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Company Overview
Kay and Associates, Inc. (KAI) is a premier provider of engineering, aviation maintenance, logistics, and technical services supporting both commercial industry and U.S. Government customers worldwide. Established in 1960, KAI delivers mission-critical support across defense and aerospace platforms, with a strong reputation for quality, safety, and performance.
KAI maintains a robust Quality Management System certified to ISO 9001:2015 and aligns with industry best practices including AS9100 standards. Our workforce supports advanced aviation programs, ensuring operational readiness and lifecycle sustainment for next-generation aircraft systems.
Location: NAS Lemoore, CA
Company: Kay and Associates, Inc. (KAI)
Job Type: Full-Time | Onsite
Clearance Required: Secret Clearance | CAC Required
Position Overview
Kay and Associates, Inc. (KAI) is seeking Aircraft Workers and Aircraft Mechanics (Level I, II, III) to support F-35 Organizational-Level (O-Level) maintenance and flight line operations at NAS Lemoore.
These positions support launch and recovery operations, inspections, troubleshooting, repair, and modification of advanced tactical aircraft in accordance with the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), technical directives, and contract requirements.
Opportunities are available for entry-level through senior-level mechanics, with leadership opportunities at higher levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform aircraft maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, repair, and modification on F-35 aircraft
- Support flight line launch and recovery operations
- Inspect and maintain:
- Airframe and structural systems
- Flight controls
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Landing gear systems
- Troubleshoot and repair avionics and aircraft systems
- Interpret technical manuals, schematics, and directives
- Accurately document maintenance actions in logs and systems (IAW NAMP)
- Ensure compliance with:
- Tool Control programs
- FOD prevention
- Safety and quality standards
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance (Mechanic II & III levels)
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications (By Level)Aircraft Worker (Entry-Level)
- 2+ years aviation maintenance experience (airframe, avionics, or powerplants)
- 2+ years fixed-wing fighter aircraft experience
Aircraft Mechanic I (Junior-Level)
- 5+ years aviation maintenance experience
- 3+ years F-35 or similar aircraft experience
Aircraft Mechanic II (Mid-Level)
- 6+ years aviation maintenance experience
- 4+ years F-35 or similar aircraft experience
- Ability to provide technical guidance to junior personnel
Aircraft Mechanic III (Senior-Level)
- 7+ years aviation maintenance experience
- 5+ years F-35 or similar aircraft experience
- Proven leadership and advanced troubleshooting expertise
Preferred Qualifications
- Plane Captain qualification
- Engine run qualification
- CDI/CDQAR experience
- Prior military aviation maintenance experience
Work Requirements
- Ability to work day, swing, or mid shifts
- Lift up to 50 lbs
- Work in high-noise, outdoor, and flight line environments
- Perform duties requiring:
- Standing, walking, bending, kneeling
- Climbing and working in confined/elevated spaces
- Use of required PPE at all times
Compensation
Compensation is based on experience and level:
- Aircraft Worker: $34.15/hr
- Mechanic I: $37.83/hr
- Mechanic II: $39.58/hr
- Mechanic III: $41.33/hr
- +$2.65/hour Health & Welfare (H&W)
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Basic Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Holidays (minimum 11)
- PTO/Vacation (IAW wage determination)
Additional Information
- Employment is contingent upon contract award, funding, background investigation, and clearance eligibility
- KAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Disability/Veterans)
- We support employee rights under applicable labor laws
Why Join KAI?
Join a team supporting one of the most advanced aircraft platforms in the world. Whether you're building your career or bringing senior-level expertise, KAI offers growth, stability, and mission-critical work in a high-performance aviation environment.
Pay: $34.15 - $41.33 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Security clearance:
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person