Senior Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P / IA) Flight Fleet Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Senior A&P Mechanic (Inspection Authorization Required)

Location: Chandler, AZ

Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent W2 | Urgent Onboarding Available

At a Glance: Compensation, Schedule & Perks

• Base Pay Range: $42.00 – $48.00 / hour W2 (Established based on your depth of GA maintenance and IA experience).

• Relocation Package: Financial relocation assistance available for top-tier candidates transitioning to the Chandler/Phoenix area.

• Work Schedule Options: Flexible 4x10 shift structures (enjoy permanent 3-day weekends) or standard 5x8 schedules.

• Fleet Profile: High-utilization, modern general aviation fleet including Piper Archers (PA-28) and Cessna 172s equipped with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits.

About the Employer

Our client operates a leading regional flight training center built on an uncompromising commitment to flight safety, regulatory compliance, and fleet availability. Managing a high-tempo training schedule, the maintenance team works in a fast-paced, highly collaborative hangar environment where technical precision and safety guide every work order.

This role is designed for an authoritative, experienced A&P technician holding an active Inspection Authorization (IA) who takes pride in making confident airworthiness calls and maintaining modern GA aircraft.

Core Responsibilities

• Inspections & Airworthiness Releases: Execute scheduled phase checks, 100-hour inspections, and annuals across the flight school fleet. Formally sign off, complete logbook entries, and authorize aircraft for return to service in strict accordance with 14 CFR Parts 43 and 91 and internal SOPs.

• Advanced Diagnostics & Repairs: Perform complex mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, airframe structural repairs, and component overhauls on light GA piston aircraft.

• Workflow & Downtime Management: Work autonomously to prioritize maintenance tasks around active flight schedules, minimizing fleet downtime while preserving safety standards.

• Technical Compliance & Documentation: Interpret Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), engineering drawings, and OEM maintenance manuals. Log all service entries and parts tracking accurately using Talon RMS and Microsoft Office.

• Hangar Standards: Maintain an orderly, pristine work area while adhering strictly to environmental and workplace safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)

• Active FAA Certifications: Must possess a valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License AND an active Inspection Authorization (IA) credential at the time of hire.

• GA Maintenance Tenure: A minimum of 3 recent, consecutive years of dedicated experience maintaining general aviation aircraft as a certificated A&P.

• Regulatory Command: In-depth, working knowledge of Title 14 CFR Parts 43 and 91 regulations.

• Direct experience conducting inspections and overhauls on Piper Archer or Cessna 172 airframes.

• Practical familiarity with Garmin G1000 glass-cockpit avionics systems.

• Computer literacy, including experience with digital maintenance tracking platforms (e.g., Talon RMS) and MS Office.

Comprehensive Total Rewards

• Financial & Pay: $42.00 – $48.00/hr base rate + financial relocation support for qualified moves.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical (Traditional and HSA plans), Dental, and Vision coverage options.

• Retirement & Security: 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), plus company-paid Life and Disability insurance.

• Time Off & Support: Generous annual Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual, paid holidays, and access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Apply with Rio Staffing

The aviation recruitment team at Rio Staffing connects top-tier maintenance professionals with premier flight operations nationwide. We advocate for you throughout the hiring process—handling interview coordination, verifying credential compliance, and negotiating relocation terms to ensure your next career move sets you up for long-term success.

Take command of your career. Apply directly with us today or connect with our team online at .