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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Ground Support Technician

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

AviationMaintenanceSkilled TradesAirport OperationsLogistics

🎯 Role Definition

A Ground Support Technician is the skilled professional responsible for ensuring the operational readiness, safety, and reliability of all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) within an airport or aviation environment. This includes everything from baggage carts and belt loaders to sophisticated pushback tractors and de-icing vehicles. As a hands-on expert, the technician performs essential diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance on a diverse fleet of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic equipment. This role is the backbone of on-time flight departures and the overall efficiency of ground-side airport operations, directly contributing to the safety and seamless experience of air travel.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Automotive or Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic
  • Military Vehicle Maintenance Technician (e.g., Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic)
  • Industrial or Facility Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Ground Support Technician / GSE Team Lead
  • Maintenance Supervisor or GSE Maintenance Manager
  • Quality Assurance Inspector (Aviation Maintenance)

Lateral Moves:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (with additional certification)
  • Fleet Maintenance Planner / Scheduler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) inspections and servicing on a wide variety of Ground Support Equipment to minimize downtime and prevent failures.
  • Perform complex troubleshooting and diagnostics on diesel engines, gasoline engines, and alternative fuel systems to accurately identify root causes of malfunctions.
  • Execute timely and effective repairs on advanced hydraulic and pneumatic systems found in equipment like cargo loaders, passenger stairs, and pushback tractors.
  • Diagnose and repair intricate AC and DC electrical systems, including wiring harnesses, control modules, and charging systems, using schematics and diagnostic tools.
  • Respond to urgent service calls on the airfield to perform emergency repairs on critical equipment, ensuring minimal disruption to airline operations.
  • Overhaul and rebuild major components such as engines, transmissions, and hydraulic pumps to extend the life of valuable assets.
  • Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication work to repair structural damage to equipment frames, bodies, and attachments.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all maintenance activities, parts used, and labor hours in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Read, interpret, and apply technical information from service manuals, electrical schematics, and hydraulic diagrams to guide repair procedures.
  • Ensure all maintenance and repair work strictly adheres to company policies, OEM specifications, and regulatory standards, including FAA and OSHA guidelines.
  • Operate all Ground Support Equipment for the purpose of testing, diagnostics, and repositioning within the maintenance facility and on the airfield.
  • Manage and maintain an inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, initiating procurement requests as needed to ensure availability.
  • Conduct thorough safety and serviceability checks on equipment before releasing it back into service, certifying its fitness for use.
  • Install and configure new equipment, ensuring it meets all operational requirements and safety standards before deployment.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to equipment operators regarding proper use and pre-use inspection procedures.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the maintenance shop and on service vehicles, adhering to all safety protocols and 5S principles.
  • Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and ongoing training programs to stay current with new technologies and procedures.
  • Assist in the evaluation of new equipment for purchase, providing technical input on maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership.
  • Support environmental compliance by properly handling and disposing of hazardous materials like oils, fuels, and solvents.
  • Collaborate with the operations team and airline representatives to schedule maintenance in a way that minimizes impact on flight schedules.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Engine Diagnostics: Deep proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing diesel and gasoline engines, including fuel injection, emissions, and electronic control systems.
  • Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems Expertise: Strong ability to diagnose, repair, and overhaul hydraulic/pneumatic pumps, motors, valves, and cylinders, and to read associated schematics.
  • AC/DC Electrical Troubleshooting: Competency in diagnosing complex electrical issues, reading wiring diagrams, and using tools like multimeters and diagnostic scanners.
  • Welding and Fabrication: Skill in MIG, TIG, or Stick welding for structural repairs on steel and aluminum.
  • Drivetrain and Chassis Maintenance: Experience with transmissions, differentials, braking systems (air and hydraulic), and steering/suspension components.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems to log work orders, track parts, and manage assets.
  • Technical Manual Interpretation: The ability to effectively read and apply information from complex OEM service manuals, parts books, and schematics.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: A logical and analytical approach to diagnosing complex, multi-system failures under pressure.
  • Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment to meet operational deadlines.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous and thorough work ethic to ensure repairs are done correctly and safely the first time.
  • Communication: Clear and concise communication skills to interact with team members, supervisors, and equipment operators.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: The capacity to work effectively as part of a maintenance team, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Completion of a vocational or technical training program in automotive, diesel, or heavy equipment mechanics is highly desirable.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience in a related field.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience as a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician in a commercial airport environment.
  • Verifiable experience working on heavy-duty diesel trucks, construction equipment, or military vehicles.
  • Possession of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications, particularly in diesel engines, electrical systems, and hydraulics.
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