Aviation Maintenance Technician Apprentice

Position Summary

The Aviation Maintenance Technician Apprentice will support WWU's aircraft maintenance and fleet sustainment activities while completing a structured learning pathway toward an FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license. This role combines on-the-job training (OJT), instruction in aircraft systems and maintenance practices, hands-on exposure to aircraft parts procurement, and supervised learning in the oversight of fleet maintenance and repair activities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured training plan to prepare for and acquire an FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, including active performance of aircraft maintenance and repairs under the supervision of licensed A&P technician
• Complete required coursework/study assignments and maintain records of training progress
• Learn the full parts procurement workflow, including identifying parts by part number, submitting and tracking requisitions, validating receiving documentation, and maintaining proper documentation for parts traceability
• Assist with planning, coordination, and tracking of maintenance tasks for the department's aircraft
• Develop competence in maintenance documentation review, including work order support, tracking service bulletins/AD compliance status, and logging and recordkeeping practices
• Gain familiarity with the Authorized Inspector role and participate in inspections and inspection-related reviews under supervision
• Comply with all FAA regulations, manufacturer instructions, and university policies
• Follow tool control, hazardous materials handling, and documentation requirements

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent experience; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Ability to work safely in an aircraft maintenance environment and follow all safety procedures
• Mechanical aptitude and strong attention to detail
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and maintenance documentation
• Willingness to pursue the FAA A&P licensing pathway and participate in required training
• Strong organizational skills for parts tracking and documentation accuracy
• Prior experience in aircraft maintenance, aviation maintenance education, or related mechanical/technical training preferred
• Familiarity with FAA regulations or willingness to learn quickly
• Experience using maintenance documentation systems and/or inventory/parts software
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a maintenance team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft database and Flight Schedule Pro preferred

Work Conditions

• Frequent: computer use, fast-paced work, unscheduled interruptions, and speaking, reading, and understanding English
• Occasional: travel, working more than 40 hours/week, on-call weekend work, and after-hours work
• Ability to perform tasks in typical aircraft maintenance environments (hangar/shops)
• Ability to lift and carry moderate items, stand for extended periods, and work in tight spaces
• Willingness to work flexible hours as required by aircraft scheduling and maintenance needs