GSE Mechanic

Job Title: Gse Mechanic

Saltchuk Aviation is a family of diversified air cargo and aviation services companies. We operate Part 121, 135, and 145 certificates, creating vital connections by serving customers and communities across the U.S. with reliable and efficient aviation services. Saltchuk Aviation employs over 900 employees in the air cargo, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, aviation logistics, and air freight on-demand charter sectors across five operating companies, transporting over 380 million pounds of freight annually.

Our Operating Companies & Brands:

Northern Air Cargo (NAC): The largest all-cargo airline in Alaska since 1956. Operating out of its primary base at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, NAC serves 13 communities throughout the state, providing safe, reliable cargo services and a place for employees to build long-term careers.

Northern Air Maintenance Services, LLC (NAMS): A Part 145 certified repair station providing year-round maintenance and ground services to a major oil exploration and production company. NAMS handles all below-wing services, including baggage handling, catering, aircraft servicing, and passenger loading.

Ryan Air, Inc.: A Part 135 air carrier operating a fleet of 23 aircraft (including Cessna 207s, Cessna 208s, Casa 212s, SAAB 340s, and Pilatus PC-12s). Ryan Air utilizes a hub-and-spoke model to deliver bypass mail, general freight, and passenger services to over 70 villages in rural Alaska.

Aloha Air Cargo (AAC): The largest air freight carrier in the state of Hawaii, moving approximately 350,000 pounds of diverse cargo including perishables and priority packages per day to all major Hawaiian destinations.

Aloha Tech Ops (ATO): Provides aircraft maintenance and repair services to several airlines flying to major destinations in Hawaii, executing over 2,000 pre-departure checks monthly.

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Rate: $28.00 - $33.00 / hour DOE (Averaging $30.00 plus per hour)

Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance programs.

Company-Provided Benefits: Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Retirement: Competitive 401(k) match program with a zero-day vesting period.

Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO, personal days, and recognized federal holidays.

Reimbursements: Wellness/fitness, transportation, and tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.

Perks: Extensive employee discount programs with major national retailers.

Summary:

Reporting directly to the GSE Lead, the GSE Mechanic inspects, maintains, and repairs a highly diverse fleet of ground service equipment used to support aircraft operations and company facilities. The successful candidate ensures maximum equipment reliability, safety, and operational readiness in demanding environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performing comprehensive preventive maintenance inspections (PMIs) and routine servicing on company vehicles and specialized equipment (including fleet trucks, vans, AC/DC generator sets, portable heaters, pushback tugs, baggage tugs, belt loaders, air compressors, de-icer trucks, box vans, forklifts, and maintenance/stair stands).
• Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing complex electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems using technical schematics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic test equipment, and precision hand tools.
• Diagnosing, overhauling, and repairing gasoline and diesel engines.
• Safely operating a wide array of heavy machinery, including snow removal equipment, manlifts, and forklifts.
• Executing other operational duties as assigned by leadership to support the team.
• Maintaining regular, dependable attendance to support 24/7 flight operations.

Qualification Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on mechanical experience required. Graduation from an accredited trade or technical school may be substituted for a portion of the hands-on experience requirement.
• Tools: Must own a comprehensive set of professional hand tools necessary to complete the mechanical duties listed above.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Specialized experience with Aero-Tec heaters, FMC de-icer trucks, or heavy forklifts is highly preferred.
• Auto body repair and proficient stick or MIG welding experience is a strong plus.
• Previous experience utilizing digital maintenance tracking software or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is highly desirable.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, interpret, and strictly follow technical documents such as OSHA safety regulations, manufacturer operating and maintenance manuals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with teammates and document maintenance logs.

Reasoning Ability:

• Exceptional diagnostic and critical-thinking skills with a proven track record of solving electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical failures.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled formats.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid Alaska driver's license with a clean, insurable driving record required.

Active Class B CDL and current DOT Medical Certificate are highly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Dexterity: Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, components, and precision tools.
• Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance on ladders/scaffolding, and stoop, kneel, or crouch during maintenance tasks.
• Lifting: Must be able to safely lift, push, or pull up to 100 pounds during regular maintenance activities.
• Environment: Must be comfortable working outdoors in sub-zero Arctic winter temperatures for extended periods.
• Travel: Must be willing and able to travel on company business for up to two weeks at a time with minimal advance notification.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.