Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector Lead (In-Training)

Full Job Description

If you answer YES to any of these questions this is the perfect opportunity to help your career take flight!

• Are you ready to take your career to new heights?
• Do you want a role where your skills help keep our aircraft, and our mission, off the ground?
• Are you looking for a stable career path with room to climb?

About the Agency:
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency made up of dedicated professionals committed to safeguarding the lives, property, and well-being of Washington’s residents. Every employee, commissioned and civilian, plays a vital role in supporting our mission and serving our communities.

About the Division:
The Special Operations Division - Aviation Section operates from the Olympia Airport and provides statewide aerial support for law enforcement, traffic management, emergency response, and homeland security missions. The team also provides safe and efficient air transportation for the Governor and other state officials. Our work is deliberate, mission-critical, and essential to the Patrol’s public safety responsibilities.

Why This Role Matters:
As an Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector, you will directly contribute to the safety and readiness of aircraft used in life-saving missions, rapid response operations, and statewide law-enforcement support. Your expertise ensures that every aircraft launched by the WSP Aviation Section is safe, reliable, and ready to serve the people of Washington.

Requirements

The Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector supports the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Aviation Section’s mission to provide aerial traffic enforcement, congestion management, homeland security operations, and other aviation-based law enforcement services that enhance public safety across Washington State.

The Aviation Section also provides safe, reliable, and efficient air transportation for the Governor and other state personnel.

This position ensures the safety, readiness, and operational reliability of the Patrol’s aircraft by performing expert maintenance, inspections, repairs, and avionics installations, while integrating modern airborne public-safety technologies.

Once you’re part of our crew, you’ll help keep our aircraft, and our mission, flying smoothly by doing the following:

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections, maintenance, and repairs on turbine and reciprocating-engine aircraft to ensure all WSP aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with FAA regulations and manufacturer requirements.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair aircraft systems using industry-standard tools, testing equipment, and technical documentation.
• Conduct ground operations including towing, starting, operating, and functional testing of aircraft.
• Install, modify, and integrate avionics and mission-specific equipment by reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical instructions; performing fabrication, wiring, drilling, riveting, painting, and system testing.
• Maintain hangar facilities, grounds, pool vehicles, and equipment by performing cleaning, detailing, general repairs, fueling, lubrication, parts replacement, and FOD prevention activities.
• Use hand tools, power tools, specialty tools, shop equipment, tow vehicles, lift trucks, and other state-owned equipment safely and effectively.
• Support all-hazard emergency operations and serve as an Air Operations Branch liaison when needed.
• Assist with snow removal, debris removal, hangar organization, fabrication tasks, and other operational needs.
• Attend required training, maintain certifications, document training activities, and share knowledge with team members.
• Perform general office duties including documentation, recordkeeping, and use of maintenance and parts-tracking software.
• Lift, relocate, and carry up to 50 pounds as part of routine maintenance and operational tasks.

Qualifications

The agency may consider hiring at the Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector level and place the successful candidate into an in-Training plan to advance to the Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector Lead level.

Required Qualifications – Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector (Range 52G: $5,531 - $6,414 monthly)

• Current, valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current, valid Washington State Driver License
• 4 years of experience maintaining general aviation and turbine corporate aircraft
• Ability to read and write English fluently in accordance with FAA regulations
• Demonstrated punctuality, attention to detail, self-motivation, focus, and unquestionable integrity
• Working knowledge of aircraft systems and repair practices
• Ability to skillfully use hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, aircraft test and repair equipment, tow vehicles, lift trucks, and other state-owned vehicles
• Working knowledge of troubleshooting, diagnosis, sheet-metal fabrication and repair, composite repair, and applicable FAA regulations
• General computer skills with the ability to learn and master maintenance, parts-tracking, repair, and documentation software

Required Qualifications – Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector Lead (Range 54G: $5,812 - $6,735 monthly)

To advance to or be hired directly into the Lead level, candidates must meet all Mechanic/Inspector requirements plus:

• Familiarity with state purchasing and contracting guidelines, surplus operations, travel and training procedures, bargaining unit requirements, and HR processes such as PDP and PDF
• 7 years of experience maintaining general aviation and turbine corporate aircraft
• Previous supervisory experience
• Current, valid FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• A stable, long-term career with excellent benefits and retirement
• The chance to work on diverse aircraft supporting real-world public safety missions
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and military spouses per Governor Executive Order 19-01
• Eligibility for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Additional Information