Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aerospace Engineering Technician

💰 $ - $

AerospaceEngineeringTechnicianMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

The Aerospace Engineering Technician supports aircraft and spacecraft engineering teams by performing hands-on assembly, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs of mechanical, structural, hydraulic, pneumatic, and avionics systems. This role bridges engineering design and production by interpreting technical drawings and maintenance manuals, performing non-destructive testing (NDT) and quality assurance activities, maintaining configuration control, and ensuring compliance with FAA/EASA and company safety standards. A top-performing candidate excels at diagnostic problem solving, precise documentation, and collaborative work with engineers, production staff, and quality teams to deliver safe, airworthy products on schedule.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aerospace Maintenance Technician (AMT) / Aviation Maintenance Technician
  • Mechanical or Avionics Technician apprenticeship
  • Technical diploma or associate degree in Aerospace/Aviation Technology

Advancement To:

  • Senior Aerospace Engineering Technician
  • Aerospace Maintenance Supervisor / Lead Technician
  • Manufacturing / Production Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Inspector or NDT Level II Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Avionics Technician
  • Composite Repair Specialist
  • Test Lab Technician
  • Structural Repair Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret engineering drawings, technical manuals, schematics, and CAD outputs to perform assembly, installation, modification, and repair of aircraft and spacecraft components while maintaining strict adherence to tolerances and engineering change orders.
  • Perform detailed inspections and acceptance testing of mechanical, avionics, hydraulic, fuel, and environmental control systems using calibrated measurement tools and documented inspection checklists to ensure conformity to specifications and airworthiness standards.
  • Execute scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks, preventive maintenance actions, and corrective repairs on aircraft structures, landing gear, flight controls, and propulsion interfaces following OEM procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical and avionics faults using oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and diagnostic software to isolate problems, propose corrective actions, and verify repair effectiveness.
  • Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) including dye penetrant, ultrasonic, eddy current, and magnetic particle inspections to detect subsurface defects; document findings and recommend disposition per NDT/NASA/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
  • Fabricate, assemble, and install wire harnesses, connectors, and avionics modules; perform soldering, crimping, and cable routing to meet EMI/EMC and vibration-resistance requirements.
  • Perform composite and metallic structure repairs using approved repair schemes: remove/prepare damaged material, apply composite layups or rivet/fastener replacements, cure and finish per repair manuals and material safety guidelines.
  • Support flight line troubleshooting and turn-around operations by rapidly diagnosing system defects, coordinating parts and resources, and restoring aircraft to service while minimizing downtime.
  • Calibrate, maintain, and log usage of hand tools, jigs, test equipment, and inspection instruments; ensure all tools meet calibration schedules and are traceable to standards.
  • Assemble and test prototype subsystems in close collaboration with engineering design teams; provide practical feedback on manufacturability, tolerance stacking, and potential design improvements.
  • Read, interpret, and implement engineering change notices (ECNs), service bulletins, and configuration control documents; ensure updates are reflected in as-built records and technical data packages.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed maintenance and test records, discrepancy reports, and non-conformance documentation in electronic maintenance systems and quality management databases.
  • Participate in root cause analysis and problem-resolution teams to investigate recurring failures, develop corrective action plans, validate fixes, and update maintenance procedures accordingly.
  • Support ground and bench testing of avionics and instrumentation, including functional testing, environmental stress screening, and data collection to validate performance against acceptance criteria.
  • Assist in component teardown and failure analysis by documenting wear patterns, material failures, and operating conditions to provide actionable intelligence back to engineering and reliability teams.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols, hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and environmental regulations while working on pressurized systems, fuel systems, and high-voltage equipment.
  • Coordinate with procurement, supply chain, and vendors to source replacement parts, manage shelf-life items, and validate vendor-supplied components against technical specifications and certificates of conformity.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians and apprentices on standard work procedures, inspection techniques, and safe operation of equipment to elevate shop competency and knowledge retention.
  • Support production and assembly line throughput by setting up workstations, staging materials, optimizing workflows, and providing input into continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
  • Execute functional and performance tests on actuators, servomechanisms, hydraulic systems, and flight control components; interpret test data and certify system readiness according to test plans.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance and regulatory auditors during internal and external audits by providing process evidence, test records, and corrective action status related to maintenance and manufacturing activities.
  • Perform tooling setup, jig alignment, and fixture verification to ensure repeatable assembly accuracy and part interchangeability across multiple builds or serial numbers.
  • Maintain configuration and traceability of serialized components, mod kits, and life-limited parts through accurate tagging, logbooks, and database updates to support airworthiness and inventory control.

