Shop Lead/Foreman

Website Talent Ali

Job Summary: Shop Lead/Foreman (GSE Technician IV)

Akima, LLC, through its subsidiary Pegasus Aviation Services, is hiring a Shop Lead/Foreman (GSE Technician IV) to oversee ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance at the Anchorage airport. This is a high-level technical and supervisory role responsible for managing maintenance programs for a diverse fleet of motorized and non-motorized equipment, including both gasoline and diesel systems. As a Lead, you will bridge the gap between hands-on repair and operational management, coordinating the activities of Tech I, II, and III mechanics while ensuring all aircraft ground support meets strict safety and reliability standards.


Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Oversight: Lead safe and efficient GSE repair operations; coordinate maintenance activities across shifts for junior technicians.

  • Technical Expertise: Troubleshoot, repair, and overhaul power-plants, drive-trains, and complex electric/hydraulic systems; read and interpret technical schematics.

  • Reliability Management: Use performance tracking systems to identify trends and proactively address equipment reliability through predictive maintenance.

  • Emergency Response: Coordinate and assist with emergency repair calls during active shifts to minimize operational disruptions.

  • Specialized Airport Duties: Operate aircraft de-icing equipment and lead the team during de-icing events, often in high-pressure, time-constrained situations.

  • Compliance & Safety: Ensure the team maintains accurate data entry for all work completed and strictly adheres to safe ground handling procedures.


Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial maintenance; specific experience with automotive and diesel systems is required.

  • Leadership: Proven ability to supervise and coordinate the work of other technicians in a fast-paced environment.

  • Physical Capability: Ability to lift 60 pounds comfortably and occasionally move up to 70-100 pounds with assistance.

  • Technical Literacy: Proficient in reading and interpreting safety rules, maintenance instructions, and complex electrical/hydraulic diagrams.

  • Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or show proof of right to work in the U.S.

  • Background: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including FBI fingerprints and a pre-employment drug test.


Compensation & Total Rewards

  • Hourly Pay: Well-qualified candidates earn up to $40.00 per hour. Lead-specific pay is determined based on experience (DOE).

  • Sign-On Bonus: Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of up to $3,000.

  • Health & Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including optional critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance.

  • Financial Security: 401(k) plan with company matching, basic and voluntary life insurance, and AD&D coverage.

  • Perks: Access to the NASA Federal Credit Union, commuter benefits, nationwide pet insurance, and various employee discounts (AT&T, Dell, Microsoft, etc.).

  • Development: Tuition, training, and certification reimbursement programs are available to support professional growth.


About the Company: Akima (Pegasus Aviation Services)

Akima is an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) owned by more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders.

  • Mission-Driven: Your work directly supports the Iñupiat people of northwest Alaska, contributing to the survival of a culture that has thrived for over 10,000 years.

  • Values: The company operates on the core Iñupiat values of honesty, integrity, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

  • Global Reach: While rooted in Alaska, Akima is a major federal contractor, ranking #31 on the 2025 Washington Technology Top 100 list.


Work Environment & Physical Demands

  • Environment: This is an on-site role at the Anchorage airport. You will be exposed to all types of Alaskan weather, including extreme cold, snow, and wind.

  • Schedule: As the airport never sleeps, you must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules.

  • Noise: Work areas can have high noise levels; hearing protection is provided and required.

  • Travel: Some roles may require travel up to 25% of the time to other Pegasus locations (such as Fairbanks, Juneau, or Honolulu).


Interview Preparation Insights

  • Leadership Style: Be prepared to discuss how you manage a team under “stressful situations and tight time constraints,” specifically during winter weather events.

  • Technical Deep-Dive: You may be asked to explain your troubleshooting process for a complex hydraulic failure on a piece of critical GSE equipment.

  • Reliability Mindset: Focus on your experience with “predictive maintenance”—how you use data or observation to fix equipment before it breaks during a flight departure.

    Category Details & Specifications
    Employer Pegasus Aviation Services (An Akima Company)
    Location Anchorage, AK (Airport Equipment Shop)
    Pay Rate Up to $40.00 / hour (Lead pay DOE)
    Experience 5 Years in Industrial Maintenance
    Company Type Alaska Native Corporation (ANC)

    Operational Leadership & GSE Maintenance

    As a GSE Technician IV, you serve as the tactical lead for the airport’s Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fleet. This role balances high-level coordination of junior technicians with hands-on repair of complex aviation machinery.

    Functional Area Actionable Tasks
    Shift Leadership Coordinating Tech 1, 2, and 3 activities; overseeing safe shop operations.
    Technical Execution Overhauling power-trains, drive-trains, and hydraulic systems on gas/diesel equipment.
    Systems Literacy Reading and interpreting complex electrical and hydraulic schematics.
    Reliability Tracking Using data systems to trend equipment performance and improve predictive maintenance.
    Winter Ops Operating aircraft de-icing equipment and participating in active de-icing events.

    Mandatory Qualifications & Physical Standards

    • Age/Citizenship: Minimum 18 years old; U.S. Citizen or proof of right to work.

    • Credentials: Valid Driver’s License; High School Diploma or GED.

    • Technical Background: 5 years of industrial maintenance experience (Automotive/Diesel preferred).

    • Physicality: Ability to lift 60 lbs comfortably (occasionally up to 100 lbs with help).

    • Compliance: Must pass an FBI fingerprint background check, criminal history review, and drug test.

    • Flexibility: Must work nights, weekends, and holidays in inclement weather.


    The Akima Advantage: Working for an ANC

    Pegasus is a subsidiary of Akima, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders.

    • Mission-Driven: Profits support the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for 10,000 years.

    • Stability: Federal project backing provides consistent work and excellent retirement options.

    • Growth: Opportunity to move from lead roles into GSE Management or specialized reliability engineering.


    Comparison: Anchorage Aviation & Industrial Roles

    Metric Pegasus GSE Lead Horizon First Officer Surepoint Instrument Tech
    Primary Skill Diesel / Hydraulics Flight Operations Electronic Calibration
    Hourly Pay ~$40.00 $92.72 (Flight Hour) Competitive / Contract
    Environment Airport Ramp / Shop Cockpit / Travel Industrial / Remote
    Key Metric Equipment Reliability Flight Safety Loop Accuracy
    Entry Bonus N/A (Competitive Base) Longevity Match ESOP Ownership

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