Maintenance Crew Chief (Aircraft)

Job Title: Crew Chief / Aircraft Maintenance Lead

Location: Milan, IL

Position Summary

In this critical role, you will lead a team of technicians responsible for inspecting, troubleshooting, and servicing aircraft to ensure optimal performance and full regulatory compliance. You will oversee task assignments, manage maintenance projects, and perform hands-on mechanical work as needed, playing a key role in maintaining aircraft safety and operational integrity.

Acting as a Crew Chief, you will drive aircraft maintenance projects from initiation through completion, ensuring the effective coordination of personnel, tools, and documentation. You will serve as a primary point of contact for both internal teams and customers, fostering strong collaboration and a high-performance, team-oriented environment.

This role is ideal for a mechanically skilled leader with strong communication abilities who thrives in a dynamic aviation maintenance setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant return-to-service operations.
• Assign tasks, manage workflows, and allocate resources to support timely completion of heavy maintenance checks, line maintenance, modifications, and unscheduled repairs.
• Act as the central communication point between technicians, planners, inspectors, engineering teams, and customers, ensuring alignment on progress and challenges.
• Review work orders, maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and technical documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with FAA and OEM standards.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and collaborate with engineering and quality teams to implement effective, timely solutions that minimize downtime.
• Perform hands-on maintenance when required, demonstrating best practices, workmanship standards, and compliance expectations.
• Track project milestones, identify potential bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to maintain schedules and meet turnaround time (TAT) targets.
• Ensure availability and proper staging of parts, tools, and equipment to support efficient maintenance operations.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and ongoing feedback to technicians to support skill development, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a customer-focused approach by providing clear updates, managing expectations, and ensuring a positive maintenance experience.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, mechanical systems repair, or technical troubleshooting.
• Experience within an MRO, airline, or aerospace maintenance environment preferred.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification required.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven leadership ability with experience managing and mentoring aircraft technicians.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, OEM maintenance manuals, and standard MRO procedures.
• Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and regulatory documentation.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and work order systems.
• Strong commitment to safety standards and safe handling of tools and materials.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.