Michael Estep
Charleston,WV
Summary
Professional aircraft maintenance specialist with hands-on experience in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems. Known for strong technical skills in avionics, hydraulics, and structural repairs. Strong focus on team collaboration and consistently achieving results. Adaptable and reliable, ensuring high standards and operational efficiency.
Experienced with aircraft systems maintenance, including routine inspections and complex repairs. Utilizes technical skills to ensure aircraft safety and functionality through precise diagnostics and effective problem-solving. Knowledge of industry regulations and standards, contributing to consistent compliance and operational excellence.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Budget Analyst
130th Airlift Wing
Charleston, WV
05.2026 - Current
- Developed and maintained financial models to forecast expenditures and optimize resource allocation.
- Analyzed budget proposals to ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.
- Collaborated with program managers to identify budgetary needs and provide strategic recommendations.
- Reviewed and approved funding requests, ensuring accuracy in documentation and adherence to regulations.
- Conducted variance analysis to track budget performance and inform decision-making processes.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency in budget preparation and reporting workflows.
- Evaluated procurement needs and projected expenditures.
Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Strategic Technology Institute
Charleston, WV
01.2025 - 05.2026
- Executed repairs and overhauls on various engine components, improving reliability and safety standards.
- Conducted comprehensive inspections and diagnostics of aircraft engines to ensure optimal performance.
- Collaborated with engineers to develop solutions for complex mechanical issues, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Trained junior mechanics on best practices for maintenance procedures, fostering team skill development.
Engine test cell operator
Pratt and whitney
Bridgeport, WV
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Operated as a highly skilled Engine Test Cell Operator at Pratt & Whitney, executing critical performance and diagnostic evaluations on advanced aerospace powerplants. Balanced rigorous technical testing requirements with additional responsibilities as the Shop Resource Budget Manager, maintaining uninterrupted operational readiness and optimal fiscal stewardship. Demonstrated exceptional dual-hatted leadership by combining elite technical proficiency in aerospace testing with astute financial management. Contributions led to the timely validation and delivery of reliable engine systems while maximizing the shop's operational efficiency and budgetary compliance.
- Hours per week: 40
- Operated and monitored production machinery to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
- Conducted quality inspections on components, identifying defects and implementing corrective actions.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
C-130 crew chief
ANG
Charleston, WV
10.2019 - 10.2022
- The primary purpose of the job is to inspect, repair and service the systems on the aircraft both on and off the aircraft. Performing inspections, functional checks on aircraft to include, phase, preflight, postflight, thru-flight, and special inspections such as fuel contamination, emergency equipment inspections. Inspects and performs functional checks such as landing gear retraction and operation checks on lubrication, electrical, hydraulic, pressurization, de-icing and exhaust systems. Troubleshoots and performs unscheduled maintenance on assigned and transient aircraft, using various meters, measuring devices, gauges, and various other equipment. Performed major adjustments and alignments of aircraft systems or components and assisted specialists. Removes and replaces aircraft components such as control surfaces, engines, landing gear mechanisms, wheels, brakes and tires. Services oil, fluid, fuel, hydraulic, and oxygen systems. Removes and replaces working or inoperative parts. Tows, taxis, parks, and moors assigned and transient aircraft. Meets and debriefs the aircrew on the status of the aircraft. Launches and recovers assigned and transient aircraft. Inspects for conditions such as oil, fuel and hydraulic leaks; damaged tires; and loose panels. Instructs, directs, and assigns maintenance repair tasks to drill status guard members. Observes work and ensures compliance with standard procedures and applicable technical publications. Researches and assists in requisitioning materials, parts and equipment necessary to perform maintenance/ management mission. Complies with fire, safety, housekeeping and security regulations. Ensures that equipment and materials are properly stored, maintained, protected and secured. Performs other duties as assigned. Downloads data from aircraft to use for preventative maintenance as well as assists in the planning of scheduled and flight schedules. Deployed with active duty and foreign military assets to help accomplish the mission. Concurrently held sole responsibility for managing and forecasting the shop's cryogenic supply budgets through AirGas, ensuring uninterrupted testing operations and strict fiscal accountability.
- Assigned grade level: WG10
- Weekly work hours: 40
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL09-2025
Skills
- Excellent work ethic
- Parts inspection
- Preventive Maintenance
- Maintenance documentation
- Safety procedures
- System troubleshooting
- Inspection documentation
- Quality control
- Results-driven
- Military maintenance requirements
Certification
A&P mechanic since 2022, Been a C-130 crew chief since Oct of 2014.
Language skills
English
Spoken: Advanced | Written: Advanced | Read: Advanced
Timeline
Budget Analyst
130th Airlift Wing
05.2026 - Current
Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Strategic Technology Institute
01.2025 - 05.2026
Engine test cell operator
Pratt and whitney
01.2023 - 01.2025
C-130 crew chief
ANG
10.2019 - 10.2022
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force