Police Aircraft Mechanic

St. Louis County; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled aircraft mechanic to ensure the safety and functionality of MD500 helicopters. This role involves inspecting, maintaining, and repairing aircraft in compliance with FAA regulations, requiring a strong foundation in aviation maintenance and hands-on experience with turbine helicopters. The ideal candidate will possess considerable skills in diagnosing and repairing aircraft systems, as well as the ability to work independently and handle physical demands. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will contribute to aviation safety and operational excellence, while enjoying a flexible work schedule and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in inspecting and maintaining turbine helicopters.
• FAA Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair MD500 helicopters and equipment.
• Certify airworthiness and conduct periodic inspections.

Skills

Aircraft Maintenance

Inspection Skills

Troubleshooting

Repair Skills

Decision Making

Physical Strength

Education

Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance

Tools

Power Tools

Hand Tools

Job description

An employee in this job class is responsible for performing work of marked difficulty inspecting, maintaining, overhauling and repairing MD500 helicopters, accessories and equipment in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and manufacture specifications. Work is performed under the direction of the unit’s chief mechanic and an administrative supervisor. Work involves moderate physical exertion, lifting and moving heavy objects and operating power and hand tools. Work requires considerable independent judgment in the performance of duties and is reviewed for adherence to specifications of manufacturers and government agencies, rate of performance and through results obtained.

Duty Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with flexibility to meet Department needs.

Per the Department's Collective Bargaining Agreement, newly hired employees who do not possess corresponding experience will start at the base starting pay listed in this posting.

• Certify the airworthiness of assigned aircraft in conformance with the Federal Air Regulations, manufacturer’s bulletins and service notes, as well as airworthiness directives and department regulations.
• Conduct periodic aircraft inspections in accordance with prescribed requirements, notes and corrects defects and makes appropriate entries in logs, records, checklists and reports.
• Make appropriate repairs, modifications, adjustments and replacements to aircraft in response to airworthiness directives, manufacturer’s service bulletins as required.
• Investigate, analyze and correct reported and apparent malfunctions in all aircraft and engine systems and components.
• Assure proper fueling and lubrication of aircraft in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Requisition parts, supplies and equipment, and maintain parts inventory and records of parts used, parts due for replacement and related documentation.
• Disassemble, inspect and overhaul airframe components and perform minor engine repairs at specified intervals.
• Maintain records of all inspections, discrepancies, replacements, directive and service bulletin compliance, component history and daily status of aircraft.
• Maintain aircraft, facilities, equipment and materials in clean, orderly condition.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with factory, manufacturing and supplier representatives, engineering staff and FAA inspectors regarding the maintenance, repairs, performance and serviceability of parts and equipment.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in aircraft maintenance and repair of engines and airframe parts and components.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration safety rules and regulations pertaining to inspection, repair and airworthiness certification for fixed wing and rotary blade aircraft.
• Considerable skill in diagnosing, replacing, repairing and rebuilding aircraft powerplants and airframe components and parts.
• Considerable skill in inspecting aircraft at predetermined intervals to ensure compliance with federal safety standards.
• Considerable skill in repairing, replacing, modifying and rebuilding electronic, navigational, and lighting equipment.
• Skill in maintaining systems for inventory, purchases, maintenance manuals, safety rules and regulations, and aircraft maintenance logs.
• Skill in making decisions regarding repair feasibility based on current aircraft manufacturer’s recommendation and federal safety rules.
• Electrical troubleshooting and refined vibration-balancing.
• Possess the ability to work independently.
• Ability to move and lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.).
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Training and Experience:

Associate degree in aviation maintenance or related field, three years minimum, (five years preferred) of experience inspecting, overhauling, maintaining and certifying turbine helicopters, a valid state driver’s license; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

Previous relevant field experience with MD500 helicopters and completion of McDonnell Douglas Maintenance Course, previous relevant experience with the Rolls Royce turbine engine, obtained a Certificate of Achievement from the McDonnell Douglas Overhaul Course, obtained a Certification of Achievement from the rolls Royce/Allison Engine School and obtained an Inspection Authorization license.

Special Requirements:

FAA Certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certification in good standing. Must obtain a Certificate of Achievement from the McDonnell Douglas Factory Maintenance School within 18 months of hire date (paid for by St. Louis County). Must possess all required tools for normal A&P maintenance on the specified aircraft.

COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS: Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St. Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.