PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an experienced Flight Readiness Technician C to support T-7 aircraft maintenance and flight test operations at Edwards AFB, CA. This role is responsible for troubleshooting, inspecting, and maintaining aircraft systems while ensuring full compliance with safety, regulatory, and program requirements. You will be part of a high-performance team supporting critical Defense and Flight Test operations.

Primary Responsibilities
Aircraft Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot T-7 aircraft systems, including comm/nav, instrumentation, mechanical, and electrical components.
• Use technical orders, schematics, diagrams, and engineering data to diagnose faults and repair to the component level.
• Open and remove aircraft panels (excluding Command and Response panels) for system access and maintenance.
• Operate ground support equipment and perform routine servicing of assigned aircraft.
• Ensure maintenance actions comply with all USAF and company safety protocols.
• Complete aircraft records both manually and electronically per DoD and company standards.

Flight Readiness & Test Support

• Participate in scheduled inspections, functional tests, and aircraft servicing required for flight test readiness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system malfunctions using approved technical data.
• Support pre-flight and post-flight activities.

Team Leadership & Training

• Provide on-the-job training (OJT) to junior or less-experienced technicians.
• Assist in mentoring and guiding maintenance personnel.

Additional Duties

• Support quality, safety, environmental, and tool control programs.
• Perform follow-up inspections and scheduled maintenance tasks.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

• 5–7 years of hands-on aircraft maintenance experience.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot aircraft malfunctions down to component level.
• Experience supervising or leading maintenance personnel.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts.
• Knowledge of aviation regulatory requirements and quality management systems.
• Proficiency with electrical schematics, circuits, and test equipment.
• Preferred: Experience with Development or Flight Test Programs.
• Preferred: Familiarity with DoD systems such as AFTO 781 and IMDS.
• Preferred: Experience working directly with U.S. Government personnel.

Security Requirements

• Active or Interim DoD Secret Clearance REQUIRED.
• Must comply with all company information systems security protocols.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Work in confined spaces, elevated areas, and under aircraft equipment.
• Exposure to electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Work in environments with loud noise, airborne particles, and extreme temperatures.
• Ability to perform domestic and international travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting flight test or developmental aircraft programs.
• Knowledge of DoD maintenance documentation and digital systems.
• Strong troubleshooting experience with electrical systems and schematics.
• Familiarity with aviation quality standards and compliance.

Education / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Typically 4+ years of related aircraft maintenance experience OR a combination of:
  • Vocational/technical school
  • Associate degree + 2 years experience
  • Equivalent military/civilian aircraft maintenance training

Benefits:

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, sick leave, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

PDS Defense, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 1-866-224-2745 to contact us. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The law requires PDS Defense, Inc. to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following links: EEO is the Law and EEO is the Law Supplement

PDS Defense, Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

As a Federal Contractor, PDS Defense, Inc. is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information, please click on the following link: E-Verify

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit https://www.pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/.