How to hire an airframe and powerplant mechanic

How to hire an airframe and powerplant mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step airframe and powerplant mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an airframe and powerplant mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new airframe and powerplant mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The airframe and powerplant mechanic hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect airframe and powerplant mechanic also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of airframe and powerplant mechanic salaries for various roles:

   Type of Airframe And Powerplant Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Airframe And Powerplant Mechanic	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).	$18-37
   Aircraft Fueler	Aircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft... Show more	$12-21
   Aircraft Electrician	An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records... Show more	$18-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FAA
   • Aircraft Systems
   • Troubleshoot
   • Hand Tools
   • Operational Checks
   • Federal Aviation
   • Electrical Systems
   • Structural Components
   • Test Equipment
   • Plumbing
   • Technical Data
   • Landing Gear
   • Hydraulic Systems
   • Unscheduled Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
   • Execute airframe and power plant inspections.
   • Assemble and install mechanical, plumbing, electrical, structural, and hydraulic mechanisms, and parts.
   • Perform inspections, maintenance and repairs in compliance with FAA requirements and manufacturers specifications for airworthiness.
   • Review require customer and FAA paperwork to ensure proper maintenance updates and compliance with applicable regulations and customer requirements.
   • Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your airframe and powerplant mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An airframe and powerplant mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, airframe and powerplant mechanics' average salary in nebraska is 59% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level airframe and powerplant mechanics 51% less than senior-level airframe and powerplant mechanics.
   • Certifications. An airframe and powerplant mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an airframe and powerplant mechanic's salary.

   Average airframe and powerplant mechanic salary

   $54,430yearly

   $26.17 hourly rate

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   Entry-level airframe and powerplant mechanic salary

   $38,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 24, 2025

4. Writing an airframe and powerplant mechanic job description

   An airframe and powerplant mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an airframe and powerplant mechanic job description:

   Airframe and powerplant mechanic job description example

   We can't wait to share our passion for aviation with you! Join a team that works hard, cares for each other and offers plenty of opportunities to grow.
   
   Represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the starting rate for this position is $19.00-$23.00/hr. AMTs work 40 hrs per week and are eligible for a full benefit package.
   Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
   
   Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) job duties range from preventive maintenance to repairs. A technician makes routine inspections and repairs, documents inspections and repairs, performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and runs tests after making repairs or performing maintenance on our fleet of Embraer-145 regional jets. Maintenance may include - but is not limited to - engines, landing gear, exteriors, brakes and pumps.
   
   Minimum Qualifications:
   
   * FAA airframe and powerplant licenses
   * At least 18 years of age
   * High school diploma or GED
   * Valid driver's license
   
   Preferred Qualifications:
   
   * Previous background and/or experience in mechanical operations
   
   Work Environment:
   
   * Use of computers and other office equipment
   * Airport ramp/warehouse environment, subject to varied weather conditions and elevated noise levels
   * All shifts including weekdays, weekends, nights, holidays and/or irregular shifts
   
   Physical Requirements:
   
   * Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, walking, standing, reaching, lifting, climbing up and down stairs
   * Handle objects up to 70 pounds regularly, up to 100+ pounds occasionally with assistance from co-workers or tools
   
   The above statements provide a brief description of the general nature of work performed and not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position. Duties and expectations are subject to change as needed.
   
   Employment is contingent upon a clear Driving Record, 10-year Criminal History Records Check, and Drug Screen as required. We also require proof of High School or GED completion.
   
   Benefit package includes paid training, holiday pay, 401(k), vacation, family travel on the American Airlines network, medical and dental available.
   
   M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer
   
   M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find airframe and powerplant mechanics for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your airframe and powerplant mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit airframe and powerplant mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit airframe and powerplant mechanics, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new airframe and powerplant mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the airframe and powerplant mechanic position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new airframe and powerplant mechanic. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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