Shifts: Must be available for 1st and 2nd shift based on business needs

Position Overview

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an C17-Aircraft Structures Mechanic I to support aircraft maintenance, repair, and modification activities. This role is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, replacing, and rebuilding aircraft structures and components using hand tools, power tools, machines, and technical documentation.

The Aircraft Mechanic I works with a wide range of aircraft systems—including structures, flight controls, pneudraulics, engines, APU, and environmental systems—and performs scheduled and unscheduled inspections to ensure aircraft airworthiness.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform close-tolerance drilling, reaming, removal, and installation in critical structural and fracture-critical areas.
• Locate blind holes and install new structural components onto existing aircraft structure.
• Conduct sealing, painting, shimming, and preservation tasks per repair processes.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical orders, process specifications, and retrofit requirements.
• Use depot-level tooling assemblies and fixtures for structural modification and repair.
• Troubleshoot and repair aircraft mechanical components and perform replacements as needed.
• Conduct sheet metal and structural repairs; evaluate functionality of simple electrical systems.
• Utilize aircraft-specific tools (test equipment, torque wrenches, calipers, tensiometers, sheet metal brakes/shears, etc.).
• Access aircraft data systems to initiate parts requests and discrepancy reports.
• Maintain required certifications, permits, and licenses for assigned tasks.
• Work in confined spaces, ascend/descend vertical ladders, and lift up to 35 lbs.
• Ensure safety through proper Hazardous Energy and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Collaborate with General Mechanics, Avionics, and Electronics technicians to meet cost and schedule targets.
• Successfully pass training assessments.
• Comply with San Antonio Site Tool and FOD procedures.

Job Duties Include

• Troubleshooting aircraft structures, landing gear, controls, flight surfaces, anti-icing, pneudraulic, engines, APU, and ventilation/heating systems.
• Repairing or rebuilding aircraft structures (wings, fuselage) and functional components (rigging, controls, plumbing, hydraulics).
• Reading/using manufacturer maintenance manuals, service bulletins, engineering data, and technical documentation.
• Performing 100-hour, progressive, isochronal, phase, and periodic inspections.
• Inspecting reciprocating and jet engines for cracks, leaks, corrosion, FOD, distortions, and missing components.
• Testing engine operations using analyzers, compression testers, timers, ammeters, and Jetcal equipment.
• Removing, disassembling, repairing, and reinstalling engines using hoists or forklifts.

• 1+ years of experience working with non-porous metals (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel).
• 1+ years of experience reading schematics, specifications, assembly drawings, and SOPs.
• 1+ years using structural hand tools (drills, countersink cages, rivet guns, hole finders, pancake adapters, etc.).
• Ability to work variable shifts, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Regular and predictable attendance is a requirement.
• Training: Successful completion of OJT or classroom training is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aircraft heavy maintenance (C-17 depot level).
• Experience working with titanium aircraft structures.
• Ability to operate a forklift, mobile crane, or electric elevating equipment.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to climb 3–12 ft ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift 35 lbs (occasionally >50 lbs with two-person lift).
• Frequent standing, walking, overhead reaching, and balancing on uneven surfaces.
• Occasional crawling, squatting, bending/stooping, lying down, or operating foot controls.
• Exposure to elevated noise levels and occasional contact with metals.
• Ability to use PPE (face, eyes, ears, hands, arms).
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.
• Must pass visual acuity and color-perception tests.
• Must handle, use, and dispose of hazardous materials safely.
• Must obtain/maintain all required training certifications.

Education / Experience

Applicable educational credentials or certifications from an accredited institution and/or equivalent aircraft maintenance experience required.

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/.