CLS-F35 Aircraft Mechanic 3 (Beaufort SC)

Northrop Grumman • Beaufort, SC

2d • $57,500 - $95,900 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking an Aircraft Mechanic 3 to support O-Level maintenance on F-35 aircraft at MCAS Beaufort as part of its Aircraft Solutions Business Unit. The role performs maintenance, repair, launch, and recovery activities and ensures aircraft are mechanically sound and safe for flight. Work is performed in accordance with JTD and applicable program and service guidance.

The mechanic performs and assists with field-level modifications, TCTD maintenance actions, and organizational-level modifications under F-35 Contractor Logistics Support. Duties include aircraft configuration for modifications; removal and installation of components and attaching hardware; software upload assistance; system operational checkouts; egress system maintenance; fault isolation and troubleshooting; and restoring aircraft to flying condition. The role interprets test equipment readings and uses wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, job guides, and maintenance manuals.

The mechanic maintains aircraft records and status in ALIS, updates production staff on aircraft status, helps train team members and partner maintenance personnel, and obtains locally required special certifications. The position may require temporary duty assignments or temporary support at other CLS locations and emerging deployments. Work schedules may include first, second, third, or weekend shifts, extended shifts, holidays, and on-call coverage. The role requires a Secret clearance and may require obtaining Special Access Program clearance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 4 years of mechanical, aircraft airframe, power plants, turboprop, egress, avionics, and/or crew chief experience.
• Ability to obtain Collateral Duty Inspector Qualification within 18 months of the position start date.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a flightline driver’s competency card.
• Ability to read and interpret technical data and blueprint drawings.
• Current Secret clearance or higher, or an inactive clearance with the last investigation completed within the past 5½ years, and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program clearance, as required.
• Ability to perform moderately strenuous, repetitive work, including bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting items up to 25 pounds, and working overhead.
• Ability to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment.
• Ability to pass a new-hire physical before starting.
• Ability to pass a medical/respiratory evaluation and meet respirator clearance and fitting requirements.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, weekends, and 24/7/365 on-call support.
• Willingness and ability to travel on temporary duty assignments, including on short notice, and support other CLS locations or deployments as needed.

Nice To Haves

• U.S. Navy or Marine Corps CDI qualification, Air Force 5- or 7-level qualification, or equivalent Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) certification.
• Six or more years of F-22 or F-35 experience.
• U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps experience and thorough understanding of F-35 fighter aircraft systems and operations under COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 and 4790.35.
• F-135 power plant engine run certification.
• F-35 avionics systems experience.
• Experience with fighter aircraft crew escape systems, including canopies and ejection seats.
• Experience in structural repairs and low-observable system maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in a military-focused customer service-related industry.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance, repair, launch, and recovery activities on F-35 aircraft.
• Perform aircraft maintenance, inspections, and servicing in accordance with JTD and applicable program and service guidance.
• Perform and assist with field-level modifications and TCTD maintenance actions.
• Perform Airframe and Power Plant General (APG) and airframes tasks, including organizational-level modifications under F-35 Contractor Logistics Support.
• Configure aircraft for modifications; remove and install attaching hardware and components; assist with software uploads; conduct operational checkouts; and maintain egress systems.
• Isolate faults, troubleshoot system failures detected during operational checks, and restore aircraft to flying condition after modifications and maintenance.
• Interpret and use test equipment, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, job guides, and maintenance manuals.
• Maintain and update aircraft records and status in ALIS and keep production staff updated on aircraft status.
• Assist with OJT training for team members and partner aircraft maintenance personnel.
• Obtain locally required special certifications, such as confined-space or borescope certifications.
• Follow housekeeping and safety procedures and ensure safety programs are enforced.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Aircraft Maintenance Manager.
• Undertake temporary duty assignments on short notice and provide temporary support to other CLS locations or emerging deployments as needed.
• Support schedules that may include extended shifts, holidays, weekends, and on-call status.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential overtime pay, shift differential, and discretionary bonus depending on position
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

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