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Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Mechanic II

Columbus, GA · On-site

$28.50 - $37.50/hr

S. military tactical aircraft maintenance or U.S. military technical school * Four (4) years' experience in maintenance, modification, and repair of tactical aircraft systems * Possess effective oral ...

Aircraft Mechanic II

Columbus, GA · On-site

$28.50 - $37.50/hr

S. military tactical aircraft maintenance or U.S. military technical school * Four (4) years' experience in maintenance, modification, and repair of tactical aircraft systems * Possess effective oral ...

Aircraft Mechanic - JFK

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$31.75 - $41.50/hr

You will perform all maintenance and related activities in accordance with the company/customer ... Good exposure to operational and tactical decision-making. * Able to prioritize sequential ...

LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic 2 (A&P)

Fort Polk, LA

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

The LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic II performs the full range of military tactical aircraft maintenance and maintains repairs and modifies aircraft structures and structural components of moderate ...

LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic 2 - A&P

Fort Polk, LA · On-site

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

The LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic II performs the full range of military tactical aircraft maintenance and maintains repairs and modifies aircraft structures and structural components of moderate ...

LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic 2 (A&P)

Fort Polk, LA · On-site

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

The LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic II performs the full range of military tactical aircraft maintenance and maintains repairs and modifies aircraft structures and structural components of moderate ...

LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic 2 - A&P

Fort Polk, LA · On-site

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

The LUH72 Aircraft Mechanic II performs the full range of military tactical aircraft maintenance and maintains repairs and modifies aircraft structures and structural components of moderate ...

This role is in Textron System's Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. Visit ... Summary The Aircraft Logs & Records Technician reports to the Aircraft Maintenance Administration ...

... maintenance, modification and repair of military tactical aircraft systems or associated components. * Approve or reject work accomplished by field team members to ensure compliance with customer ...

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Tactical Aircraft Maintenance information

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How much do tactical aircraft maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for tactical aircraft maintenance in the United States is $34.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tactical aircraft maintenance?

A Tactical Aircraft Maintenance job involves inspecting, repairing, and servicing military aircraft to ensure they are mission-ready. Technicians troubleshoot mechanical and avionics issues, perform routine maintenance, and follow strict safety protocols. They work in high-pressure environments, often on airfields or in deployed locations. Attention to detail and technical expertise are essential to keep aircraft operational and support military missions effectively.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in tactical aircraft maintenance?

A typical workday in Tactical Aircraft Maintenance involves inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing aircraft to ensure they are fully operational and safe for flight missions. You may work individually on assigned tasks or as part of a team, often collaborating with flight crews, engineers, and other maintenance personnel. The role includes scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting urgent issues, documenting all work performed, and keeping up with evolving technical procedures. Work hours can vary and may include nights, weekends, or being on-call, especially during mission-critical operations. This dynamic environment offers variety and the satisfaction of directly contributing to mission success and aircraft safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in tactical aircraft maintenance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance professional, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of aircraft systems, usually supported by relevant military training or technical certifications such as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenses. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, technical manuals, and maintenance management systems is essential for performing inspections and repairs safely and efficiently. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure aircraft are mission-ready, safe, and maintained in compliance with strict operational standards.

What does a tactical aircraft maintenance do?

A tactical aircraft maintenance technician is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining military aircraft to ensure they are operational and safe. They perform routine checks, troubleshoot issues, and use specialized tools and technical manuals, often working in hangars or on flight lines with strict safety protocols. Certification and adherence to military standards are typically required for this role.
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Infographic showing various Tactical Aircraft Maintenance job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,115 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Research & Development Manager, Tactical Aircraft

California, MO • On-site

Textron
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$200 - $250/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Research existing fighter aircraft to develop technical solutions for future proposals.

  • Assist in evaluating potential aircraft acquisitions or modernization upgrades to meet customer requirements.

  • Support integration of sensors, electronic warfare equipment, radars, and helmet systems onto ATAC aircraft.


Textron rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Research & Development Manager, Tactical Aircraft Description ATAC Research & Development Manager, Tactical Aircraft About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Flight, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com.

