How to hire an aviation mechanic

How to hire an aviation mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aviation 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 aviation mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aviation mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an aviation mechanic, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   An aviation mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, aviation mechanics from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of aviation mechanics.

   Type of Aviation Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Aviation 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).	$16-40
   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
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Procedures
   • Hand Tools
   • Airframe
   • FAA
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Landing Gear
   • Aviation Maintenance
   • Hydraulic Systems
   • Ground Support Equipment
   • Aircraft Systems
   • Aircraft Engines
   • Maintenance Manuals
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Test Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform installation, analysis, repair and troubleshooting of integrate avionics systems and aircraft electrical / mechanical systems.
   • Provide support functions for assign internal and external QA audits and reviews.
   • Repair aircraft wings, horizontal/vertical stabilizers, and aircraft panels.
   • Remove and replace ailerons, stabilizers, aileron servos and stabilizer servos.
   • Perform organizational maintenance on anti-submarine/Utility helicopters.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, aviation mechanics' average salary in hawaii is 51% less than in maryland.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aviation mechanics 60% less than senior-level aviation mechanics.
   • Certifications. An aviation 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 aviation mechanic's salary.

   Average aviation mechanic salary

   $54,534yearly

   $26.22 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aviation mechanic salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

4. Writing an aviation mechanic job description

   A good aviation mechanic job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an aviation mechanic job description:

   Aviation mechanic job description example

   YULISTA INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS, LLC
   
   Regular
   
   PRIMARY FUNCTION
   The Aviation Mechanic performs a full range of airframe and engine maintenance, repairs, modifications, inspections and servicing of aircraft in accordance with approved methods, techniques and practices and certifies accomplished work.
   
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Perform Aircraft Maintenance IAW instructions/drawings Troubleshoot systems as required to meet customer needs Document maintenance as per Quality Assurance (QA) and established regulatory requirements.
   Maintain a high state of cleanliness and utilize a clean-as-you-go process when executing maintenance duties. Perform rotating break room cleaning duties. Perform regular Foreign Object Damage (FOD) walks. Comply with processes and procedures as per DHS/Department of Defense (DOD) documents and publications. Maintain control tools. Report missing, lost, found, or unattended tools to the supervisor. Inventory and inspect tools on a regular basis and replace worn or broken tools. Comply with safety rules and regulations while performing day to day maintenance. Promptly report all accidents, injuries, safety, violations, and/or unsafe practices or procedures to supervisor.
   Use Government computer system to access various technical references for airframe repairs and Government training requirements. Troubleshoot malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight surfaces and controls, anti-icing, pneudraulic, engines, auxiliary power unit, ventilation, and heating systems. Repair, replace, and rebuild aircraft structures and functional components including rigging, surface controls, plumbing, and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools, machines, equipment such as shears, sheet metal brake, welding equipment, rivet gun, and drills. Troubleshoot engines and systems and use Federal Supply systems. Replace or repair worn or damaged components, such as alternators, fuel controls, fuel pumps, oil pumps, engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
   Remove engines and gearboxes from aircraft, using hoist or forklift truck. Disassemble and inspect airframe and other components for wear, cracks, security, or other defects. Repair or replace defective parts then reassemble and install in aircraft. Perform preflight, thru-flight, and post-flight maintenance inspections. Perform miscellaneous duties to service aircraft, including flushing crankcase, cleaning screens and filters, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes. Perform jacking and towing of aircraft.
   Enter in the maintenance records description of the work performed and verifies the work was performed satisfactorily. Service engines and airframe components at line station making repairs, short of overhaul, required to keep aircraft in safe operating condition. Research the technical library and other applicable technical documentation (such as manufacturer and DHS/DOD maintenance manuals, service bulletins, engineering and technical data) to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. Perform progressive, isochronal, phase, periodic, and other hourly or calendar inspections.
   Examine engines for cracked cylinders and oil leaks. Listen to operating engine to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burnt valves. Inspects jet engines and components for cracks, corrosion, FOD, burned areas, distortions, security, warping, wear, and missing segments. Inspect jet engine turbine blades to detect cracks, distortion, corrosion, burn-out, security, or breaks. Tests engine operation, using testing equipment, such as ignition analyzer, compression checker, distributor timer, ammeter, and jet calibration (Jetcal) tester, to locate source of malfunction. Perform full system checkouts and complete servicing on all aircraft systems. Provide technical direction to Aircraft Mechanic Helpers and Aircraft Workers.
   Other duties as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
   This position does not have direct reports KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: May require knowledge of and experience performing maintenance on the following aircraft: UH-60 A/L, UH-60 M, 407, 206, OH-58, AH 64 D, AH-64E, CH-47 F, MC-130J, HC-130, C-130, C-26, EC-145, EC-135, LUH-72, UC-35, 407, V22, AH-IF, COBRA, APACHE
   Must be capable of carrying items up to 40 pounds. Heavier items must seek assistance of other workers or weight lifting devices Must be capable of performing tasks in cramped, awkward, and strained positions and/or climbing up and down ladders, work platforms, scaffolding, and aircraft structures. Must be capable of performing tasks that frequently require: lifting, reaching, bending, walking, pulling, sitting, standing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, and stretching for prolonged periods of time. Ability to read and interpret all aircraft instruments. Use special test equipment and tools.
   Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence Interpersonal skills are necessary to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff. Will also routinely interact with external contacts such as customers, vendors, suppliers, shipping companies, etc. Must represent Yulista Aviation, Inc. in a professional manner at all times. Must be trustworthy - will handle confidential information routinely Ability to use general office equipment such as fax, phone, copier, scanner, printers, etc.
   Ability to follow a process. Strong professional customer service skills, including active listening, prompt service and follow-up. Analytical skills with the ability to evaluate data and consider decision impact across multiple areas. Strong decision analysis and problem solving skills; ability to draw conclusions and justify decisions. Must be able to communicate issues to management. Ability to learn and understand corporate policies and procedures and how they relate to Yulista Aviation, Inc.'s goals.
   Ability to perform basic mathematical computations High degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently Ability to multi-task
   QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or Equivalent with 1 year previous experience; familiarity with military hand tools and assembly standards Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field required. Strong communication skills
   Ability to pass a drug and background screening Must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
   
   PREFERENCE STATEMENTPreference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
   
   EEO STATEMENTAdditionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONIt is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right aviation mechanic for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting aviation mechanics requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 aviation mechanic

   Once you've found the aviation mechanic candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new aviation mechanic. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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