Flight Line Mechanic - Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Flight Line Mechanic

Compensation Range: $29- $38.50/hour (based on experience level)

Piper Aircraft strives to be your Employer of Choice. We understand the value of investing in our employees and partner with them to take their career to the next level. We currently have opportunities in our newly launched Career Progression program that allows for flexibility and employee driven career growth opportunities. We offer day, evening, weekend and part time shifts with differential pay for evening and weekend shifts. 

Our Flight Line Mechanics are responsible for assisting the team in the production of our high-quality Piper aircraft that support the Piper Aircraft brand. Our Flight Line Mechanics are tasked to follow Piper drawings, process specifications (PPS) and other manufacturing instructions to meet or exceed planned production and delivery schedules while maximizing company resources to achieve company goals. 

If interested, we hope that you will apply and explore the opportunity to soar your career to new heights with us!

The below outline for our Flight Line Mechanic Career Path provides the pay range and essential functions/job skills at every level within the Career Progression program.

Flight Line Mechanic I 

($29/hour- $31/hour)

Essential Job Functions: Performs or assists the Supervisor in the following tasks:

• Maintaining compliance with Piper QAM/QIM and FAA requirements as well as aircraft and systems testing.

• Perform initial Avionics set up, fuel calibrations, navigations and communications systems check, air speed and altitude indication calibrations, autopilot checks and pitot static leak checks and adjustments all Cherokee model production aircraft including the use of all required electrical test equipment.

• Test for, identify and correct electrical continuity, grounds, shorts and other faults.

• Must be able to operate fuel trucks and differentiate different fuel requirements for reciprocating and turbine powered aircraft.

• Must possess current aircraft tug and golf cart authorization.

• Basic troubleshooting and re-working all minor discrepancies as necessary, including utilizing Piper or FAA processes or specifications to perform, inspect, and get buy off workmanship on all production model aircraft.

• Work with senior team members to receive proper training to perform necessary job functions and requirements.

• Follow established work procedures to minimize unnecessary rework and/or scrap.

• Assisting with maintaining effective Safety, Environmental Protection and 5S and other assigned department specific programs.

• Adjust work process and shift schedule to meet production schedules as determined by the Supervisor or Manager.

• Report machine/equipment malfunctions to Lead person or Supervisor.

• Maintain all necessary records, files, and reports per Q.P. and department specific requirements.

• Requires the use of and accountability of company tools as specified Piper SMP Policy.

• Continuously monitor inside of aircraft and outside areas for foreign object and debris as defined by Piper SMP Policy.

• Solder, crimp, route and tie off electrical components, connectors and other electrical assemblies as required.

• Working knowledge of Windows based computers and programs are necessary to perform the duties in this position. Working knowledge of the PACT system and SFIS as related to Piper.

• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary Piper Acceptance stamps required for the position.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

Flight Line Mechanic II 

($32/hour- $34/hour)

Essential Job Functions: Performs or assists the Supervisor in all of the tasks listed above as well as the following tasks:

• Maintaining compliance with Piper QAM/QIM and FAA requirements as well as aircraft and systems testing including release of twin engine Cherokee and piston engine Malibu aircraft for Production Flight Testing.

• Perform initial engine set up and adjustments and taxi all twin-engine Cherokee model aircraft and piston engine M-Class production aircraft.

• Occasionally remove/install and rig various components and systems throughout the complete aircraft per Piper type design requirements.

• Ability to be able to troubleshoot, identify and communicate all non-conformances to the Supervisor, Senior Mechanic and Quality Control.

• Able to rework basic pre-flight discrepancies to prepare aircraft for flight operations.

• Ability to prepare, coordinate or perform MRB structural repairs.

• Ability to and willingness to train and mentor all Flight Line Mechanic I employees.

• Perform duties of lower graded position in Career Path and other duties as assigned by supervision.

Senior Flight Line Mechanic I 

($36.50/hour)

Essential Job Functions: Performs or assists the Supervisor in all of the tasks listed above as well as the following tasks:

• Maintaining compliance with Piper QAM/QIM and FAA requirements as well as aircraft and systems testing including release of Malibu turbine engine aircraft for Production Flight Testing.

• Perform initial engine set up and adjustments and taxi all turbine model aircraft. 

• Required to accompany flight test pilots in making in-flight adjustments to various aircraft systems as needed.

• Able to diagnose and rework complex pre and post flight discrepancies to achieve safe flight operations.

• Work independently with minimal direction from department Supervisor.

• Ability to and willingness to train and mentor all Flight Line Mechanic II employees.

• Interfacing with other departments regarding quality concerns to resolve expeditiously and in a cost-effective manner.

• Pre-certification acceptance inspection of complete aircraft and aircraft systems.

• Perform duties of lower graded position in Career Path and other duties as assigned by supervision.

Senior Flight Line Mechanic II 

($38.50/hour)

Essential Job Functions: Performs or assists the Supervisor in all of the tasks listed above as well as the following tasks:

• Works with other manufacturing areas to ensure production readiness for design changes. 

• Provides assistance when required during new product development design, build and testing. This may periodically involve augmenting or assisting Experimental Flight Test Department in different capacities as required to achieve critical program milestones. 

• Work as a manufacturing representative during the FAA inspection and auditing of manufacturing processes.

• Ability to and willingness to train and mentor all Senior Flight Line Mechanics employees.

• Perform duties of lower graded position in Career Path and other duties as assigned by supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion Flight Mechanic program (A&P) or 2 years' experience preferred.
• Related Flight Mechanic Experience Requirements:
  • Flight Mechanic I: 2 years of experience
  • Flight Mechanic II: 2 - 5 years of experience
  • Senior Flight Mechanic I: 5 - 9 years of experience
  • Senior Flight Mechanic II:  9 years of experience
• Ability to work scheduled shift and hours, including overtime.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Use of hand and power tools as required.
• Follow all safety procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and effective communication skills (written and verbal).
• Adhere to Piper Drawings, Process Specifications (PPS) and other manufacturing instructions.
• Candidates with working knowledge of PA46, PA28, and PA44 aircraft models preferred.

Piper Benefits Overview

Core Health Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision

Piper Provided Benefits (Basic):

• Basic Life
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 16 days of PTO (Paid Time Off)
• 11 company holidays

Voluntary Benefits:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & DCA)
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD Buy- Up)
• Accident Plan
• Critical Illness
• Universal Life (Whole Life Policy)
• Hospital StayPay
• Preferred Legal Plan