Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic

UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Aircraft Mechanic role at NSF | NCAR - Research Aviation Field (RAF). This position is responsible for routine and non-routine inspection, service and repair of turbine powered turbofan and turboprop aircraft including airframe, engines, systems, and propellers, in accordance with the manufacturers and federal aviation requirements. Participates in aircraft modifications, inspection of scientific instrumentation and fabrication of supporting equipment to meet research requirements. The position requires knowledge and skill related to turbine engine and airframe maintenance experience, and extensive travel in support of field programs and aircraft maintenance functions.

Job Location: Broomfield, CO

Job Type: Regular, Fully On-Site (5 days/week)

Relocation Assistance: Available to eligible candidate

Sign-On Bonus: Available to eligible candidate

Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11:59 PM MDT on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Required application materials:(preferably uploaded as a PDF):

• Resume/CV
• Questionnaire - embedded in application

Visa Sponsorship: No

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scheduled and non-scheduled inspection, troubleshooting and repair/replacement of turbine engines, fuselage, wings, empennage, propellers, landing gear, aircraft systems, avionics components, and fuel tanks in accordance with established FAA requirements and manufacturer's maintenance manuals. Read and interpret aircraft maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and computer-based maintenance tracking software. Performs preflight and post flight inspections of aircraft.
• Assists Fabrication Specialists with repair of sheet metal and composite structures per print. Locates and/or sources material and supplies for the fabrication tasks.
• Assists instrumentation technicians and researchers in machining, fabrication, inspection and installation tasks related to scientific instrumentation.
• Operates large power equipment such as forklifts and aircraft tractors.
• Assists in maintaining ground support equipment.

Works with limited supervision and thus holds responsibility for a wide range of technical issues including decisions directly related to aircraft safety.

Serves a critical role in maintaining RAF aircraft in an airworthy condition.

Evaluates unique research instrumentation installations for airworthiness and takes the initiative in rectifying anomalies that might exist using aviation industry standard practices and procedures.

Independently carries out or lead routine maintenance and service operations.

Solves complex technical problems guided by procedures, standards or instructions issued with task assignment.

May generate procedures, standards or instructions consultation with supervisory staff.

Education & Experience Required:

Possess a current and violation free FAA Airframe and Power Plant license. Five years of experience as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. Three years of experience working on turbine powered aircraft.

Other Requirements:

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3).
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid US driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record that meets UCAR's acceptability requirements for driving on UCAR business under UCAR policy 4-5.
• Must be willing to travel up to 16 weeks per year domestically and internationally.
• Must be able to pass an ATF background check.
• Must be able to pass a Transportation Screening Authority (TSA) screening for airport operations.
• Some or all of the work in this position description must be performed on-site at UCAR campuses and/or remote field sites that are domestic and/or international.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Uses tools such as power shear, sheet metal brake, rivet guns, drills, drill presses, and lathes.
• Troubleshoots and solves complex routine and non-routine failures in mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems aboard the aircraft using schematic diagrams, technical bulletins, and manufactures and FAA publications.
• Utilizes broad understanding of mechanical systems to diagnose problems based on system behavior.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of FAA maintenance regulations.
• Demonstrated skill in problem analysis and decision making.
• Knowledge and experience maintaining turbine powered aircraft.
• Demonstrated skill in using a PC computer, including working with computer-based aircraft maintenance programs (ex. Flight Docs, Gulfstream CMP, CAMP).
• The applicant must have their own hand tools.

Desired but not required:

• Experience with and understanding of avionics components.
• Experience with Lockheed C-130 and/or Gulfstream GV aircraft.
• Sheet Metal Fabrication Experience.
• Composite Fabrication Experience.
• Be able to pass a FAA third class medical.

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.
• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.
• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).
• 10 paid holidays.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

At NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

AI Software

ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.