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Job Description

Overview

West Star Aviation is a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider with over 78 years of industry experience. The Aircraft Maintenance Technician role involves performing mechanical tasks on aircraft and related systems, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive work environment.

Responsibilities

  • Perform general mechanical tasks on aircraft and related systems.
  • Remove and install panels and components.
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve aircraft system/component issues.
  • De-fuel aircraft.
  • Perform engine removal and installations.
  • Operate ground support equipment.
  • Inspect and evaluate aircraft and components.
  • Assist in aircraft movement and performance runs/taxiing.
  • Maintain and repair shop facility, equipment, and tooling.
  • Notify the Lead Mechanic of any problem areas.
  • Provide detailed reports of work progression to the Lead Mechanic.
  • Properly tag and store aircraft components, parts, and panels.
  • Navigate electronic training, manuals, and maintenance databases.
  • Work rotating shifts including nights, holidays, weekends, and days off.
  • Communicate effectively and clearly in English.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Airframe and Powerplant License is required.
  • Valid driver's license approved for airline travel and/or valid passport is ideal.
  • Self-motivated and able to perform in a fast-paced environment.
  • Reliable transportation to get to work each day.
  • Ability to perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
  • Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.
  • Maintain customer-oriented work habits.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • Full-time position.
  • On-site work in Chicago, IL.
  • Work performed in a hangar environment subject to extreme temperature variations.
  • Physical requirements include lifting 70 lbs and working on elevated platforms.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
401k
PTO
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How this job compares in Chicago, IL

Pay in context

At roughly $42/hr, this posting sits about 14% above the $37/hr median for welding jobs in Chicago, IL — toward the top of a $31–$47/hr middle band drawn from 76 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 67% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Chicago, IL

We're tracking 96 other active welding openings in Chicago, IL right now, from 54 different employers. 31 of them were added in the last week. Across Illinois as a whole we're tracking 333 other active welding openings from 207 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Chicago, or widen the search to Illinois.

West Star Aviation Inc. currently has 1 other opening live in Illinois, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Illinois at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Staff on Site (13), S&C Electric Company (10), and Gerber Collision & Glass (10). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Illinois, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Chicago at $37/hr, Elk Grove Village at $36/hr, and Bedford Park at $33/hr. Chicago is among them.

Similar openings near Chicago, IL

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Aircraft Maintenance Technician - 943 figures were last recalculated when this page was built.