Aircraft Mechanic

F-18 E/F Aircraft and Engine Mechanic

This role provides Organizational Level (O-level) support for F-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, focusing on the F414-GE-400 engine and general aircraft mechanical systems. You will perform inspections, servicing, maintenance, and troubleshooting on engines, airframes, and associated systems in accordance with applicable directives and technical publications. The position also includes providing technical guidance, documentation, and support to maintenance teams in a structured military aviation environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform Organizational Level maintenance on F-18 E/F aircraft, including the F414-GE-400 engine and general aircraft mechanical systems.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight activities and inspections to ensure aircraft readiness and safety.
• Service aircraft with engine oil, hydraulic fluids, and other required consumables in accordance with technical guidance.
• Perform aircraft jacking evolutions safely and in compliance with established procedures.
• Understand and support maintenance activities involving engine fuel systems, including inspection and troubleshooting.
• Carry out maintenance operations on F-18 aircraft, equipment, engines, components, and systems in accordance with all applicable directives and NAVAIR publications.
• Read and interpret schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures to execute maintenance tasks accurately.
• Set up and use pneumatic tools such as screw guns and other powered equipment required for aircraft maintenance.
• Set up and use torque wrenches and common hand tools such as wrenches and safety wire pliers to perform precise mechanical work.
• Remove and replace aircraft panels, floorboards, insulation, and sealing compounds using various types of mechanical fasteners.
• Remove, replace, and check out aircraft components and assemblies to verify proper function and airworthiness.
• Apply a solid understanding of aircraft hydraulic systems, including primary, secondary, and emergency systems, to perform maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve technical problems related to aircraft engines and mechanical systems such as landing gear, wheels, and brakes.
• Provide technical advice, training, and troubleshooting assistance to O-Level technicians as needed.
• Use Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), NAMP 4790, and applicable NAVAIR technical publications to guide maintenance activities.
• Generate clear and accurate written reports for management in support of contractual obligations when required.
• Document maintenance and repair actions, equipment status, tags, logs, and parts requests thoroughly and accurately.
• Comply with all rules and regulations concerning health and safety, tool control, Foreign Object Damage (FOD) control, and all training and certification requirements.
• Perform assigned duties while wearing required safety equipment and adhering to established safety practices.
• Support customer maintenance requirements by working flexible schedules, including day and night shifts as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience performing Organizational Level maintenance on military aircraft, preferably F-18 E/F Super Hornet platforms.
• Proficiency with F414-GE-400 engine maintenance, servicing, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections and related documentation.
• Ability to service aircraft with engine oil and hydraulic fluids safely and accurately.
• Experience performing aircraft jacking operations in accordance with technical procedures.
• Understanding of engine fuel systems and their maintenance requirements.
• Ability to perform maintenance on aircraft equipment, engines, components, and systems using applicable directives and technical data.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures.
• Proficiency in setting up and using pneumatic tools such as screw guns and related equipment.
• Proficiency in using torque wrenches and common hand tools, including wrenches and safety wire pliers.
• Capability to remove and replace panels, floorboards, insulation, and sealing compounds using various mechanical fasteners.
• Ability to remove, replace, and check out aircraft components and assemblies to verify proper operation.
• Strong understanding of aircraft hydraulic systems, including primary, secondary, and emergency systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aircraft engine and mechanical systems, including landing gear, wheels, and brakes.
• Familiarity with Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs).
• Familiarity with NAMP 4790 and applicable NAVAIR technical publications.
• Ability to clearly document maintenance and repair actions, equipment status tags, logs, and parts requests.
• Must have and maintain an active Secret DoD security clearance.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet customer maintenance requirements.
• Ability to perform all assigned duties while wearing required safety equipment and following safety protocols.
• Commitment to comply with health and safety regulations, tool control, FOD control, and all required training and certifications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy F-18 squadrons, particularly in deployed or operational environments, is strongly preferred.
• Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license is highly desirable.
• Certification in aircraft seat removal is preferred.
• Experience in aircraft repair, troubleshooting, and assembly within an aviation or aerospace environment.
• Aircraft mechanical, structural, and sheet metal work, including airframe and structural assembly.
• Experience with aircraft sheet metal repair and structural maintenance.
• Exposure to electrical systems associated with aircraft structures is beneficial.
• Ability to provide technical advice, training, and troubleshooting support to O-Level technicians.
• Experience generating written technical reports in support of contractual or program requirements.

Why Work Here?

You will work on advanced F-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft in a structured, mission-focused environment supporting a Foreign Military Sales program. The role offers the opportunity to deepen your expertise in complex military aviation systems while collaborating with experienced aviation professionals. You will benefit from a stable, non-deployable assignment at a major naval air station, with defined shifts and clear procedures that support both professional growth and work-life balance.

Work Environment

The position is based at a Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, supporting a Foreign Military Sales program for F-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft. All work is performed on-site; the role is not deployable. The team requires three aircraft mechanics with a aligned to the USN 'AD' rating. Two positions support a first-shift schedule, and one position supports a dedicated night shift, so flexibility to work varying hours is important. You will operate in a hangar and flight line environment, using pneumatic tools, torque wrenches, common hand tools, and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals in accordance with NAMP 4790 and NAVAIR technical publications. The work includes an initial period of training and certifications before hands-on aircraft work, and ongoing compliance with safety, tool control, and FOD control standards. Required safety equipment must be worn at all times, and adherence to all health, safety, and quality procedures is expected.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of New Orleans, LA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

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