Secondary Functions

  • Support engineering data requests by providing hands-on test results, measurement reports, and photographic evidence for technical reviews and design validation.
  • Contribute to process documentation updates, standard operating procedures, and technical work instructions to capture field lessons learned and optimize build quality.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of scheduled calibration campaigns and equipment qualification activities.
  • Participate in cross-functional reviews with engineering, procurement, and quality teams to resolve production bottlenecks and expedite critical repairs.
  • Maintain clean, compliant, and organized work areas to support 5S and other continuous improvement programs within manufacturing and maintenance facilities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint and technical drawing interpretation (ASME Y14.5 awareness) with ability to translate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing into shop operations.
  • Hands-on aircraft/spacecraft systems troubleshooting and diagnostics across mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical domains.
  • Proficiency with avionics troubleshooting tools: multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, and avionics test sets.
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods: dye penetrant, ultrasonic testing, eddy current, and magnetic particle inspection; familiarity with Level I/II procedures and reporting.
  • Composite repair techniques including layup, cure cycles, vacuum bagging, and sanding/finishing with knowledge of resin systems and tooling.
  • Fabrication and assembly skills: riveting (solid, blind), fastener installation, sheet-metal work, and precision hand tooling.
  • Wiring, harness assembly, soldering, and connector installation to IPC/A-610 or similar standards.
  • Experience with maintenance tracking and configuration systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, MPulse, Maximo) and electronic technical documentation.
  • Test bench setup and functional test execution including data acquisition, instrumentation, and test plan adherence.
  • Familiarity with FAA/EASA regulations, airworthiness directives, service bulletins, and safety-of-flight documentation.
  • Use of measurement and inspection equipment: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, CMM basics, and optical comparators.
  • Basic CAD literacy (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for understanding 3D models and change implementation.
  • Knowledge of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practices, HAZMAT handling, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking to diagnose root causes and implement durable repairs.
  • Excellent attention to detail and quality orientation to ensure airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills for clear documentation, handoffs, and technical reporting.
  • Team collaboration and cross-functional coordination skills to work with engineers, quality, and production teams.
  • Time management and prioritization under pressure to support tight schedules and flight-line turnarounds.
  • Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to stay current with evolving aerospace technologies and standards.
  • Coaching and mentorship ability to train junior technicians and share best practices.
  • Professional integrity and accountability when signing maintenance releases or inspection certifications.
  • Customer-focused attitude when working with internal stakeholders, customers, or regulatory representatives.
  • Detail-oriented project coordination skills for managing multiple repair actions and work orders simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong technical coursework (math, physics, electronics), plus completion of an accredited technical school, trade certificate, or military technical training in aviation/aerospace maintenance.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical diploma in Aerospace Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Avionics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • Certifications such as FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, IPC soldering certification, or NDT Level I/II are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aerospace or Aviation Technology
  • Avionics or Electrical/Electronic Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Composite Materials and Manufacturing
  • Industrial Maintenance or Mechatronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on experience in aerospace maintenance, production, or laboratory/test environments; entry-level candidates with strong technical training and internships may qualify for junior roles.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of progressive experience on aircraft/spacecraft platforms, avionics benches, or aerospace manufacturing lines.
  • Demonstrated experience with FAA/EASA-regulated maintenance activities, handling life-limited parts, and maintaining configuration control.
  • Prior exposure to NDT, composite repair, avionics troubleshooting, and the use of maintenance tracking systems.
Explore More Careers