Lead the Mission: Aircraft Survival and Flight Equipment Repairer Leader
Are you a skilled technician with a passion for leadership? The Department of the Air Force is currently looking for an experienced professional to serve as an Aircraft Survival and Flight Equipment (AFE) Repairer Leader at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. This role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team in the vital task of maintaining equipment that keeps our aircrews safe.
Job Responsibilities
As a leader in the AFE shop, your daily duties will be both hands-on and managerial. You will:
- Lead the Crew: Manage a team of three or more employees, ensuring work is completed to exact standards.
- Maintenance & Repair: Disassemble, inspect, test, and repair life-saving equipment including ejection seats, parachutes, oxygen masks, and survival kits.
- Quality Control: Perform QA/QCI inspections and maintain accurate digital records of all maintenance activity.
- Instruction: Train aircrew members on the proper use of emergency and survival equipment.
- Safety Oversight: Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols when handling munitions, high-pressure oxygen, and hazardous chemicals.
Comparison of Requirements
| Feature | Requirement Type |
|---|---|
| Experience | Proven technical skill & leadership ability |
| Education | High-level trades/craft experience preferred |
| Certification | Must pass Drug Test & obtain Secret Clearance |
| Documentation | 2-page resume & DD-214 for veterans |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $66,200 to $77,219 per year. Beyond the paycheck, federal employment includes:
- Healthcare: Comprehensive coverage options for you and your family.
- Retirement: Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a technical expert to transition into a leadership role within the Department of the Air Force. If you are detail-oriented, safety-focused, and ready to lead, apply before the November 3, 2026 deadline.
Why This Aircraft Survival And Flight Equipment Repairer Leader Job Matters
Lead the team that keeps our aviators safe: Join the Air Force as an Aircraft Survival and Flight Equipment Repairer Leader at Columbus AFB.
Aircraft Survival And Flight Equipment Repairer Leader Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Leader for the Aircraft Survival and Flight Equipment (AFE) section. In this critical role, you will lead a team of three or more personnel, overseeing the inspection, maintenance, and repair of vital aircrew flight equipment. You will ensure that all safety protocols, technical standards, and mission requirements are met while fostering a culture of excellence and operational readiness.
Requirements for Aircraft Survival And Flight Equipment Repairer Leader
- Ability to lead and supervise a team of three or more employees.
- Technical knowledge of aircraft survival and flight equipment repair principles.
- Comprehensive understanding of safety regulations, hazardous waste disposal, and pyrotechnic handling.
- Proficiency in maintaining tools and equipment used in the trade.
- Ability to plan and organize work assignments to meet mission goals.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Aircraft Survival And Flight Equipment Repairer Leader
- Prior supervisory experience in a technical maintenance environment.
- Demonstrated ability to train personnel on equipment operation and survival procedures.
- Proficiency in updating automated data management systems for Quality Assurance documentation.
- Previous experience with chemical and biological defense equipment.
- Strong organizational skills related to supply chain and resource management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and pay structure.
- ✓Access to comprehensive Federal health insurance plans.
- ✓Generous retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Career advancement and training opportunities within the Department of the Air Force.
- ✓Stable work environment with clear mission objectives.
💡 How to Apply Aircraft Survival And Flight Equipment Repairer Leader Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aircraft Survival And Flight Equipment Repairer Leader Job
- Log into or create an account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, SF-50 if applicable, DD-214 for veterans).
- Draft a resume not exceeding two pages, ensuring it includes hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, ensuring all files are clearly labeled with your full name.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced and designed to focus on your most relevant experience.
- Ensure your resume explicitly states your role, the number of hours worked per week, and the specific timeframe of employment for each position.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the closing deadline.
- If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your most recent SF-50 is included to verify your tenure and grade level.
- Practice the 'STAR' method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when describing your leadership experiences in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this position?
The primary responsibility is to lead a team of three or more repairers in performing maintenance, inspection, and repair on critical aircrew flight equipment while ensuring all safety and technical standards are followed.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance as it involves working on sensitive aerospace components and equipment.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Submissions longer than two pages will be automatically disqualified.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, this position is open to various candidates, including veterans, military spouses, and those with competitive service status. Check the hiring paths listed in the announcement to confirm your eligibility.
Job from Air Education And Training Command
The Air Education and Training Command is dedicated to developing Airmen through every stage of their careers. By fostering values of integrity, service, and excellence, the Air Force ensures global power through global reach. Working here means joining a community that prioritizes safety, technology, and mission success.