Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aircraft Engine Mechanic

🎯 Role Definition

An Aircraft Engine Mechanic (also commonly titled Engine Technician, Powerplant Technician, or A&P Mechanic with powerplant privileges) inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, overhauls, and tests aircraft engines and engine components to ensure safe, compliant and airworthy operation. This role requires deep familiarity with turbine and piston engine systems, OEM maintenance manuals, FAA regulations, precision tooling, non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, and rigorous documentation practices. Ideal candidates balance hands-on mechanical skill with methodical record-keeping and a strong safety mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aviation maintenance apprentice or trainee program
Military aviation technician (engine specialist)
Entry-level A&P mechanic with on-the-job engine experience

Advancement To:

Lead Engine Mechanic / Engine Shop Lead
Engine Overhaul Supervisor / MRO Supervisor
Quality Assurance Inspector (QAI) / FAA DER liaison
Technical Services Representative / OEM Field Technician
Maintenance Manager / Director of Maintenance

Lateral Moves:

Airframe Mechanic / Line Maintenance Technician
Avionics Technician (with supplemental training)
Structures Repair Technician
Test Cell Operator / Engine Test Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform detailed removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, modification, reassembly and installation of aircraft engines (turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and reciprocating) in accordance with OEM engine manuals, engine maintenance manuals (EMM), and approved repair procedures, ensuring all work meets FAA and regulatory airworthiness standards.
Conduct thorough borescope inspections of compressor, turbine, and combustion sections; document findings, evaluate damage, and recommend repair or replacement actions per manufacturer limits and service bulletins.
Troubleshoot engine malfunctions using diagnostic tools, engine monitoring systems, fault codes, vibration analysis, oil debris monitoring (ODM), and engine health trend data to identify root cause and corrective actions.
Perform engine builds and complete overhauls in an engine shop environment, including precision inspection of rotating and stationary components, measuring tolerances with micrometers, calipers, gauges and runout indicators, and adhering to torque and fastening specifications.
Execute engine removal and installation on aircraft including rigging, alignment, connection of fuel, oil, bleed air, electrical and control interfaces, and perform ground checks and functional tests to validate correct installation.
Conduct operational engine tests in test cells or on-wing ground runs, monitor parameters (EGT, N1, N2, oil pressure, fuel flow), diagnose anomalies and coordinate with test cell operators and instrumentation teams to validate repairs.
Implement non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), eddy current, and ultrasonic inspections for crack detection and structural integrity verification of engine parts.
Interpret and apply technical data: service bulletins (SBs), airworthiness directives (ADs), structural repair manuals (SRMs), illustrated parts catalogs (IPC), maintenance planning documents and component maintenance manuals (CMMs).
Maintain accurate and timely maintenance records, logbooks, work orders, and technical data entries in maintenance tracking systems (MRO/AMMS), ensuring traceability of parts, life-limited components, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Inspect and repair accessory systems including fuel control, fuel nozzles, oil systems, bleeds, starters, igniters, FADEC controls and gearbox assemblies, ensuring proper function and reliability.
Replace and track life-limited parts, serviceable tag parts, and consumables; process part returns, preservation, and shipping in accordance with company and OEM logistics and warranty procedures.
Follow contamination control and preservation procedures including cleaning, corrosion prevention, protective coatings, and proper storage of delicate engine components to maintain serviceability.
Diagnose and repair engine control systems and full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) units in coordination with avionics and OEM technical support, ensuring appropriate testing and calibration.
Participate in engine removal/replacement (R&R) turnarounds and quick engine change (QEC) procedures during AOG and line maintenance events to minimize aircraft downtime while maintaining safety and quality.
Coordinate with planning, inventory, procurement and logistics to order parts, manage rotables, exchange units and repairables and expedite critical components for engine maintenance events.
Conduct pre- and post-flight engine acceptance tests, including vibration runs, and monitor for leaks, abnormal noises, and parameter excursions; document results and clear aircraft for return to service when all criteria are met.
Ensure shop tooling, jigs and calibration equipment are maintained, calibrated and used per approved tooling control procedures, and escalate tooling issues to tooling control and quality.
Support continuous improvement initiatives: contribute to reliability analysis, trend reporting, root cause investigations, and implementation of corrective action plans to reduce repeat discrepancies and unscheduled removals.
Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices in safe engine work practices, OEM procedures, and inspection techniques, providing hands-on instruction and knowledge transfer in the engine shop and on the line.
Enforce workplace safety and environmental programs: comply with hazardous materials handling, control of work permits, lockout/tagout, confined space, and hot work procedures while maintaining a clean, organized engine shop.
Collaborate with quality assurance and regulatory inspectors during audits and inspections, provide evidence of compliance and support corrective actions to maintain repair station or operator certifications.
Review service bulletins and airworthiness directives for applicability, coordinate implementation scheduling, and document compliance in aircraft/engine records per regulatory timelines.
Provide technical feedback to engineering, OEM, and procurement regarding recurring defects, vendor quality issues, and reliability trends to support fleet health and OEM improvement programs.
Support depot-level engine maintenance projects including modifications, performance restoration, and major structural repairs, coordinating cross-functional teams for complex jobs.

Secondary Functions

Assist with inventory counts, parts receiving, kitting and storage of engine components to support efficient shop operations and reduce turn time.
Participate in engine shop continuous improvement projects such as 5S, Lean, and DMAIC to enhance throughput, safety and quality.
Prepare and package engines and components for shipping, including preservation, crating and customs documentation when required for vendor repair or return.
Support technical documentation updates, job card preparation, standard work creation, and input into training materials for engine maintenance tasks.
Liaise with vendors, OEM technical reps, and field service to coordinate specialized repairs, warranty claims and OEM-approved modifications.
Participate in on-call rotation for AOG events and emergency engine support, prioritizing rapid response and safe execution of tasks under pressure.
Attend recurrent training and recertification on engine types, new technologies (e.g., hybrid-electric propulsion), and updated regulatory requirements.
Contribute to safety investigations by documenting engine condition, supporting evidence collection and participating in corrective action meetings.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or national equivalent with documented powerplant privileges.
Proven experience with turbine engine types (turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft) and familiarity with common models (e.g., Pratt & Whitney, GE, Rolls-Royce, CFM) and their maintenance manuals.
Engine diagnostics and troubleshooting using borescope inspections, vibration analysis, oil debris analysis and engine health monitoring systems.
Engine removal and installation procedures, rigging and alignment, and interpretation of engine mounting and pylon interfaces.
Engine overhaul and shop-level inspection skills, including disassembly, dimensional inspection, reconditioning, tolerancing and assembly to OEM limits.
Non-destructive testing (NDT): fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), eddy current, and ultrasonic testing fundamentals.
Knowledge of FAA/EASA/other regulatory airworthiness directives (ADs), service bulletins (SBs), maintenance planning documents and compliance processes.
Proficiency with maintenance tracking systems (AMP, AMOS, Ramco, TRAX, Camms) and electronic technical publications (e-Manuals, iPads).
Test cell operations: engine ground runs, instrumentation interpretation, and coordination with test cell technicians and instrumentation engineers.
Precision measurement and tooling: micrometers, dial indicators, torque wrenches, borescope operation, and calibrated fixture usage.
Electrical and fuel system troubleshooting related to engine accessories, starters, igniters and FADEC/engine control units.
Component repair and coordination with certified repair stations for parts beyond shop capability; understanding of returnable parts and rotable exchanges.
Knowledge of corrosion control, preservation, and environmental handling of oils, fuels and hazardous materials.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams and structural repair manuals.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to inspections and documentation.
Excellent verbal and written communication for clear logging, shift handovers and coordination with engineering and quality groups.
Problem-solving mindset with ability to analyze complex mechanical and system-level failures.
Team player who collaborates effectively across maintenance, planning, quality and supply chain teams.
Time management and prioritization in high-pressure AOG and turnaround scenarios.
Safety-focused attitude with commitment to regulatory compliance and safe work practices.
Customer-service orientation when interfacing with flight crew, operations and OEM representatives.
Coaching and mentoring ability to develop junior technicians and apprentices.
Adaptability to evolving technologies, digital tools and cross-training on multiple engine types.
Professionalism and integrity in handling sensitive maintenance records and compliance documentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma, GED or equivalent plus FAA A&P certificate or equivalent national powerplant certification; or military aviation technical school completion.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Additional certifications in NDT, FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) or manufacturer-specific engine training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Precision Machining
Avionics fundamentals (for FADEC and engine control interaction)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 7 years of hands-on engine maintenance experience (line maintenance and shop/overhaul experience). For senior/lead roles, 7+ years of progressive engine and shop leadership experience.

Preferred:

3–5+ years specific experience on designated engine families (e.g., CFM56, GE90, PW1000G, Rolls-Royce Trent) and documented shop-level overhaul or test cell experience.
Demonstrated experience with AMOS/AMP/TRAX maintenance tracking systems, OEM engine overhaul programs, and regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA).
Prior experience supporting AOG events, emergency engine changes, and working within a repair station or airline MRO environment.