AME Seat Tech - Aircraft Egress Mechanic

AME Seat Technician Aircraft Mechanic (F/A-18 Egress Systems)

This role focuses on maintaining, inspecting, and modifying egress and life support systems on F/A-18 aircraft, including Super Hornet platforms. You will perform depot-level and heavy maintenance checks, equipment overhauls, and aircraft modifications with a primary focus on ejection seats, oxygen systems, and related safety-critical components in a military aviation environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain aircraft egress systems, including seat and canopy ejection systems, gaseous and liquid oxygen systems, ejection seats, fire extinguishing systems, air conditioning, cabin and cockpit heat, pressurization, and ventilation systems.
• Remove and install oxygen system components such as valves, gauges, converters, and regulators in accordance with technical data and maintenance procedures.
• Inspect, remove, install, and rig ejection seats, ensuring proper operation of shoulder harnesses, lap belts, and associated restraint systems.
• Inspect, remove, install, and adjust firing mechanisms and cartridges for ejection seats, ensuring reliability and compliance with safety standards.
• Perform daily, preflight, post-flight, and other periodic aircraft inspections to verify the integrity and serviceability of egress and life support systems.
• Support aircraft modifications and upgrades, including service life extension and block-level modifications on F/A-18 aircraft.
• Document maintenance actions accurately and completely in required logs and records.
• Follow all applicable technical orders, maintenance manuals, and safety procedures while working on aircraft systems.
• Collaborate with other technicians and inspectors, including CDI or CDQAR personnel, to ensure quality and compliance on all completed work.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 57 recent years of experience performing depot-level or heavy checks on aircraft, including equipment overhauls and modifications.
• Navy or Marine Corps AME NACES certification.
• Demonstrated experience working on military aircraft, preferably F/A-18E, F/A-18F, F-18, Super Hornet, or similar fighter platforms.
• Hands-on experience maintaining aircraft egress systems, including ejection seats, canopy ejection systems, and oxygen systems.
• Proficiency in inspecting, removing, installing, and rigging ejection seats, harnesses, and restraint systems.
• Ability to inspect, remove, install, and adjust firing mechanisms and cartridges for ejection seats.
• Experience performing daily, preflight, post-flight, and periodic aircraft inspections.
• Familiarity with Navy or Marine Corps aviation maintenance practices and standards.
• Ability to read and follow technical manuals, maintenance instructions, and engineering documentation.
• Willingness and ability to work any assigned shift as required by operational needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Military aircraft technician, particularly in Navy or Marine aviation environments.
• Experience supporting aircraft modifications and service life extension programs.
• Previous qualification or experience working with CDI or CDQAR processes is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in safety-critical systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented maintenance and modification environment.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to a high-visibility F-18 program supporting the U.S. Navy, working in a location that serves as a central hub for F-18 service life modification. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced block 3 modifications and help transform legacy aircraft into 5th-generation tactical platforms within one of the most sophisticated fighter fleets in the U.S. inventory. You will gain valuable experience on cutting-edge systems while supporting meaningful, mission-focused work.

Work Environment

The position is based in an open-bay, nonclimate-controlled hangar environment working on F/A-18 aircraft. Standard schedules include a 1st shift (MondayFriday, 5:30 a.m.2:30 p.m.) and a 2nd shift (MondayFriday, 2:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.), with optional overtime, and you must be open to working any shift as needed. The role involves hands-on work around large aircraft, tools, and maintenance equipment. Steel-toed shoes are required for safety, and you may expense up to $100 per year for approved steel-toed footwear.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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

This is a fully onsite position in San Antonio, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 23, 2026.