A/C Mechanic III - Airframes, Team Lead

The F/A-18, Airframe/Structural Aircraft Mechanic III, Team Lead, troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight surfaces and controls, and pneudraulic for F/A-18 aircraft. This mechanic repairs, replaces, and rebuilds aircraft structures, such as wings and fuselage, and functional components including rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools, machines, and equipment such as shears, sheet metal brake, rivet gun, and drills. This worker reads and interprets manufacturers and maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical data, engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. Performs corrosion prevention and treatment in accordance with (IAW) governing directives.  Detects, identifies, reports, treats, and prevents various forms of corrosion in accordance with applicable directives. This includes, but is not limited to; surface finish removal, sanding, corrosion control, preservation, masking, stenciling, and paint touch-up of assigned squadron aircraft and within the Corrosion Control Facility. Performs acceptance, conditional, daily, phase, pre/post depot level, special, transfer, turnaround and zonal aircraft inspections and preoperational and periodic inspections on support equipment (SE) IAW Maintenance Requirements Cards (MRC) and NAVAIR technical manuals.  Performs all duties in accordance with the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) and Commander Naval Air Forces Instruction 4790.2B.

Must have a thorough knowledge of aircraft mechanical component troubleshooting, repair procedures and replacement of parts, requires broad knowledge of aircraft sheet metal/structural modifications and repair, must have thorough knowledge of aircraft unique tools such as test equipment, torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, sheet metal brakes and sheers. This job requires working knowledge of technical publications. Receives technical guidance, as required, from supervisor or higher-level technician, will occasionally be required to lead teams through more complex aircraft relevant tasks, and may be required to make entries in aircraft logs and records.  Must be able to prioritize workload in order to maintain schedules on assigned projects.

Performs a full range of aircraft sheet metal duties including, but not limited to, disassemble, modify, repair, and reassemble complex aircraft metal items and systems, e.g., bulkheads, airframes, spars, air scoops, wings, flaps, pylons, sponsons, fuselages, skins, ribs, gussets, and fuel tanks.  These items and systems have combined straight and curved edges and irregular curves and planes. Analyzes and evaluates structural damage to metal systems and items; develops patterns using a combination of parallel and radial line development; fabricates, installs, and repairs a variety of items and systems made from a wide variety of metals, e.g., stainless steel, copper sheet, magnesium, honeycomb, alloys, aluminum; replaces sections and patch old systems; cuts, bends, shapes, and forms metals for items that have numerous irregular angles, planes, and curves with varying pitch and circumference; use a variety of assembly joints, complex fastening systems, riveted or welded joints, drill or punch holes; and assemble or repair items by seaming, soldering, bolting, screwing, riveting, tacking, and spot welding.  Assembly methods shall meet appearance and strength standards, as well as critical tolerances.

Job duties require that this mechanic: adjusts, repairs, or replaces electrical wiring system and aircraft accessories, conduct maintenance inspections, and perform miscellaneous duties to service aircraft. Assists with the jacking and towing of aircraft, enters in the maintenance records description of the work performed and verifies the work was performed satisfactorily, required to keep aircraft in safe operating condition.  Performs duties of a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR) and ensures all maintenance is performed and inspected in accordance with the NAMP.

Working Conditions:  May be required to work in areas that are noisy, dusty, and dirty. May be exposed to moderate discomforts, such as heat, cold and wind. This position requires normal physical functions. Work may require frequent bending, reaching, and climbing. Work may be performed on top or under equipment in cramped or awkward positions. May frequently lift and carry items weighing up to fifty pounds and occasionally lift heavier items with the assistance of other workers. Will be required to comply with all applicable and local safety regulations and policies governing work performed on USMC aircraft. Must wear proper work attire to include safety boots, eye protection, and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) determined to be necessary by the government.

Experience: Minimum of six (6) years of F/A-18 specific aviation maintenance experience

Qualification:  Must hold a USMC Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 6257 in F/A-18 aircraft, specifically as an Aircraft Communication/Navigation/Weapon system Technician and have a Level III certification in Marine Aviation Training and Education Program (MATMEP). 

Must have completed the Aircraft Corrosion Control Course N-701-0013 or C-600-3183 and must have either completed or be capable of completing the Aircraft Paint/Finish Course C-600-3182 or the Aircraft Paint Touch Up and Marking Course N-701-0014.

Must possess, and maintain, a minimum of SECRET clearance.

Must be able to receive and maintain Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR) qualifications certification in accordance with the NAMP.

Certification:  Must meet technical proficiency to qualify as a CDQAR.  Must be certified to perform tasks specified in the Corporate Standard Operating Procedures Manual if required.