C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic I

C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic I (Contract)

Location: San Antonio, TX
Job ID: 226789

About the Role

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic I (Contract) to support aircraft maintenance and structural modification activities in San Antonio, TX. This position plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing C-17 aircraft structures and systems to ensure mission readiness, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Candidates must be available to work variable shifts, including 1st and 2nd shift schedules, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.

Important Hiring Information

• All contractors will complete required assessments on Day 1 of assignment.
• Candidates who do not pass the assessment will be released from the assignment.
• Successful candidates will proceed to training.
• Successful completion of training (OJT and/or classroom instruction) is required for continued employment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform close-tolerance drilling, reaming, removal, and installation on critical aircraft support structures and fracture-critical areas.
• Locate and prepare blind holes for installation of structural components.
• Perform sealing, painting, shimming, and preservation processes according to approved procedures.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical orders, process specifications, and retrofit requirements.
• Use tooling assemblies and fixtures for depot-level modifications and structural repairs.
• Troubleshoot and repair aircraft structures, landing gear, flight controls, hydraulic systems, engines, auxiliary power units, and related systems.
• Repair, replace, and rebuild aircraft structural components including wings, fuselage sections, control surfaces, and hydraulic units.
• Utilize hand tools, power tools, precision measuring devices, riveting equipment, sheet metal brakes, shears, and specialty aircraft maintenance tools.
• Access aircraft maintenance systems and submit online parts and discrepancy requests.
• Assist General Mechanics, Avionics, and Electronics personnel in meeting production schedules and quality goals.
• Maintain all required certifications, licenses, and permits.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with non-porous metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.
• Minimum 1 year of experience interpreting schematics, specifications, assembly drawings, and standard operating procedures.
• Minimum 1 year of experience using aircraft structure hand tools, including:
  • Drills (45� and 90�)
  • Pancake adapters
  • Countersink cages
  • Hole finders
  • Rivet guns
• Ability to interpret technical manuals and engineering documentation.
• Ability to work variable shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to successfully complete required assessments and training.

Required Skills

• Aircraft structural repair and modification
• Technical drawing and schematic interpretation
• Aircraft metals fabrication and repair
• Precision hand tool operation
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Aircraft maintenance documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing C-17 depot-level heavy maintenance.
• Experience working with titanium aircraft structures.
• Ability to operate:
  • Forklifts
  • Mobile cranes
  • Electric-powered elevating equipment
• Experience in aircraft structural modifications and repairs in military or commercial aviation environments.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

• Ascend and descend vertical ladders.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Lift and carry loads up to approximately 35 lbs.
• Participate in team lifts for loads exceeding 50 lbs.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, squat, crawl, and reach overhead.
• Work on elevated platforms and uneven surfaces.
• Pass visual acuity and color perception testing.
• Read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure to aircraft maintenance environments and noise.
• Contact with aircraft metals and industrial materials.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye, face, hearing, hand, and arm protection.
• Handling and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Compliance with Hazardous Energy Control, Lockout/Tagout, Site Tool Control, and FOD Prevention requirements.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance