Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Component Assembler

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jet Component Assembler, you will perform precision assembly, fit, and functional verification of high-value aerospace components—turbine blades, combustor assemblies, fan cases, shafts, fuel nozzles and related hardware—working to strict tolerances and regulatory quality standards. This role is focused on reading and interpreting engineering drawings and work instructions, performing mechanical/hand assembly, using calibrated precision measurement tools, executing process-specific joining and fastening techniques (riveting, fastening, brazing, TIG welding where applicable), supporting NDT and inspection activities, and documenting work to meet AS9100, NADCAP, ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements. Ideal candidates combine hands-on mechanical aptitude, inspection discipline, and continuous improvement mindset to deliver safe, compliant, and on-time production of jet engine components.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Assembly Technician / Production Assembler (general manufacturing)
Aviation Maintenance Technician / Aircraft Mechanic
Machinist or CNC Operator with precision measurement experience

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Component Assembler / Lead Assembler
Aerospace Technician / Engine Technician
Quality Inspector / Quality Engineer (NDT specialization possible)
Production Supervisor / Manufacturing Supervisor
Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician (FPI, eddy current, ultrasonic)
Tooling & Fixture Technician
Inventory / Materials Coordinator (MRP/ERP role)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Interpret engineering blueprints, GD&T callouts, process specifications and component routing sheets to perform precise assembly operations on jet engine parts while maintaining dimensional and functional conformity with tolerances and acceptance criteria.
Prepare, align and assemble component subassemblies (e.g., turbine disks, blade dovetail interfaces, nozzle assemblies, bearing housings) using hand tools, power tools and assembly jigs while following approved work instructions and torque specifications.
Perform precision measurements with calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height indicators and CMM data verification references to validate part conformity; document measurement data and nonconformances in the production records.
Install and secure fasteners, rivets, threaded inserts and locking devices per prescribed torque values, safety wire and locking compound procedures; inspect fastening integrity and rework as required.
Execute joining processes such as brazing, soldering, TIG welding (where authorized), adhesive bonding and sealant application in accordance with qualified procedures and hot work safety requirements.
Deburr, clean, and finish mating surfaces to ensure correct fit and surface integrity prior to assembly; use files, stone, scotch-brite, solvents and controlled cleaning stations.
Perform fit checks, leak checks and pressure checks on fuel nozzles, hydraulic lines and sealant joints to validate functional performance and fluid integrity.
Support and execute non-destructive testing (NDT) preparation steps and basic NDT methods (FPI, dye penetrant preparation, eddy current setups) and coordinate with certified NDT technicians for inspections.
Follow traceability and serialization processes for high-value components, maintaining accurate part history records, batch codes, and manufacturing travellers in SAP/MES or paper-based systems.
Execute first-article assemblies and build-to-print prototypes with high attention to detail, providing feedback to engineering for fit issues, tolerance stack-ups, and potential design improvements.
Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities when assemblies fail inspection or in-service feedback indicates field issues; implement containment and corrective measures.
Maintain tool and fixture calibration logs; perform pre-use tool inspection and report or tag out defective tooling to prevent use of nonconforming equipment.
Comply with AS9100, NADCAP and customer-specific quality requirements including documenting evidence, maintaining inspection reports and supporting internal/external audits.
Read and execute technical work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process control plans while suggesting process improvements to reduce cycle time and defects.
Operate small-scale assembly equipment such as torque analyzers, hydraulic presses, swaging machines, induction heat stations and controlled adhesive dispensers with appropriate safety controls.
Handle sensitive materials (titanium, nickel alloys, composites) with required cleanliness and contamination-control procedures, including use of glove bags, lint-free wipes and dedicated work areas.
Collaborate with Production Planning, Material Control and Quality teams to ensure correct parts, kits and tooling are available and ready for scheduled builds; report shortages and proactively request rework/repair support.
Maintain clean, organized and safe work stations in compliance with 5S/LEAN manufacturing principles; participate in daily standups and continuous improvement kaizen events.
Complete and sign off on work orders, inspection checklists and nonconformance reports (NCRs) accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring all deviations are properly documented and dispositioned.
Train and mentor junior assemblers on best practices, proper use of precision measurement tools, reading blueprints and meeting quality expectations; provide cross-training to improve line flexibility.
Support environmental, health and safety programs including PPE usage, LOTO procedures, hazardous material handling and fire prevention for hotwork operations.
Respond to engineering change notices (ECNs/ECNs) and process changes by implementing updated assembly steps, requalifying assembly fixtures and documenting acceptance test results.
Use computerized maintenance and production systems (MES, SAP, Oracle) to record completed operations, update inventory consumption and retrieve work instructions and training materials.
Participate in supplier quality activities as needed—receiving inspections, incoming material verification and notifying sourcing of nonconforming supplier parts.

Secondary Functions

Provide hands-on support to the NPI (New Product Introduction) team by building prototypes and conducting build/process feasibility studies.
Assist Quality Engineering with disposition decisions and rework plans when assemblies are flagged; provide detailed build notes to expedite corrective action.
Support continuous improvement (CI) projects by collecting cycle time, yield, and defect trend data to identify and implement process optimizations.
Maintain and update tooling & fixture preventive maintenance schedules in coordination with the maintenance team.
Help train cross-functional personnel on assembly-specific safety and contamination-control procedures for critical engine components.
Participate in cross-department audits and walkthroughs to verify process controls and standards are being followed on the production floor.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint reading and interpretation of GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) for assembly and inspection tasks.
Precision measurement skills: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, dial indicators and familiarity with CMM output reports.
Mechanical assembly techniques: riveting, torquing, safety-wiring, staking, swaging and controlled fastening processes.
Knowledge of joining processes used in aerospace: brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, and authorized TIG/MIG welding where applicable.
Experience with Non-Destructive Testing preparation and basic inspection techniques (FPI/dye penetrant prep, eddy current awareness, ultrasonic handoff).
Familiarity with AS9100, NADCAP program requirements, ISO 9001 quality systems and aerospace traceability/serialization practices.
Competence with shop floor systems: MES, SAP, Oracle manufacturing modules or equivalent ERP systems for documenting work and retrieving travel/ECN data.
Ability to perform functional tests: pressure/leak testing, rotational balance checks, and bench-test setups for subassembly verification.
Use and maintenance of calibrated tooling and gauges; ability to complete calibration/verification logs and tagout defective tools.
Material handling and contamination control for titanium, nickel alloys and composite components; understanding of cleanliness standards and foreign object damage (FOD) prevention.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical work habits, essential for meeting tight tolerances and safety-critical assembly requirements.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify root causes of assembly defects and propose pragmatic corrective actions.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for documenting work, reporting nonconformances and collaborating with engineering and quality teams.
Team-oriented approach with the ability to train colleagues and support cross-functional production goals.
Time management and organizational skills to meet production schedules and prioritize rework or corrective activities.
Adaptability and willingness to learn new processes, tools, and certifications in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
Commitment to safety culture, compliance and continuous improvement (LEAN/6S principles).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Aerospace Technology, Aviation Maintenance, or Mechanical Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aerospace Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Manufacturing Technology / Precision Machining
Aviation Maintenance / Aircraft Systems

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1 to 5 years of hands-on mechanical assembly in aerospace or precision manufacturing environments.

Preferred:

3+ years assembling jet engine components or complex aerospace hardware with documented experience using GD&T, precision metrology and aerospace quality systems (AS9100/NADCAP).
Prior experience with fuel system components, rotating assemblies, or turbomachinery is highly desirable.