Amentum is seeking a qualified Aircraft Mechanic I / Sheet Metal Specialist to support Kadena Air Base and the 18th EMS. In this role, you’ll work as part of a small team performing aircraft maintenance, inspections, and scheduled or unscheduled maintenance on F-15, MC-130, and KC-135 aircraft. With a focus on sheet metal repair and structural integrity, you’ll troubleshoot malfunctions, repair damaged components, and ensure aircraft remain in safe operating condition. If you have extensive experience in USAF aircraft maintenance, a strong background in sheet metal work, and an active Secret clearance, this is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a critical mission in Japan.
About Amentum
Amentum is a leader in providing engineering, maintenance, and support services to government and military clients worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and safety, Amentum delivers innovative solutions that enable clients to accomplish their missions. This position at Kadena Air Base offers the chance to work alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic environment, supporting aircraft that play a vital role in national defense.
Key Responsibilities
As an Aircraft Mechanic I – Sheet Metal Specialist, you’ll perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks to ensure aircraft readiness.
- Repair engines, sheet metal, structural components, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, power train, and general mechanical systems of moderate difficulty.
- Make repairs to aircraft and follow direction of higher-graded Mechanics and Supervisors.
- Work with a small team performing aircraft maintenance, inspections, and scheduled/unscheduled maintenance.
- Troubleshoot malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight surfaces and controls, anti-icing systems, pneudraulic systems, engines, auxiliary power units, and ventilation and heating systems.
- Repair, replace, and rebuild aircraft structures such as wings and fuselage, and functional components including rigging, surface controls, plumbing, and hydraulic units using hand tools, power tools, and equipment such as shears, sheet metal brakes, welding equipment, rivet guns, and drills.
- Read and interpret manufacturers’ and airline maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical data, engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and methods for repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Replace or repair worn or damaged components such as carburetors, alternators, magnetos, fuel controls, fuel pumps, oil pumps, engine-mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Remove engines from aircraft using hoists or forklift trucks; disassemble and inspect parts for wear, cracks, security, or other defects; repair or replace defective engine parts; reassemble and install engines.
- Adjust, repair, or replace electrical wiring systems and aircraft accessories.
- 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.
- Supervise jacking and towing of aircraft.
- Enter maintenance records describing work performed and verify work was completed satisfactorily.
- Service engines and airframe components at line stations, making repairs short of overhaul to keep aircraft in safe operating condition.
- Specialize in sheet metal work, repair, and modification of structural, precision, and functional spare parts and assemblies.
- Design, repair, modify, and fabricate aircraft metal, plastic, composite, advanced composite, low observable, and bonded structural parts and components.
- Apply preservative treatments to aircraft, missiles, and support equipment.
- Assemble structural parts and components to meet requirements for preserving structural integrity.
- Assess damage to aircraft structural components and advise on repairs, modification, and corrosion protection treatment to maintain original strength, weight, and contour.
- Inspect structures and components to determine operational status.
- Use metalworking equipment and tools to form, cut, bend, and fasten replacement or repair parts to damaged structures and components.
- Fabricate, repair, and assemble tubing and cable assemblies for aerospace weapon systems and support equipment.
- Maintain and inspect tools and equipment; issue tools in the absence of supply technician if needed.
Physical and Working Environment
- Requires shift work and a diversity of working conditions, from standard shop environments to inclement weather with extreme changes in temperature, direct sunlight, wind, and rain.
- May work where high noise hazards prevail; required to wear protective clothing and safety equipment.
- Exposure to high-intensity noise levels, extreme temperature changes, materials identified on Material Safety Data Sheets, and working on or around aircraft and machinery.
- Work locations include aircraft flight lines, hangars, and maintenance shops.
- Ability to physically operate aircraft ground servicing equipment including vehicles, tugs, tractors, and high-pressure soap and water systems.
Minimum Requirements
- Sheet Metal Knowledge: Mandatory knowledge of aircraft construction features; identification and characteristics of aerospace materials; repair of metal, tubing, cable, plastic, fiberglass, bonded honeycomb, and composite structural components; shop drawing and sheet metal layout techniques; shop mathematics; corrosion identification, removal, repair, and prevention; cleaning of metals; application of protective coatings, low observable materials, and markings; proper use, mixing, and storage of acids, solvents, alcohol, caustics, primers, and paints; and proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste and materials.
- Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical principles of aircraft systems and ground support equipment required to perform modification of F-15, MC-130, and KC-135 aircraft.
- Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards, is mandatory.
- Must have an Active Secret US Government Clearance (US Citizenship required to maintain a Secret Clearance).
- Must be able to meet SOFA requirements outlined in USFJI 64-100 regarding citizenship.
- May be required to complete an SF-85/86 in EQIP as required to maintain possession of a CAC card. Unfavorable background checks may result in termination if determined ineligible for a CAC card.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization (US Citizenship required).
- Must be able to meet physical requirements and pass any medical examination requirements related to performing daily assigned tasks.
- High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
- Three (3) years of Aviation maintenance experience.
- Minimum of four years total and two years recent (within 4 years of task order PoP start) in USAF aircraft maintenance support as a sheet metal mechanic.
- Skill to remove and replace F-15, MC-130, and KC-135 aircraft parts, accessories, and components; skill to make adjustments and settings according to established specifications.
- Experience in performing or supervising functions such as fabricating, repairing, assembling, or installing aircraft metals, plastics, fiberglass, composites, or honeycomb parts; or corrosion identification, removal, and applying coatings and markings is highly desirable.
- Must be able to work all assigned shifts and schedules.
- Must have a US Passport.
- Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
Location
- Kadena Air Base, Japan (supporting 18th EMS)
Compensation
Pay and benefits information for this position will be provided to interested candidates that apply. Amentum offers a comprehensive package of compensation and benefits to full-time employees.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Amentum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
How to Apply
If you’re a qualified Aircraft Mechanic with sheet metal expertise and meet the requirements outlined above, we invite you to apply for this critical role supporting Kadena Air Base. Please apply through the platform where you found this listing (Req. R0109256).
