Aircraft Assembly Technician-Quick Look

What Aircraft Assembly Technicians Do: 

Aircraft Assembly Technicians perform simple production assembly operations on structural and mechanical assemblies, subassemblies and aircraft systems, equipment and accessories using manual operations.  

How to Become an Aircraft Assembly Technician: 

Most Aircraft Assembly Technician applicants need a high-school diploma or a GED. Employers may require more training and experience such as on the job training, employer sponsored classroom learning, or 2-year, community or junior college programs. Helpful postsecondary courses include computers and computer-aided design.  

Job Outlook*: 

The employment outlook for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is projected to grow by 10% to 19% from 2010-2020.   

Job Description: 

The Aircraft Assembly Technician is responsible for performing routine production assembly operations and inspection on structural and mechanical assemblies, subassemblies and systems, equipment and accessories using manual operations. Verifies accuracy of work performed and may conduct self-inspection duties. He or She will rework and modify parts and assemblies; assemble and deliver kits or assembled parts for follow-on assembly or customer and perform function checks on installed systems and troubleshoots system to ensure proper hookups, continuity and connections.  

This is a Non Exempt position.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Disassemble, modify, rework, reassemble, and test experimental or prototype assemblies and subassemblies according to specifications. 
• Construct, troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, and maintain equipment, components, devices, or systems. 
• Perform calibration and alignment checks, makes adjustments, modifications, and replacements as directed.  
• Align and fit structural assemblies manually, or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining. 

• Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies. 
• Assemble, install, and connect parts, fittings, and assemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, and fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps. 
• Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points. 
• Cut, trim, file, bend, and smooth parts, and verify sizes and fitting tolerances in order to ensure proper fit and clearance of parts. 
• Read and interpret blueprints, illustrations, and specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities and relationships of parts. 
• Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools. 
• Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage. 
• Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments. 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required: 

• HS diploma or equivalent. 
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and work instructions preferred. 
• 1 or more year of related experience preferred. 
• Pass required certification tests in soldering, crimping. 
• Ability to use inspection tools associated with related products. 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands of an aircraft assembly technician described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently lift up to 75lbs, bend, stoop, stand for long periods of time, do repetitive tasks and reach.