CLS - F-35 Aircraft Mechanic (Airframes) 3/4
Job role insights
Date Posted
November 7, 2026
Employment Type
Full Time
Salary Range
$66.6K - $111K
Cost of Living
View details for San Diego
Locations
Application Deadline
December 7, 2026
Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Are you ready to put your experience to work at Northrop Grumman? If so, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Aircraft Mechanic 3/4 – Airframes to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Aircraft Solutions Business Unit at MCAS Miramar. Your Mission will be to support O-Level maintenance on the F-35.
Responsibilities
Your duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Perform Maintenance, Repair, Launch, and Recovery activities on F-35 aircraft.
- Ensure aircraft are in exceptional mechanical condition and safe for flight by performing maintenance, inspections, and servicing requirements on all aircraft systems in accordance with Joint Technical Data (JTD) and all applicable program and service guidance.
- Inspect, service, maintain, and repair F-35 aircraft airframe structures, composite material, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and landing gear systems.
- Perform and/or assist with Field-Level Modifications and TCTD maintenance actions.
- Assist with OJT training for team members and partner aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Maintain and update aircraft records and status within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) of Autonomous Logistics Information System (ALIS).
- Perform a multitude of ground handling duties such as taxi directing of aircraft, towing of aircraft, refueling of aircraft, securing/un-securing of aircraft, etc.
- Keep the production staff updated on aircraft status.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Aircraft Maintenance Manager.
- Perform required Airframe General (APG) tasks as part of F-35 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) performing heavy/organizational level maintenance.
- Use your training, knowledge, and experience to obtain special certifications as locally required per COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2_series and NAVMC 4790.1.
- Perform maintenance tasks including configuring aircraft for modifications, removal and installation of attaching hardware, component removal and installations, assistance with software uploads, various system operational checkouts, and egress system maintenance.
- Technical requirements also include fault isolation, troubleshooting, and repair of system failures detected during operational checks associated with modifications and restoration of aircraft to flying condition subsequent to accomplishment of modifications and maintenance.
- Interprets and uses various test equipment and works from wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, job guides, and maintenance manuals.
Basic Qualifications
- Aircraft Mechanic 3: High School diploma or GED and a minimum of 4 years of mechanical/aircraft airframe/power plants/turboprop/egress/avionics and/or crew chief experience familiar with interpreting service/program provided technical data.
- Aircraft Mechanic 4: High School diploma or GED and a minimum of 6 years of mechanical/aircraft airframe/power plants/turboprop/egress/avionics and/or crew chief experience familiar with interpreting service/program provided technical data.
- Ability to obtain equivalent Air Force 5 or 7 Level, US Navy or Marine Corps CDI /CDQAR, or equivalent Airframe and Power Plant (A&P).
- Completed the Aviation Structural Mechanic Core Course (N23WSG2), or attended the F-35 Aircraft Mechanic Organizational Maintenance Course C-603-0008 (M16F3X1), (M17F3XC) or equivalent.
- Aircraft Corrosion Control Course N-701-0013 or equivalent.
- Aircraft Paint Touch Up and Markings Course N-701-0014 or equivalent.
- Low Observables Maintenance Program (LOMP) experience to include working knowledge of NAVAIR 0l-1A-509_series and Air Force Technical Manual T.O. 1-1-694 publications.
- Able to be trained via self-paced readings, labs, and on-the-job training to individuals in the performance of ground maintenance duties.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills are necessary in the performance of duties.
- Ability to read and interpret technical data and blueprint drawings.
- A current Secret Clearance (or higher) or inactive clearance with last investigation completed within the last 5 ½ years with the ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
- Ability to obtain Special Access Program clearance, as required.
- Ability to provide temporary support to our other CLS locations and/or emerging deployments.
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
- Able to meet the physical demands of this position, including regularly required to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive movements, work overhead, use hands to grasp, handle, and/or feel, reach.
- Must be able to pass a physical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirator fitting requirements.
- Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start.
Preferred Qualifications
- F-35 Airframe Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) or Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR), Level 7 equivalent.
- 8 Years F-22 or F-35 Airframes and/or Crew Chief Experience.
- F-35 ALIS/CMMS/LOHAS advance working knowledge.
- F-35 Plane Captain Certification.
- F-35 Low Power Turn (LPT).
- F-35 Integrated Power Package Instructor (IPPI) / (Operator).
- Flightline Expediter / Maintenance Control Experience.
- Experienced Hazardous Material Control and Management (HMC&M) Program Manager.
- Experienced in the use of ALIS and associated programs for documenting maintenance and reporting deficiencies within CRM and JDRS.
- Experienced with Anomaly Fault Resolution System (AFRs), Joint Technical Data Navigation (JTD), and usage of Portable Maintenance Aid (PMA).
- U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps experience with thorough understanding of F-35 Fighter Aircraft Systems and operations under COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 and 4790.35.
- Excellent communication skills and experience in a Military-focused Customer Service-Related Industry.
Compensation
Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,100.00 - $131,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
Application Process
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit Northrop Grumman EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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