Airframe and Power Plant Maintenance Technician

$67,704

Ellensburg, WAFull-timePosted Oct 13, 2026

Job description

Central Washington University is recruiting an Airframe and Power Plant Maintenance Technician ( Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector) to join our Aviation team in Ellensburg , Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting.

We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits. Who we are: We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice.

Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Rent. Cafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.

S. in 2025. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus. Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjdh. Oeg. Da9A What we offer: Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us.

We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

The Role: The Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic is responsible to perform aircraft maintenance and/or repairs within estimated time in accordance with applicable FAR 43, and FAR 141 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations with high standards of quality. This includes organizing his/her work plan in an efficient and resourceful manner.

This position plays a vital role in shaping the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by enhancing the Aviation Professional Pilot Program as the trusted choice for aspiring pilots. They create a work and learning environment built on trust, accountability, excellence, safety, and stewardship. This important position will influence the future of aviation by promoting a culture that embodies these principles, all within an academic framework that emphasizes innovation and professional integrity in flight training and education.

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence

Aircraft Maintenance

  • Troubleshoot, repair, clean, service, inspect, modify, replace and/or overhaul aircraft and aircraft systems using approved data to ensure airworthiness.
  • Perform such typical maintenance operations as the removal and replacement of aircraft and power plant components that require bolting, torquing, adjusting, rigging and safety wiring to include power plant and flight control removal/installation.
  • Become familiar with and adhere to all applicable repair station manuals, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, airworthiness directives, advisory circulars, manufacturer specifications and service bulletins, and other technical requirements and guidelines.
  • Follow established safety procedures and manufactures specifications when performing assigned tasks to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and in compliance with applicable requirements.
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
  • Perform work within estimated hours.
  • Execute all required paperwork in connection with assigned normal duties.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

FAA Airframe and Power Plant Certificate. Two years' experience on general aviation aircraft. Knowledge of Microsoft Office such as Word, Excel, Outlook and/or similar applications. Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.

OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Science. FAA Inspection Authorization IA. Flight School maintenance experience. Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values. A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment. Competencies Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes.

Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules. Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action. Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support. Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities.

Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives. Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive. Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace.

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Salary : This position is based on the range 52G of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $67,704 and maximum annual salary of $78,504. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment : Monday

  • Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch) / Some weekend and evening shifts required / WFSE Bargaining Unit 1 Working Conditions : This position may work indoors and outdoors at times in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/confined areas such as mechanical rooms and may need to physically access work areas with the equipment and tools necessary for completion of the job. This often requires standing/crawling/bending/walking /climbing while carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with equipment or tools. Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required. Applicant must be able to work full weekend shifts (8 hours) on a routine basis to meet the requirements of a 7-day week operation. Regularly performs work within the confined or restricted spaces of small general aviation aircraft. The ability to access and maneuver within these spaces is required to perform assigned aircraft inspection, maintenance, or related duties.

Benefits

CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach: A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting; Resume including work history, education, training; FAA Airframe and Power Plant Certificate copy; and Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins October 27, 2026 **Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Name: Chris Pratz Title: Chief Flight Instructor Email: Christopher.Pratz@cwu.edu Phone: (509) 859-4112 Website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/aviation/index.php Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Background Check/Reference Check Process: Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

This position is part of a Washington Federation of State Employees Bargaining Unit I. Notice to Prospective Employees: Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment.

Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process.

Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.

edu. Reasonable Accommodations Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability.

If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.

e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.

Description copied from Central Washington University's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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