Shift: Variable shifts, including weekends & holidays
Travel: May be required
Clearance: Ability to obtain & maintain a Secret Clearance
Attendance: Regular and predictable attendance required

Position Overview

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an experienced C-17 Aircraft Structures Mechanic to support structural modification, repair, and heavy maintenance operations on C-17 and other large aircraft platforms. This role requires strong proficiency in close-tolerance drilling, structural assembly, and depot-level repair techniques. Candidates must demonstrate technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in demanding environments.

Key Responsibilities
Structural Repair & Modification

• Perform close-tolerance drilling, reaming, removal, and installation in critical and fracture-critical aircraft structures.
• Locate and drill blind holes required for structural installations.
• Apply sealing, painting, shimming, and preservation of aircraft structures per standard repair processes.
• Use depot-level tooling assemblies and fixtures for structural repair and modification tasks.

Technical Execution

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical orders, process specs, work instructions, and retrofit documentation.
• Diagnose and correct structural and assembly malfunctions.
• Access aircraft data through computer systems and submit online parts/discrepancy requests.
• Use aircraft-specific tools such as torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, cable tensiometers, sheet metal brakes/shears, and more.

Safety & Compliance

• Work in accordance with Hazardous Energy and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Maintain certifications, licenses, and permits required for assigned work.
• Ensure all work areas are safe for access and task performance.
• Comply with San Antonio Site Tool and FOD procedures.
• Pass required assessments upon completion of training.

Collaboration

• Assist and coordinate with General Mechanics, Avionics, and Electronics teams to meet schedule and cost objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Ascend/descend ladders and work in confined spaces.
• Lift loads up to 35 lbs.

• 4+ years of experience working with non-porous metals (aluminum, titanium, stainless).
• 4+ years of experience reading/interpreting schematics, specifications, assembly drawings, and SOPs.
• 4+ years of experience using structures hand tools including:
  • 45° and 90° drills
  • Pancake adapters
  • Countersink cages
  • Hole finders
  • Rivet guns
• 4+ years of heavy aircraft structures experience: drilling, countersinking, fastening (doublers, stringers, webs, seat tracks, etc.).
• Ability to work variable shifts (scheduled/unscheduled overtime, weekends, holidays).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in heavy aircraft maintenance (C-17 or depot-level preferred).
• Experience working with titanium aircraft structures.
• Ability to operate forklifts, mobile cranes, and powered elevating equipment.

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.

PDS Defense, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 1-866-224-2745 to contact us. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The law requires PDS Defense, Inc. to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following links: EEO is the Law and EEO is the Law Supplement

PDS Defense, Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

As a Federal Contractor, PDS Defense, Inc. is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information, please click on the following link: E-Verify

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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