Elliott Aviation, a leader in aircraft solutions, has an exciting opportunity for an Upholstery Crew Chief at their location in Moline, IL. Since 1936, Elliott Aviation has been a world-class provider of customer-focused solutions for business aviation.
In the world of business aviation, where precision, reliability, and world‑class service define every mission, our Crew Chiefs play a pivotal role in keeping aircraft looking and performing at their best. If youre energized by cutting‑edge technology, thrive in fast‑paced environments, and take pride in ensuring every detail and system is flawless, this is your opportunity to join a team that values expertise, initiative, and a passion for excellence. With every aircraft you touch, youll help deliver the safety, performance, and experience that our clients expect.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Step into a leadership role where craftsmanship, creativity, and precision come together. As an aircraft Upholstery Technician Crew Chief, youll guide a talented team in transforming aircraft interiors through expert upholstery work; restoring, repairing, and crafting seats and soft goods that elevate the passenger experience. From custom stitching to flawless finish work, youll oversee every detail to ensure top‑tier quality and compliance. If you have a passion for hands‑on craftsmanship and take pride in delivering exceptional interior results, this role offers the perfect opportunity to lead, innovate, and make your work fly.
PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES:
- Lead a team of upholstery technicians in the repair, refurbishment, and installation of aircraft seats, panels, cushions, curtains, and other soft‑good components.
- Oversee daily workflow, ensuring upholstery projects stay on schedule and meet MRO turnaround time (TAT) requirements.
- Perform and direct tasks such as patterning, cutting, sewing, foam fabrication, re-covering, and fitting upholstery materials to OEM and customer specifications.
- Inspect completed upholstery work for precision, durability, aesthetics, and FAA compliance, ensuring top-tier quality standards.
- Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Materials, and Quality teams to secure parts, technical data, and resources needed to support production demands.
- Interpret engineering drawings, seat manuals, work orders, and service bulletins to guide the team in executing correct upholstery methods and configurations.
- Troubleshoot upholstery and interior component issues, providing hands‑on expertise to resolve discrepancies quickly and efficiently.
- Track project progress, identify obstacles, and adjust staffing, workflow, or priorities to ensure timely completion and customer satisfaction.
- Train, mentor, and coach technicians to elevate craftsmanship, improve efficiency, and reinforce a strong safety and quality culture.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the upholstery shop, enhancing processes, tools, and techniques to improve performance and reduce rework.
Top candidates will possess:
- High school diploma or GED
- 5+ years of experience in aircraft upholstery, interior refurbishment, or related craftsmanship in an MRO or aviation maintenance setting
- Demonstrated leadership experience guiding technicians or acting as a lead/crew chief
- Strong technical skills in pattern making, cutting, stitching, sewing, foam shaping, and upholstery fitting
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, engineering drawings, work instructions, and service bulletins
- Deep understanding of aircraft upholstery materials, such as leather, vinyl, fire-blocked foam, and specialty fabrics
- Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to producing high‑quality, precision workmanship
- Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate with customers, inspectors, planners, and engineering teams
- Working knowledge of FAA regulations related to aircraft interiors and cabin safety
Other requirements include:
- Ability to routinely lift up to 50 lbs., work in confined spaces and in noisy environments
- Ability to occasionally travel for work assignments
- Ability to maintain a tool inventory in alignment with shop requirements
- Ability to obtain and retain an airport AOA badge
- Ability to work overtime and various shifts as business needs require
WHY JOIN ELLIOTT:
At Elliott Aviation, youre not just joining a company, you are becoming part of a legacy built on service, craftsmanship, and trust. For over eight decades, weve set the standard in aircraft services, delivering world-class craftsmanship and personalized solutions that keep our customers soaring. Here, your ideas matter, your expertise shines, and your career takes flight.
We offer:
- Benefits on Day 1
- Sign-On Bonus
- Relocation assistance
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- FREE Generic prescriptions
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 401(k) Company Match
- Technical and professional development
- FUN!
The base hourly range for this role is $30.00 to $45.00 per hour. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of experience levels. Specific compensation for this role will be determined by several factors including but not limited to; minimum and preferred qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience and location.
Join a team where passion for aviation meets a culture of excellence and help us shape the future of flight.
