Career Opportunity: Shop Lead/Foreman (GSE Technician IV)

Clean Professional Job Summary

Pegasus Aviation Services, an Akima company, is seeking a high-level Shop Lead/Foreman (GSE Technician IV) to oversee ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the reliability of a diverse fleet of motorized and non-motorized equipment, including gasoline, diesel, and electric assets. The Lead Technician coordinates the activities of Tech I, II, and III mechanics, manages preventive maintenance programs, and leads emergency repair responses. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) subsidiary, Pegasus offers a mission-driven environment where technical excellence directly supports Iñupiat shareholder communities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

Shift Coordination: Direct and mentor Tier I, II, and III Technicians, ensuring all maintenance activities are completed safely and efficiently during assigned shifts.
Program Management: Oversee GSE maintenance programs, improving equipment reliability through the development of predictive and preventive maintenance schedules.
Technical Guidance: Serve as the primary point of contact for complex troubleshooting, providing expert advice on power-train, electronic, and hydraulic systems.

Technical Execution

Advanced Diagnostics: Troubleshoot and overhaul diverse powerplants and drive-trains; read and interpret complex electrical and hydraulic schematics.
Specialized Equipment: Operate and maintain aircraft de-icing equipment and participate in de-icing events during peak winter operations.
Data Integrity: Utilize performance-tracking systems to identify trends in equipment failure and ensure the team accurately logs all work orders.

Safety & Operations

Field Response: Coordinate and assist with emergency repair calls on the airfield to minimize aircraft “turnaround” delays.
Compliance: Maintain the security of the GSE work area and ensure all ground handling procedures meet strict FAA and airport authority safety standards.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience: Minimum of 5 years in industrial, automotive, or diesel maintenance.
Education: High School diploma or GED.
Licensing: Valid driver’s license and the ability to pass an FBI fingerprint background check for an airport SIDA badge.
Physicality: Ability to lift 60–100 lbs and work comfortably in extreme inclement weather (rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures).
Communication: Proficiency in English (reading/writing/speaking) with the ability to lead briefings and write technical reports.
Availability: Must be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7 aviation environment.

About the Company

Pegasus Aviation Services is a subsidiary of Akima, LLC, an Alaska Native Corporation. Pegasus provides critical ground handling and de-icing services to domestic and international passenger and freighter airlines. By working here, you contribute to the economic sustainability of 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders from Northwest Alaska. The company is known for its “Work Where it Matters” philosophy, blending high-stakes aviation logistics with a deep commitment to indigenous culture and community support.

Market & Industry Context

Anchorage (ANC) is the fourth busiest air cargo hub in the world. In this high-volume environment, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) reliability is the linchpin of global supply chains.

The role matters because a single equipment failure on the ramp can delay international cargo flights, impacting everything from e-commerce to medical supplies. Leads in Anchorage must be “Arctic-ready,” as equipment operates in temperatures that can fluctuate by 100°F between seasons.

Career Growth & Progression Path

GSE Manager: Transition from shop leadership into full departmental oversight, managing budgets and vendor contracts.
Fleet Regional Lead: Akima’s broad contract portfolio allows successful leads to oversee GSE operations across multiple domestic or international locations.
Technical Trainer: Move into a corporate role developing the next generation of technicians through Akima’s internal apprenticeship programs.
Safety & Compliance Officer: Leverage your field experience to move into aviation safety auditing and regulatory oversight.

Interview Preparation Insights

Schematic Proficiency: You will likely be asked to “read” a hydraulic or electrical diagram during the interview. Refresh your knowledge of standard symbols and flow logic.
Leadership Scenarios: Prepare an example of a time you had to correct a safety violation or handle a conflict between technicians on a tight deadline.
Winter Operations: Be ready to discuss your experience with de-icing fluids and the specific challenges of maintaining diesel engines in sub-zero temperatures (e.g., fuel gelling, battery heaters).
ANC Shareholder Mission: Demonstrating an understanding of the Alaska Native Corporation model and how your work supports the Iñupiat people is a significant cultural “plus” during the hiring process.

Salary & Compensation Insight

Hourly Rate: Well-qualified candidates earn up to $40.00 per hour.
Lead Premium: Compensation for Lead/Foreman roles is Dependent on Experience (DOE).
Status: Nonexempt/Hourly (eligible for overtime).
Benefits: Access to Akima’s comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with excellent retirement/401(k) options.

Work Environment & Location Insights

The work is onsite at Anchorage International Airport. This is a “moderate-to-high” physical demand environment. You will be exposed to high noise levels from jet engines (hearing protection provided) and must navigate a fast-paced ramp environment. Anchorage offers a unique professional backdrop where the “bush” meets global commerce, requiring a technician who is as much a rugged outdoorsman as they are a high-tech diagnostic expert.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Pegasus Aviation Services (an Akima Company) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All hiring is contingent upon a successful background investigation, FBI fingerprinting, and a pre-employment drug test.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Pegasus Aviation Services (An Akima Company)
Location	Anchorage, AK, United States (On-Site)
Experience Level	Lead / Level IV (Senior Technical & Supervisory)
Pay Rate	Up to $40.00 per hour (Lead pay based on experience)
Job ID	2025-20300

Core Responsibilities & Technical Oversight

Focus Area	Actionable Tasks
Team Leadership	Coordinates maintenance activities for Tech 1, 2, and 3 during shifts.
GSE Maintenance	Troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul of power-plants and drive-trains.
System Expertise	Repair electric/hydraulic systems; read complex electrical/hydraulic schematics.
De-icing Ops	Operate aircraft de-icing equipment and lead de-icing events.
Reliability	Use tracking systems to trend equipment performance and improve PM/PdM programs.
Safety/Security	Maintain workspace security and ensure compliance with safe ground handling.

Candidate Qualifications & Physical Standards

Experience: Minimum of 5 years in the industrial maintenance field.
Technical Skills: Proficient in automotive/diesel mechanics, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
Physical Demand: Regularly lift 50 lbs; occasionally move 70–100 lbs with assistance.
Environment: Willingness to work in inclement weather (rain, snow, extreme temperatures).
Schedule: Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules.
Travel: May be required to travel up to 25% of the time.

Organizational Identity: Pegasus Aviation Services

As a subsidiary of Akima, Pegasus is an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC).

Purpose: Supports 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders from the Arctic Circle.
Impact: Profits contribute to the survival of a culture over 10,000 years old.
Work Culture: Challenging and innovative environment supporting domestic and international passenger/freighter airlines.

Teacher vs. Technician Comparison: Alaska Roles

Metric	Pegasus Shop Lead	Zeta Music Teacher	AMHS Able Seaman
Top Pay	$40.00 / hour	$100,000 / year	$31.02 / hour
Shift Style	Variable / On-site	Traditional School Year	2 Weeks On / 2 Off
Min. Degree	High School / GED	Bachelor’s Degree	USCG Endorsement
Specialty	Diesel/Hydraulics	Social-Emotional/Arts	Navigation/Deck Ops

Application Requirements

Background: Must complete FBI fingerprinting, criminal history check, and drug test.
Documentation: Must be a U.S. Citizen or have proof of right to work in the U.S.
Licensing: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

To apply for this job please visit www.akima.com.