KC-135 Lead APG / Crew Chief (III)

About PKL Services Inc.We are an elite provider of skilled personnel, delivering Aerospace Maintenance, Training, and Logistics Services, committed to continual improvement, exceeding customer expectations, and implementing quality standards in dynamic environments. About the role To provide scheduled & unscheduled Organizational, Intermediate and Depot level maintenance, inspection and repair of KC-135 aircraft at Fairchild AFB WA. The KC-135 Aircraft Mechanic III - Lead APG Crew Chief serves as the senior technical authority for OID-level maintenance. This position leads daily aircraft maintenance and servicing operations, ensures compliance with Air Force technical orders, oversees maintenance quality and safety assurance, and coordinates cross-functional maintenance activities to support aircraft mission readiness. The Lead Crew Chief provides expert-level troubleshooting, guides Mechanic II personnel, and ensures timely and effective resolution of all maintenance discrepancies. The position is based at Fairchild AFB and may require domestic and international travel to meet Air Force mission needs. This role is contingent upon contract award. Key responsibilities include: 1. Lead and oversee daily maintenance, inspections, servicing, and operational checks on KC-135 airframe, powerplant, hydraulic, fuel, landing gear, and general aircraft systems. 2. Provide expert-level troubleshooting and diagnostic support for complex system issues using technical orders, schematics, maintenance manuals, and advanced test equipment. 3. Direct, coordinate, and monitor maintenance activities performed by Mechanic II personnel and specialty shops to ensure efficient workflow and sortie generation. 4. Perform and supervise preflight, thru-flight, and post-flight inspections, validating aircraft readiness and coordinating corrective actions. 5. Review and verify accuracy and completeness of documentation in aircraft forms, digital maintenance systems, and discrepancy logs. 6. Ensure strict adherence to maintenance standards, quality assurance procedures, safety protocols, PPE requirements, and tool/equipment accountability. 7. Oversee aircraft servicing operations including fueling, oil replenishment, hydraulic servicing, and oxygen system maintenance. 8. Plan, organize, and execute maintenance activities supporting launch, recovery, red-ball, and quick-turn operations, ensuring rapid response to time-critical discrepancies. 9. Lead and participate in phase, isochronal, special inspections, and pre-/post-depot evaluations, ensuring thorough discrepancy identification and proper corrective action tracking. 10. Serve as a technical subject-matter expert for airframe and powerplant systems, providing guidance to resolve cross-system issues and coordinating support from avionics, propulsion, hydraulics, and other shops. 11. Train, mentor, and evaluate junior mechanics, ensuring competency development, adherence to procedures, and proper use of safety and maintenance practices. 12. Assist the Site Supervisor or Manager with workload planning, technical assessments, quality reviews, and reporting requirements. 13. Ensure readiness and availability of aircraft support equipment, verify calibration status, and coordinate maintenance or replacement as needed. 14. Perform other lead-level maintenance duties as assigned to support mission requirements and organizational goals. 15. Maintain strict adherence to technical orders, safety protocols, quality assurance procedures, and proper use of required PPE. 16. Support other duties assigned by the Site Supervisor or Shift Lead. About youWe'd love to hear from you if you have: 1. High school diploma or equivalent required; advanced aviation maintenance training or military technical school preferred 2. Minimum 5-8 years of aircraft maintenance experience, preferably on KC-135 or comparable large military aircraft. 3. Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance and Common Access Card 4. Must obtain a passport for OCONUS travel. 5. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and possess a motor vehicle driver's license. 6. Demonstrated leadership experience in aircraft maintenance or crew chief operations. 7. Advanced knowledge of airframe, powerplant, hydraulic, pneumatic, and general aircraft system theory and maintenance practices. 8. Strong ability to interpret technical orders, engineering drawings, schematics, and complex technical documentation. 9. Solid understanding of Air Force technical order compliance, quality assurance processes, and flight line safety standards. 10. Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills suited for a high-tempo operational environment. Compensation & Benefits Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment but will also receive a generous and competitive total compensation package that supports employees through every stage of life: This is a full time/ non-exempt/ non-union position. $41.33 hr. wage. A Health & Welfare benefit of $5.09 hr. is provided. The company sponsors group medical, dental, vision, basic life paid coverage plans for the employee/family. Employee contributions required. 401k plan. 40 paid Sick hours each year. Eleven (11) paid holidays. Employees will accrue PTO at a bi-weekly accrual rate (80 hours annual). Paid Jury Duty. 3-5 days for paid Bereavement Leave. Employee Assistance Program (no cost). Physical Demands and Work Environment: 1. This position requires normal physical functions. 2. Work may require frequent bending, reaching, and climbing. 3. May frequently lift and carry items weighing up to fifty pounds and occasionally lift heavier items with the assistance of other workers. 4. Capability to work on elevated platforms, ladders, and aircraft surfaces. 5. Must tolerate exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and aircraft operational environments. 6. Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, and fall-protection harnesses when required. 7. Work may be performed on top or under equipment in cramped or awkward positions. 8. Normal color/depth perception and no record of emotional instability are required. 9. May be required to work in areas in or near a hangar/ flight line that may be noisy at times. 10. May be exposed to moderate discomforts, such as heat, cold and wind. 11. Office/shop environment, hangar and flightline 12. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud at times. PKL Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or any other protected class. Our commitment to diversity, equal opportunity and sustainability enables PKL Services to draw from a remarkable wealth of talent to create one of the world's leading Aerospace Maintenance, Training, and Logistics Services companies. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. We also work to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.