Aircraft Technician

University of North Dakota • Grand Forks, ND

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aircraft Technician provides the UND Aerospace Maintenance Department with the mechanical skills and expertise needed to maintain a large fleet of aircraft used for flight training. The position requires an FAA-issued Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate and work under the UND Aerospace FAA Part 145 repair station certificate. The role is onsite at the Grand Forks, North Dakota campus, works 40 hours per week, and is paid $30 per hour, non-exempt and eligible for overtime. A $10,000 sign-on bonus is offered: $5,000 at the start of employment and $5,000 after completion of the probationary period. A payback schedule applies if the employee leaves before completing two years of service with the university.

The technician performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, alterations, and aircraft recordkeeping on fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. Work must comply with manufacturer recommendations, Federal Aviation Regulations, FAA requirements, and UND Aerospace maintenance policies and procedures. The technician also follows shop safety practices, operates and maintains proficiency with repair-facility equipment, keeps work areas clean and safe, and moves aircraft into and out of hangars.

Applicants need an associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance, or a high school diploma and three years of directly related experience, as well as an FAA A&P certificate by the start date and currency under FAR Part 65.83. Applicants who expect to complete their degree and obtain their A&P by January 2026 will be considered. Successful completion of a criminal history background check is required. The position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance, or a high school diploma and three years of directly related work experience. Applicants expecting to complete their degree and obtain their A&P by January 2026 will be considered.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate by the start date.
• Meet the currency requirement of FAR Part 65.83.
• Successfully complete a Criminal History Background Check.
• Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift or move bulky or heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer skills.
• High mechanical aptitude and hands-on competency.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow technical publications, electrical schematics, and troubleshooting charts.
• Ability to operate diagnostic equipment and analyze data.
• Skills operating specialty equipment used to maintain aircraft.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience as a certified A&P technician working in general aviation.
• Experience working on Piper single- and multi-engine aircraft, Cessna single-engine aircraft, and rotary-wing aircraft.
• FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School education.
• Experience with an FAA Part 145 Repair Station.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled annual, 100-hour, 50-hour, and progressive inspections on fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, federal aviation regulations, and UND Aerospace maintenance policies and procedures.
• Research and comply with FAA Airworthiness Directives, manufacturer Service Bulletins and Service Letters, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Determine aircraft component life limits and inspection intervals.
• Perform maintenance and inspections under the UND FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station certificate, comply with applicable Part 145 regulations, complete required records and FAA reports, and determine proper component and parts applications.
• Return aircraft to service after FAR 91.213(d) deferrals and under Part 91 minimum equipment list provisions.
• Correct aircraft discrepancies; troubleshoot and repair inoperative systems and components; and follow manufacturer schematics and troubleshooting procedures.
• Determine correct manufacturer part numbers for replacement parts.
• Perform sheet-metal repairs by following structural repair manuals, inspecting airframe structures for defects, and repairing damaged areas with precision hand tools, power tools, rivet guns, and related equipment.
• Conduct routine maintenance on hydraulic systems, landing gear, and other mechanical equipment; perform powerplant repairs; and repair components such as magnetos, starters, alternators, control valves, and fuel systems.
• Perform aircraft weight-and-balance calculations, ground operations, and engine performance checks; maintain and service aircraft propellers.
• Determine whether repairs are major or minor under the Federal Aviation Regulations and develop structural repair methods in accordance with the regulations and advisory circular AC 43-13.
• Complete FAA Form 337 for major repairs and alterations, work with local FAA personnel to obtain approvals, and install Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) with required documentation.
• Accurately complete aircraft logbooks, UND work orders, inspection forms, checklists, and other records in accordance with FAA Part 43.
• Record compliance with FAA Airworthiness Directives and manufacturer Service Bulletins and Service Letters; ensure required return-to-service entries are made; and approve aircraft, airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, or components for return to service using the technician’s A&P certificate number and signature when applicable.
• Follow general maintenance shop safety practices and operate and maintain proficiency with support and shop equipment used for aircraft repairs.
• Supervise and train subordinates in proper shop equipment use, maintain clean and safe work areas, and move aircraft in and out of hangars.

Benefits

• $10,000 sign-on bonus, paid as $5,000 at the start of employment and $5,000 upon completion of the probationary period; a payback schedule applies if the employee leaves before two years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree