Launch Your Career as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic with the Mississippi Air National Guard
Are you a skilled mechanic with a passion for aviation? The Mississippi Air National Guard (186th Air Refueling Wing) is looking for a dedicated Aircraft Engine Mechanic to join our technical team in Meridian, Mississippi. This role is a unique opportunity to serve your country while working at the cutting edge of military propulsion systems.
Job Responsibilities
As an Aircraft Engine Mechanic (WG-8602-10), you will be the backbone of our aircraft's reliability. Your daily duties will include:
- Maintenance & Repair: Removing, installing, and overhauling turboprop engines, reduction gearboxes, and propeller assemblies.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnosing malfunctions using advanced computerized test equipment and schematic diagrams.
- Testing: Conducting operational checks and full-power engine runs to ensure peak performance.
- Documentation: Clearing maintenance records and ensuring all work meets rigorous technical standards.
- Compliance: Implementing modifications per Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTO).
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Military Membership: Must be or be willing to become a member of the National Guard.
- Specialized Experience: A minimum of 18 months of detailed experience in engine assembly, disassembly, and repair.
- Tools Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to use hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview
| Position | Pay Rate | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | $29.78 - $34.76 | Per Hour |
Benefits
Working with the Air National Guard offers stability and professional growth. You will enjoy a collaborative environment, access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and the pride of maintaining aircraft that serve critical national missions.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:
- Draft a Detailed Resume: Ensure every job entry contains the dates of employment, hours worked per week, and salary. Vague resumes are often disqualified.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Do not copy the job description into your resume. Use your own words to describe your technical expertise.
- Use a Computer: Avoid applying via a mobile device to prevent formatting issues or file corruption during the upload process.
If you have the drive to maintain high-performance aircraft and the desire to serve in the National Guard, this is the perfect career move. Apply today to bring your mechanical skills to the Mississippi Air National Guard.
Why This Aircraft Engine Mechanic Job Matters
Launch your technical career with the Mississippi Air National Guard—join our elite team of Aircraft Engine Mechanics and keep our skies secure.
Aircraft Engine Mechanic Job Overview
The Mississippi Air National Guard (186th Air Refueling Wing) is currently seeking a highly skilled Aircraft Engine Mechanic to join the team in Meridian, Mississippi. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operational testing of complex turboprop engines and propulsion systems. This is a Title 32 Excepted Service position, which combines technical civilian expertise with military service requirements. If you possess a background in engine repair and are ready to contribute to a mission-critical aerospace environment, this opportunity offers a stable career path with the Department of the Air Force.
Requirements for Aircraft Engine Mechanic
- Must be a member of the National Guard and hold a compatible military assignment.
- Must wear the military uniform as a condition of employment.
- Minimum 18 months of specialized experience in aircraft engine assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license for operation of motor vehicles.
- Must be between military grades E1 and E6.
Preferred Qualifications for Aircraft Engine Mechanic
- Experience performing maintenance on fixed and/or rotary-wing aircraft powertrains.
- Proficiency in reading technical manuals, schematic diagrams, and inspection reports.
- Documented ability to perform dynamic propeller balancing and vibration analysis.
- Experience working with computerized engine test/trim automated systems (ETTAS).
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a high-stakes military team environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Excepted Service position with federal benefits eligibility.
- ✓Ongoing technical training and professional development.
- ✓Contribution to national security and community emergency support.
- ✓Access to military installation facilities and resources.
💡 How to Apply Aircraft Engine Mechanic Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aircraft Engine Mechanic Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume in PDF format that explicitly lists salary, hours worked per week, and dates of employment for every position held.
- Complete the required online Occupational Questionnaire via the link provided.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy and paste the job announcement text into your resume, as this will lead to disqualification for plagiarism.
- Ensure your resume provides a detailed narrative of how you meet both the general and specialized experience requirements.
- Avoid using mobile devices for the application process to ensure all documents upload correctly.
- Verify that your resume includes dates of employment in a clear format (e.g., Month Year – Month Year) to avoid being marked as incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military membership required for this position?
Yes. This is a Title 32 Excepted Service position, which mandates that the selectee is a member of the National Guard and holds a compatible military assignment.
What documentation is absolutely necessary for my resume?
Your resume must explicitly state the salary, hours worked per week, job duties, and specific dates of employment for each role listed. Without this, your application may be considered incomplete.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No. There is no substitution of education for the specialized experience required for this mechanic position.
What if I don't have an active security clearance?
If you do not have one, you must be capable of obtaining a Secret clearance within one year of appointment.
Are there multiple openings?
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies depending on agency requirements.
Job from Air National Guard Units
The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Serving as both a state and federal resource, the National Guard provides essential support during emergencies and stands ready for collective defense. Joining the 186th Air Refueling Wing means becoming part of a community that values teamwork, precision, and national pride.