Aircraft Mechanic - EA18G

Aircraft Mechanic EA-18G Modification

This full-time, long-term Aircraft Mechanic role focuses on modifying, repairing, and maintaining military EA-18G/F-18 aircraft, with a particular emphasis on weight reduction modifications and avionics equipment upgrades on electronic warfare platforms. You will work on critical egress systems, including ejection seats and canopies, as part of a fully funded program supporting U.S. Navy warfighters.

Responsibilities

• Perform all on- and off-equipment maintenance on F-18 aircraft egress systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with technical standards.
• Remove, transport, inspect, repair, and reinstall ejection seats, following established procedures and technical documentation.
• Inventory, store, remove, and replace Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) and Propulsion Actuated Devices (PAD) explosive items in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and inspect the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) to ensure proper operation and aircrew safety.
• Maintain and inspect F-18 canopy egress systems, including arm and de-arm capabilities, and perform removal and reinstallation as required.
• Remove and reinstall canopies and other components of the egress system as part of modification and maintenance activities.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, task cards, and technical manuals to plan and execute maintenance and modification tasks.
• Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble mechanical, fuel, engine/powerplant, flight control, and other general aircraft systems as required by work instructions.
• Utilize appropriate hand and power tools to perform maintenance, repair, and installation tasks safely and efficiently.
• Apply knowledge of military aircraft systems and structures, particularly F-18 and EA-18G platforms, to diagnose issues and perform modifications.
• Follow all applicable safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while working with explosive devices and critical life-support systems.
• Collaborate with leads and customer representatives to ensure work is properly documented, prioritized, and completed on schedule.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a General Mechanic (AD) or Structures Mechanic (AME) working on F-18 or EA-18G aircraft.
• Hands-on experience with egress and ejection systems, including removing and reinstalling seats and canopies and performing canopy-related qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) and Propulsion Actuated Devices (PAD) and understand their role within ejection systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, task cards, and technical manuals.
• Experience maintaining, disassembling, and reassembling mechanical, fuel, engine/powerplant, flight control, and general aircraft systems.
• Strong working knowledge of military aircraft systems and structures, specifically F-18 and EA-18G platforms.
• Ability to use a wide range of hand and power tools safely and effectively in an aircraft maintenance environment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
• Eligibility for a Boeing facility badge, with no prior terminations on record with Boeing.
• Attention to detail and adherence to strict safety protocols when working with explosive devices and life-critical systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Naval Aircrew Common Ejection Seat (NACES) system, including removal, repair, and reinstallation procedures.
• Formal training on NACES or other ejection seat systems is highly beneficial.
• Experience supporting modification, repair, and installation projects on EA-18G and F-18 aircraft.
• Comfort working within structured defense and government programs with detailed documentation and compliance requirements.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, long-term program that offers consistent work on fully funded projects supporting U.S. Navy warfighters. You benefit from government holidays and the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical aircraft in partnership with highly reputable defense integrators. The environment emphasizes reliability, professionalism, and pride in supporting national defense, while providing the tools and structure needed to perform at a high level.

Work Environment

This is a day-shift position, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays as needed, working 8-hour shifts on base at Whidbey Naval Air Station. You will work primarily inside hangars with some tasks on the flightline, generally not exposed to harsh elements. You report to on-site leads and customer representatives within a structured defense environment. All necessary tools are supplied, and work is performed around military aircraft and associated systems in a professional, safety-focused setting.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oak Harbor, WA.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $39.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Oak Harbor,WA.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.