Aviation Machinist – C-130 Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Aviation Machinist to join our maintenance team, specializing in the C-130 aircraft platform. The successful candidate will be responsible for the fabrication, modification, and repair of aircraft parts, tools, and structural components. Operating a variety of machine tools, this role requires precision craftsmanship and a strict adherence to aviation safety and quality standards to ensure the structural integrity and operational readiness of the AFSOC fleet of AC/MC-130J aircraft.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Machining: Set up and operate conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses (HASS VF4/7 and HASS TL-2), to fabricate and repair aircraft parts.
• Component Repair & Fabrication: Manufacture replacement parts, bushings, sleeves, and specialized tooling for the C-130 aircraft, often working from blueprints, engineering drawings, damaged samples, or CAD files.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret complex technical manuals, engineering drawings, structural repair manuals (SRM), and blueprints specific to the C-130 platform.
• Material Selection: Select and work with a variety of aviation-grade materials, including aluminum alloys, stainless steel, titanium, and high-strength composites, ensuring proper heat treatment and stress relief processes are followed.
• Heat Treatment: Ability to perform heat treatment of fabricated parts using heat treatment ovens and conduct Rockwell Hardness Testing IAW ASTM / AWS standards and USAF Technical Orders.
• Quality Inspection: Utilize precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, gauges) to ensure fabricated and repaired parts meet exact dimensional tolerances and structural specifications.
• Maintenance Support: Collaborate closely with aircraft mechanics and structural technicians during Letter Check maintenance on the C-130.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all machining and fabrication work complies with FAA regulations, military technical orders (TOs), and internal quality assurance protocols. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience as an aviation or aerospace machinist.
• Platform Knowledge: Proven experience working with aircraft components, structures, and technical documentation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating manual and CNC machining equipment. Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical manuals.
• Measurement Mastery: Expert knowledge of precision measuring tools and techniques.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a recognized machinist apprenticeship, technical school program, or military aviation machinist training (e.g., USAF Metals Technology or USN Aviation Machinist's Mate).
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOW Secret Security Clearances and access as required by the contract.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for CNC programming (FeatureCam / Mastercam).
• Prior military experience in an aviation maintenance squadron working directly on the C-130 platform.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, and working in confined spaces when necessary.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and shop chemicals (requires strict adherence to PPE protocols).
• Must be able to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, depending on operational requirements and aircraft maintenance schedules.
• Ability to work independently.

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
 
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
 
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.