Aircraft Checkout Technician

Skyeton • Fayetteville, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aircraft Checkout Technician performs final configuration verification, ground testing, functional checkout, discrepancy documentation, and release-readiness activities for Skyeton’s unmanned aircraft systems. This position confirms that each aircraft and associated system is correctly assembled, configured, documented, and operating within approved requirements before flight testing, customer acceptance, or delivery.
This is a hands-on technical role requiring disciplined use of checkout procedures, test equipment, engineering data, and production records. The Aircraft Checkout Technician works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Flight Operations, and Program teams to identify and resolve discrepancies while protecting aircraft configuration, safety, traceability, and product quality.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; technical school, military technical training, or an associate degree in aviation, electronics, engineering technology, or a related field is beneficial
• 3+ years of experience in aircraft maintenance, avionics, aerospace assembly, aircraft inspection, production testing, flight-line operations, or a related technical role
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, specifications, test procedures, work instructions, and configuration records
• Experience using digital multimeters, test equipment, diagnostic software, hand tools, torque tools, and computers safely and accurately
• Working knowledge of aircraft electrical, avionics, mechanical, propulsion, control, communication, or navigation systems
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot system discrepancies methodically and document test results and corrective actions
• Ability to maintain accurate aircraft configuration, serial-number, software-version, test, inspection, and traceability records
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize abnormal indications, damaged components, incorrect installations, and unsafe conditions
• Ability to coordinate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Flight Operations while managing multiple checkout priorities
• Ability to work scheduled hours, overtime, or adjusted schedules when supporting testing, deliveries, or program milestones
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing final assembly checkout, production acceptance testing, preflight inspection, or return-to-service verification on aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate, avionics certification, FCC license, NCATT certification, or relevant military aviation qualification
• Experience with fixed-wing UAS, ground-control stations, autopilots, datalinks, payloads, electric power systems, or internal-combustion propulsion systems
• Knowledge of AS9100, configuration management, first article inspection, ESD control, FOD prevention, and aerospace documentation practices
• Experience loading software or firmware, performing calibrations, analyzing logs, or using aircraft diagnostic and test applications
• Experience supporting ground runs, flight tests, customer acceptance, aircraft delivery, or post-flight discrepancy resolution
• Experience in a startup, greenfield, or rapidly scaling aerospace manufacturing organization

Responsibilities

• Perform aircraft checkout activities using approved drawings, specifications, test procedures, work instructions, travelers, and acceptance criteria
• Verify aircraft configuration, installed equipment, serial numbers, software or firmware versions, payloads, options, markings, and required documentation
• Conduct detailed visual and physical inspections for workmanship, security, damage, cleanliness, correct routing, and complete installation
• Perform functional checks of electrical power, avionics, communications, navigation, flight controls, control surfaces, servos, propulsion, payloads, and ground-support interfaces as trained
• Connect and operate approved ground-control equipment, diagnostic tools, test sets, meters, power supplies, computers, and other checkout equipment
• Confirm required torque, safetying, connector engagement, hardware installation, fluid levels, center-of-gravity inputs, control movement, and other preflight conditions
• Execute built-in tests, continuity checks, operational checks, software loads, calibrations, or system verifications in accordance with approved procedures
• Record test results, measurements, aircraft status, configuration data, discrepancies, corrective actions, and completion evidence accurately and promptly
• Identify, document, tag, and communicate defects, failures, missing items, abnormal indications, or deviations from approved requirements
• Coordinate discrepancy troubleshooting and resolution with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, Avionics, Software, and Flight Operations
• Repeat affected checkout steps after rework, repair, software changes, configuration changes, or corrective action to verify satisfactory results
• Maintain strict configuration control and ensure only approved parts, software, tools, procedures, and test equipment are used
• Support production acceptance testing, ground runs, customer demonstrations, flight-test preparation, delivery inspections, and post-flight discrepancy resolution
• Maintain control of tools, test equipment, loose hardware, covers, pins, tags, and foreign-object debris throughout checkout activities
• Follow all safety, ESD, FOD-prevention, battery-handling, propeller, electrical, security, quality, and PPE requirements
• Perform additional aircraft checkout, test, inspection, and manufacturing-support duties as assigned by leadership

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical insurance: voluntary health insurance program
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding aerospace organization
• Opportunity to work on innovative unmanned aerial systems and advanced aerospace technologies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED