Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aerospace Technician

🎯 Role Definition

An Aerospace Technician performs hands‑on maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, repair and modification of aircraft structures, propulsion systems, avionics, and ground support equipment. This role ensures airworthiness, regulatory compliance (FAA, EASA or equivalent), and safe, on‑time operations by applying mechanical, electrical, and avionics expertise, detailed inspections, and clear documentation. The ideal candidate combines practical aircraft maintenance skills with strong diagnostic problem solving, adherence to maintenance protocols, and excellent communication with engineers and flight crews.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice / Trainee
Avionics or Electrical Technician (entry-level)
Military Aircraft Mechanic (Honorable discharge with MOS experience)

Advancement To:

Senior Aerospace Technician / Lead Technician
Maintenance Supervisor / Shift Lead
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer / Certifying Technician (A&P)
Quality Assurance / Inspection Lead
Production or Maintenance Planner

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Specialist
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
Composite Repair Technician
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on airframes, engines, landing gear, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, fuel systems, and flight control systems, following manufacturer maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and regulatory maintenance programs to ensure aircraft airworthiness.
Conduct detailed inspections (preflight, postflight, periodic, and calendar-based) using approved inspection checklists; identify discrepancies, assess severity, and document findings in maintenance logs and work order systems.
Troubleshoot complex mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and avionics faults using diagnostic test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, avionics test sets) and interpret fault codes to isolate root causes and implement corrective actions.
Remove, replace, repair, and reinstall components such as actuators, pumps, valves, wiring harnesses, avionics modules, and flight instruments; perform rigging and calibration to manufacturer tolerances and flight control specifications.
Execute structural repairs and modifications including sheet metal work, riveting, fairing, sealant application, and corrosion control; read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work orders to implement approved repairs.
Perform composite repairs on carbon fiber and fiberglass components using approved bonding, layup, curing and finishing techniques; inspect repaired areas to meet structural integrity requirements and documentation standards.
Complete engine runups, ground tests, and functional checks of systems including fuel, ignition, bleed air, and environmental control systems; monitor instrument readings and report anomalies to engineering or maintenance control.
Install, align, and test avionics systems including radios, transponders, navigation units (GPS/INS), flight management systems, autopilot components, and electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS); update software and perform avionics bench testing as required.
Perform non‑destructive testing (NDT) such as dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and eddy current inspections to detect cracks and defects; record results and coordinate with structural engineers for disposition.
Maintain detailed maintenance records, logbooks, and regulatory paperwork in accordance with FAA/EASA/theater regulations; compose discrepancy reports, write repair descriptions, and sign off work when authorized.
Use hand and power tools, torque wrenches, rivet guns, pneumatic tools, hoists, jacks, and test stands safely and maintain tool calibration and tool control records according to shop policies.
Support aircraft modifications, retrofits and installation projects by prepping aircraft, removing panels, routing harnesses, and fitting components per installation instructions and engineering drawings while coordinating with engineering and configuration control.
Perform wire harness fabrication, crimping, soldering, terminal installation and continuity checks; interpret wiring diagrams and schematics to trace faults and correct miswirings.
Conduct component removal and repair coordination with vendors and overhaul facilities, including preparing shipments, tracking turnaround times, and performing acceptance checks upon return.
Execute corrosion prevention processes including chemical treatments, priming, painting, and protective coatings; identify potential corrosion sources and recommend mitigation to maintenance management.
Calibrate and verify aircraft and ground test equipment; maintain calibration records and coordinate with metrology or quality to keep test equipment within tolerance and certification.
Support line maintenance operations in fast‑paced ramp environments: perform A and B checks, troubleshoot quick turn discrepancies and ensure timely aircraft dispatch while maintaining safety and compliance.
Participate in pre‑flight and post‑flight troubleshooting for flight crews; provide clear technical briefings to pilots and recommend deferred maintenance actions when appropriate under MEL/CDL guidance.
Follow and enforce safety procedures, lockout/tagout, hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT), and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; report safety incidents and participate in safety investigations and corrective actions.
Train, mentor and coach junior technicians and apprentices; provide on‑the‑job instruction on maintenance practices, tools, documentation and regulatory compliance to build team capability.
Review and apply engineering orders, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives to maintenance practices; implement required modifications and document compliance through proper release procedures.
Use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to record hours, parts usage, maintenance actions, and inventory transactions; collaborate with parts and planning to ensure availability and reduce AOG times.
Support test flights and taxi checks by preparing aircraft, monitoring systems during sortie, recording data, and debriefing flight crew and engineers on observed anomalies and corrective actions.
Execute quality control and self‑inspection of completed work to ensure compliance with technical data and safety standards, and participate in internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance maintenance reliability.

Secondary Functions

Assist engineering teams with troubleshooting complex or recurring failures, providing field data and test results to support root cause investigations and corrective action plans.
Support ad‑hoc reliability data collection and reporting: gather operational failure information, maintain failure trend logs, and contribute to continuous improvement meetings to reduce unscheduled maintenance.
Participate in line or shop planning meetings to prioritize work, estimate man‑hours, and align resource allocation with operational demands and AOG requirements.
Collaborate with procurement and inventory control to identify long lead items, recommend stocking levels for critical spares, and provide technical input for parts substitution or modification.
Provide technical support to external vendors during installations or deliveries, ensuring modifications meet company and regulatory standards and assisting with acceptance checks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aircraft maintenance and inspection (airframe and powerplant) with proven ability to perform A/B/C-level checks and corrosion control processes.
Avionics troubleshooting and installation experience: radios, transponders, GPS/INS, EFIS, FMS, and autopilot systems.
Proficient reading and interpretation of engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics and technical manuals (IPC, AMM, SRM).
Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) methods: ultrasonic, eddy current, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant inspection techniques.
Composite repair and sheet metal fabrication skills including ply layup, curing, sanding, riveting, and metal forming.
Hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel systems maintenance and diagnostics, including leak detection and pressure testing.
Use of diagnostic and test equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, borescopes, engine analyzers and avionics test sets.
Wiring harness fabrication, crimping, soldering, and connector installation to IPC/WHMA standards.
Experience with FAA/EASA airworthiness directives, service bulletins, maintenance records and logbook sign‑off procedures; familiarity with MEL/CDL.
Competence with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), technical publications portals and maintenance tracking software.
Ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance and calibration procedures, including power carts, tow tractors and hydraulic lifts.
Component removal, teardown, and liaison with overhaul facilities including packaging and shipping practices.
Basic machining, welding or fabrication experience useful for custom fixtures and minor structural repairs.
Ability to perform engine runups, functional systems checks and flight support instrumentation setup.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety in all maintenance activities.
Excellent problem‑solving skills and methodical troubleshooting approach for time‑sensitive faults.
Clear verbal and written communication for documenting maintenance actions and briefing flight crews and engineers.
Team player with ability to collaborate across maintenance, engineering, planning and procurement groups.
Time management and organization skills to prioritize tasks in fast‑paced line or shop environments.
Adaptability to changing schedules, emergency AOG situations and evolving technical data.
Professionalism and customer service orientation when interacting with flight crews, vendors and external partners.
Teaching and mentoring capability to develop junior technicians and apprentices.
Sound decision‑making skills, including risk assessment and escalation to supervisors when required.
Commitment to continuous learning to stay current with new aircraft systems, avionics upgrades and regulatory changes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with coursework in mathematics, physics and technical drawings.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technology, Avionics, or related technical field.
FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, EASA Part‑66 or equivalent licensing/certification preferred.
Certifications in NDT, composite repair, soldering, or avionics specific training (e.g., IFR avionics courses) are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Avionics / Electrical Technology
Mechanical or Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7 years of hands‑on aircraft maintenance, with variation by complexity of fleet and certification requirements.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience on type or fleet relevant to the hiring organization, experience with fixed‑wing or rotary aircraft as required.
Demonstrated experience with avionics installations, composite repairs, NDT techniques, and use of CMMS systems.
Military maintenance experience or prior work at MRO facilities, OEM production lines, or airline heavy maintenance shops is highly desirable.