Aircraft Interiors Lead Technician (Soft Goods Crew Chief)

Elliott Aviation•Rock Island, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Elliott Aviation is seeking an experienced Aircraft Interiors Lead Technician (Soft Goods Crew Chief) to lead aircraft interior refurbishment projects while providing technical guidance and mentorship to a team of skilled interior technicians. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing aircraft seat refurbishment, upholstery repairs, cabin interior modifications, soft goods installation, quality control, project execution, and customer satisfaction from project kick-off through aircraft delivery. The role involves working on various business aviation aircraft and delivering exceptional results for customers while developing future aviation interior professionals.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
5+ years of aircraft interior, aircraft upholstery, aircraft seating, cabin refurbishment, or aviation soft goods experience.
Previous leadership, lead technician, crew chief, or supervisory experience.
FAA Repairman Certificate.
Working knowledge of FAR Parts 43, 91, 135, and 145.
Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
Ability to obtain and maintain airport security credentials.

Nice To Haves

Business aviation experience.
Experience in an FAA Part 145 Repair Station environment.
Aircraft seat refurbishment and modification experience.
Experience leading teams in an MRO, aircraft completion center, maintenance facility, or aircraft interiors operation.
Elliott Production Inspector (Blue Stamp) qualification or ability to obtain.
Experience supporting VIP interiors, corporate jet interiors, business jet interiors, or aircraft cabin modification projects.

Responsibilities

Lead Aircraft Interior Projects: Take ownership of assigned aircraft interior projects from planning through final delivery. Coordinate labor, materials, vendors, and resources to support project schedules and customer commitments. Monitor project progress against labor estimates, production goals, quality standards, and delivery timelines. Communicate effectively with customers, project managers, supervisors, vendors, and team members throughout the project lifecycle. Ensure customer aircraft, equipment, and components are protected throughout all phases of maintenance and refurbishment.
Perform and Oversee Interior Work: Inspect, repair, refurbish, modify, and install aircraft seats and interior components. Evaluate cabin furnishings, upholstery, seat assemblies, sidewalls, headliners, panels, carpeting, and trim for functionality, damage, and overall quality. Support aircraft seat refurbishment, aircraft upholstery repair, cabin refurbishment, interior installations, and aircraft interior modifications. Coordinate repairs through approved vendors, OEMs, or qualified internal personnel when required. Ensure all work complies with FAA regulations, approved technical data, OEM maintenance manuals, burn requirements, and company procedures.
Lead and Develop Technicians: Assign and prioritize daily work activities for team members. Provide coaching, mentorship, and hands-on training to interior technicians. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, quality, and continuous improvement. Support technician development and skill progression within the Aircraft Interiors department. Help establish and maintain best practices related to aircraft upholstery, soft goods installation, and interior refurbishment.
Ensure Quality and Compliance: Review work packages, maintenance records, labor entries, and project documentation for accuracy and completeness. Maintain compliance with FAA Repair Station requirements and company quality standards. Ensure proper documentation, inventory allocation, sign-offs, and labor reporting. Verify aircraft interiors meet customer expectations and quality standards prior to delivery. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.