Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY 

The Air Tanker Mechanic will work with a minimum of supervision on Aero-Flite aircraft fleet and production projects as assigned. As an A&P Licensed Mechanic, you will generally work under the supervision of Fleet Lead and or Crew Lead and will be responsible for helping make decisions regarding aircraft maintenance to maintain schedules and budgetary requirements. Diagnose, adjust, or repair, aircraft airframes, propellers, components, avionics, engines, hydraulic system, pneumatic system, and/or all other aircraft systems.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Field assignments to support customer requirements and provide mechanical support to flight operations.
• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
• Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standard and that aircraft is ready for operation.
• Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
• Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
• Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
• Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
• Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, and seals.
• Measure the tension of control cables.
• Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
• Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
• Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components, and accessories, using hand or power tools.
• Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, and ammeters.
• Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
• Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft.
• Read and interpret pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes.
• Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
• Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts, using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.
• Service and maintain aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities such as flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, and lubricating moving parts.
• Examine engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds or use hoists/ lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft.
• Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
• Fabricate defective sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders.
• Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft.
• Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
• Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades and cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment.

• Adhere to Aero-Flite safety regulations, maintenance policies, procedures and company protocols while performing their duties.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of aircraft services, and maintenance required to assist in maintaining the aircraft in a serviceable and airworthy condition.
• Sheet Metal - Knowledge of basic aircraft structures, materials and repairs.
• Avionics/Electrical - Knowledge of basic avionics/electrical theory, troubleshooting and repair.
• Knowledge of safety measures required within the workplace.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changes.
• Ability to take instruction; listen and follow oral communication.
• Skill in working with sheet metal, mechanical and power machinery and tools.
• Ability to work professionally within a team of individuals; promote and maintain a positive working environment.
• Knowledge of FARs as related to aircraft maintenance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education and Experience

• High school or equivalent graduate
• FAA issued Airframe and Powerplant license
• Electrical/technical/mechanical experience or aptitude is required.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Two - Five years of directly related General Aviation experience
• FAR Part 145 experience is a plus
• Electrical or Avionics experience is a plus

COMPENTENCIES

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• English Language - Ability to read, write and understand the English language.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Mathematics – General knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their application within aviation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in an aircraft hangar and office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, hand tools, large machinery and performs tasks in confined spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually at a typical hangar level with frequent periods of moderately loud noises. Exposure to industrial chemical use, smells, fragrances, animals, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Regular exposure to a hangar environment with walking/traversing hazards, uneven surfaces, fall hazards and stairs.

JOB ABILITIES

• Stationary Position - Must be able to remain in stationary position 50% of the time while performing repairs and inspections.
• Move, Traverse - Must be able to move about inside office, hangar and aircraft.
• Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position - Constantly making precisely coordinated movements with fingers and hands to manipulate or assemble objects.
• Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse - Frequently ascends/descends ladders, work stands and on top of the aircraft.
• Position self (to), Move - Constantly positions self to inspect, maintain and repair equipment.
• Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information - Must be able to frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess - Must be able detect objects at close range (within a few feet from the observer).
• Move, Transport, Position, Put, Install, Remove - Occasionally moves tools and equipment up to 100 pounds.
• Balancing – Must be able to manage equilibrium while traversing across office and hangar, ascending/descending ladders and scaffolding, and on top aircraft or work stands.

POSITION TYPE (Expected Hours of Work)

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday but will vary significantly based upon business and operational needs.

TRAVEL
Extensive travel during field operations to support operations, via vehicle and air, of extended duration. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION & SECURITY CLEARNCE 

• Valid US Driver’s License
• Valid Passport
• Must have valid SIDA badge
• Must own basic set of hand tools

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $30.00 - $40.00 hourly; the hourly rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.