F-18 Flight Operations 3
Job role insights
Date Posted
September 12, 2026
Employment Type
Full Time
Salary Range
$60.5K - $100.9K
Cost of Living
View details for San Diego
Locations
Application Deadline
October 12, 2026
Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
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.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a F-18 Flight Operations Technician 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our organization. This role is located in San Antonio, Texas.
In this position, you will perform maintenance operations on F-18 aircraft, F-18 aircraft equipment, F-18 engines, F-18 components, and systems in accordance with DOD, manufacturer, company, supplier and other directives in support of aircraft modification.
Responsibilities
- Performs a combination of responsibilities consisting of complex mechanical duties in all fields of specialization for the flight line, including power plant, run-in plumbing, hydraulics, rigging, controls, and structures and surfaces on the complete airplane.
- Performs mechanical and operational duties for pre-flight and post-flight service and inspection and/or in preparation of customer acceptance of completed airplanes.
- Performs operations such as disassembling, repairing, replacing, rechecking, testing, re-rigging, servicing, and re-installing as necessary.
- Operates aircraft power plants and ground equipment during acceptance checks, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of aircraft.
- May troubleshoot malfunctions/defects and schedule/modify maintenance procedures.
- Maintain practical knowledge of certified aircraft and ground support systems such as controls, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, fire control and armament components.
Basic Qualifications
- Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) and at least 4 years of aircraft maintenance experience.
- Must be able to obtain a DoD Secret level security clearance once hired; and have the ability to maintain that clearance for continued employment.
- Able to read and interpret schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, test procedures, etc.
- Able to perform assigned duties on all shifts without encumbrances due to weather or physical location and conditions.
- This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, carrying tools, lifting up to 50 pounds, working overhead, and accessing small, confined spaces.
- Must be able to pass a physical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirator fitting requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fighter type aircraft maintenance experience.
- A&P license.
- U.S. Navy or USMC background.
- Active Secret DoD clearance.
Salary Range
Primary Level Salary Range: $60,500.00 - $100,900.00
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 Period
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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot: San Diego, California
What aviation pay actually covers in San Diego — AviHire's snapshot of median income, housing, and everyday prices from U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 5-Year ACS estimates).
Rent runs about 25.6% of median income in San Diego — moderate by the common 30%-of-income guideline.
AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot, compiled from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2023), with fuel and grocery prices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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