About ATAC

Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), a division of Textron Systems, provides tactical flight training and adversary services. Textron’s extensive global reach makes for an incomparable training resource, not only for the U.S. military but also for foreign militaries across the globe. ATAC currently provides tactical flight training and adversary aggressor services for U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots and is actively pursuing many foreign programs as well. ATAC operates simultaneously across five Navy/Marine Corps sites and three Air Force sites spanning across two continents and comprises the world’s largest outsourced civilian, tactical airborne training organization. ATAC proudly provides the highest quality live training to Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups, and was also the first civilian organization authorized to train the Navy’s TOPGUN pilots and the USAF’s F-22 Raptor pilots.

Summary

ATAC’s Research & Development Manager for Tactical Aircraft will primarily be responsible for research and evaluation of existing fighter and/or attack aircraft that can effectively be integrated into ATAC’s fleet. This position will report to the Director of Research & Development and will also support the Program Managers directly responsible for upgrades to ATAC’s fleet of aircraft as required by existing and future customers.

Job Responsibilities
  • Research existing fighter aircraft that can cost-effectively be integrated into ATACs fleet of aircraft in order to develop winning technical solutions for future proposals.
  • Assist with drafting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to industry or foreign governments in order to gain firm pricing and schedule of potential future aircraft.
  • Assist the Director of R&D in evaluating potential aircraft acquisitions or modernization upgrades that will satisfy current and future U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Contracted Air Services (CAS) requirements.
  • Assist the R&D Senior Manager of Tactical Mission Systems with integration of electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sensors, electronic warfare (EW) equipment, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, and helmet mounted cueing systems (HMCS) onto ATAC aircraft.
  • Assist the R&D Chief Engineer with developing and managing systems-level requirements for aircraft avionics, sensors, and systems that meet the customer’s needs and can be used for effective subcontracting.
  • Assist the Capture Manager with proposal development, including developing strategy, advocating technical solutions, writing content and editing the work of others.
  • Assist aircraft Program Managers with requirements derivation, management, verification and validation efforts.
  • Assist aircraft Program Managers with Test & Evaluation planning and execution.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in relevant Engineering field (required)
  • Master’s Degree in Engineering or Business related field (desired)
  • Test Pilot School graduate (required)
  • 8 years of industry and government experience in fighter aircraft mission and radar systems integration, test and evaluation (required)
  • Former military service (required)
  • Active Top Secret clearance (required)
  • Ability to attain and maintain Special Access Program clearance requirements (required)
  • Defense Acquisition University coursework in Test & Evaluation, Systems Engineering, Logistics, Acquisition, Risk Management, and/or Intellectual Property & Data Rights (required)
Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
  • Accountability for achieving challenging goals
  • Able to work independently and in groups to achieve positive results
  • Mature and diplomatic approach to relationships
  • Initiative to take concepts from first idea to mature proposal offerings
  • Professional curiosity and a mindset of continual learning
  • Adaptable to change in a fast-paced and dynamic aviation environment
  • Experience with operating 4th/5thgeneration fighter aircraft with AESA Radars
  • Experience with operating Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems in fighter aircraft
  • Experience testing Handling Qualities and Systems Integration of fighter aircraft
  • Experience with system-level requirements generation/management on fighter aircraft
  • Experience reporting verification/validation test results to program management.
  • Experience with test & evaluation of installed systems on fighter aircraft
Minimum Qualifications
  • Previously qualified DoD-trained Fighter Pilot
  • Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead
  • 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft
  • 100 hours PIC at night
  • Logged 100 hours PIC time in the past 12 months
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • FAA Single Engine, Commercial Certificate with Instrument Privileges
  • Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen
Specific Contract Qualifications
  • 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft
  • 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft
Desired Qualifications
  • USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification
  • USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate
  • TPS graduate
  • DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification
  • Mission Commander qualification
  • Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification
  • Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification
  • NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor
  • FAA CFI(I) Certificate
  • Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry
  • FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (list types)
  • DoD Safety School or Board President Course graduate
  • Squadron Command experience
  • Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie)
  • Actively flying (provide 1-year look-back per active aircraft type)
How We Care

At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives.

Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Education Assistance
  • Career Development & Training Opportunities
  • Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
  • Paid Parental Leave
Are you a Military Veteran?

Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Textron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is

$222,800.00 - $222,800.00 per year.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including US Citizenship, for access to classified information.

Recruiting Company: Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC)
Primary Location: US-California-Point Mugu Nawc
Job Function: Flight Operations
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Experienced
Shift: First Shift
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Job Posting: 03/16/2026, 6:31:18 PM
Job Number: 340334

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About Textron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Providence, RI, US

Year founded

1923