Airport. Initially just an avionics install and repair shop, Horizon added maintenance support a few years into operation. Since then, our customer base and workload have grown.
• Job Responsibilities:This position reports directly to the General Manager. Candidates will work in close partnership with other maintenance crew and avionics technicians.
• Perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance to airworthiness standards in accordance with regulations, manuals, Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives, and company policies.
• Inspect, test, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft airframes and engines.
• Adjust, repair, or replace defective components using maintenance manuals, schematics, and other technical documents.
• Use precision instruments and equipment to test and maintain aircraft compliance and safety.
• Work with team members to perform complex tasks and troubleshoot aircraft systems.
• Primary aircraft supported will be single and twin general aviation piston aircraft (Cirrus, Beechcraft, Cessna, Mooney, Piper, etc.). Hands‑on piston engine experience is essential.
• Many components being installed/removed can exceed 50 lbs.
• Full‑time employment (M–F 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 1-hour unpaid lunch).

Requirements:

Ideal Candidate Requirements & Qualifications:

• Current FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification (A&P).
• Minimum 2 years of direct piston aircraft maintenance experience required.
• If eligible for Inspection Authorization (IA), compensation can be provided for class and testing.
• IA license is considered a plus.
• Own a set of standard aircraft maintenance tools (calibrated and specialty tooling provided).
• Motivated and positive attitude.
• Must be able to pass background check, drug & alcohol test, and airport badge screening. FAA Drug Program required.
• Basic level computer and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret aircraft maintenance manuals, service bulletins, airworthiness directives, technical notes, and schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and repair skills across electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Team-oriented mindset; many tasks require coordination with avionics and maintenance teams.
• Customer safety focus, work ethic, and commitment to learning.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to provide feedback and propose solutions.

Rate of Pay:

• Based on previous experience, licensing, and training: $22–$45 per hour.
• Optional weekend AOG callout work with bonus pay.

D.O.M. magazine is the premier magazine for aviation maintenance management professionals. Its management-focused editorial provides information maintenance managers need and want including business best practices, professional development, regulatory, quality management, legal issues and more. The digital version of D.O.M. magazine is available for free on all devices (iOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle).