F35 Aircraft Mechanic 3/4 - CFT (LO / Structures)

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon.

We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) is seeking an F-35 Aircraft Low Observable (LO) Mech 3-4 for F-35 Aircraft Maintenance, Upgrade and Overhaul (MUO) CFT at MCAS Miramar, CA. Will perform duties as part of a Contract Field Team (CFT) responsible for depot-level modifications performed at Department of Navy (DoN) locations.

This role is responsible for the preparation, application, and verification of Low Observable (LO) materials on F-35 aircraft outer mold line structures. Key duties include:

• Preparing composite and metallic surfaces for coatings through sanding, stripping, vacuuming, porosity testing, masking, and other tasks.
• Mixing and applying sealants, gap fillers, paints, and coatings, ensuring proper spraying consistency and using heating devices as needed.
• Applying surface details according to manufacturer specifications and performing similar duties in aircraft modification, reassembly, or maintenance.
• Verifying the condition and conformity of installed LO materials, determining repair needs, and making corrections or reinstallations as required by design changes.
• Setting up and operating material testers and mixers.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical manuals, and repair documentation, including understanding symbols, flags, and notes.
• Identifying aircraft locations using station, butt-line, and waterline references from engineering documents and technical orders.
• Using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and scales.
• Demonstrating extensive experience with tools including drills, angle motors, shears, drill presses, and pneumatic riveters.
• Being familiar with various aircraft materials, including aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, and advanced composites.
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required to safely perform job tasks.

Additionally, all team members will perform other duties as part of a CFT responsible for depot level modifications performed at customer locations. As part of the CFT, members are expected to assist in other technical disciplines as requested by Team Leads or management.

Basic Qualifications

• Mech 3 - High School Diploma/GED and 4 years relative work experience as an Aircraft LO/Structures Tech equivalent to USAF 5 level or DoN CDI.
• Mech 4 - High School Diploma/GED and 6 years relative work experience as an Aircraft LO/Structures Tech equivalent to USAF 7 level or DoN CDQ.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, test procedures, etc.
• Must have an Active Government Secret Clearance or higher (US Citizenship required)
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.
• Must be willing to provide temporary support to our other CFT locations at MCAS Beaufort, MCAS Cherry Point, and NAS Lemoore should the need arise
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of this position, to include but not limited to: Regularly required to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive movements, work overhead, use hands to grasp, handle, and/or feel, reach. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, squat, crawl, and twist.
• Must be able to clearly document completed maintenance, parts tags, logs/records, parts requests, etc.
• Must be able to perform assigned duties while wearing required safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirator fitting requirements.
• Will be required to comply with all rules and regulations concerning health and safety, tool control, FOD control, HazMat handling procedures, and all training and certification requirements.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.

Preferred Qualifications

• MOU/Depot or Contract Field Team experience with complex aircraft modifications or aircraft reset experience.
• F-35 or F-22 Fighter aircraft experience with LO coating removal, application, and repair.
• Heavy Aircraft structural repair experience on fighter type aircraft.
• Experience and working knowledge with F-35 sustainment tools; Product Data Manager
• (PDM), JSF Data Library (JDL), Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS).
• Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.

• #MPR
• #ASMT

Primary Level Salary Range

$66,600.00 - $111,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$79,100.00 - $131,900.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.