Aviation Machinist - C-130 Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Aviation Machinist to join our maintenance team, specializing in the C-130 aircraft platform. The successful candidate will be responsible for the fabrication, modification, and repair of aircraft parts, tools, and structural components. Operating a variety of machine tools, this role requires precision craftsmanship and a strict adherence to aviation safety and quality standards to ensure the structural integrity and operational readiness of the AFSOC fleet of AC/MC-130J aircraft.

• Precision Machining: Set up and operate conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses (HASS VF4/7 and HASS TL-2), to fabricate and repair aircraft parts.
• Component Repair & Fabrication: Manufacture replacement parts, bushings, sleeves, and specialized tooling for the C-130 aircraft, often working from blueprints, engineering drawings, damaged samples, or CAD files.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret complex technical manuals, engineering drawings, structural repair manuals (SRM), and blueprints specific to the C-130 platform.
• Material Selection: Select and work with a variety of aviation-grade materials, including aluminum alloys, stainless steel, titanium, and high-strength composites, ensuring proper heat treatment and stress relief processes are followed.
• Heat Treatment: Ability to perform heat treatment of fabricated parts using heat treatment ovens and conduct Rockwell Hardness Testing IAW ASTM / AWS standards and USAF Technical Orders.
• Quality Inspection: Utilize precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, gauges) to ensure fabricated and repaired parts meet exact dimensional tolerances and structural specifications.
• Maintenance Support: Collaborate closely with aircraft mechanics and structural technicians during Letter Check maintenance on the C-130.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all machining and fabrication work complies with FAA regulations, military technical orders (TOs), and internal quality assurance protocols. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment.

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience as an aviation or aerospace machinist.
• Platform Knowledge: Proven experience working with aircraft components, structures, and technical documentation.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in operating manual and CNC machining equipment. Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical manuals.
• Measurement Mastery: Expert knowledge of precision measuring tools and techniques.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a recognized machinist apprenticeship, technical school program, or military aviation machinist training (e.g., USAF Metals Technology or USN Aviation Machinist's Mate).
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOW Secret Security Clearances and access as required by the contract.

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for CNC programming (Feature Cam / Mastercam).
• Prior military experience in an aviation maintenance squadron working directly on the C-130 platform.

• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, and working in confined spaces when necessary.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and shop chemicals (requires strict adherence to PPE protocols).
• Must be able to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, depending on operational requirements and aircraft maintenance schedules.
• Ability to work independently.

Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and…