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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Component Mechanic

💰 $ - $

AviationMaintenanceEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Component Mechanic is a specialist responsible for inspection, disassembly, repair, overhaul and reassembly of aircraft engine components and accessories (turbine blades, discs, bearings, seals, shafts, combustors, housings, gearboxes and accessories). This role ensures that components meet OEM standards, airworthiness directives (ADs), and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA/CAA), applying non‑destructive testing techniques, precision measurement, and documented maintenance procedures to support safe, reliable engine operation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P / AME) transitioning into engine component specialization.
  • Apprentice Turbine/Engine Technician from a manufacturer or MRO training program.
  • Mechanical or aerospace technician with experience in machining, welding, or precision assembly.

Advancement To:

  • Lead Jet Component Mechanic / Senior Engine Technician
  • Component Shop Supervisor or Engine Overhaul Manager
  • Quality/Continuing Airworthiness Inspector or Technical Coordinator
  • Engine Test Cell Operator or Maintenance Planning Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • NDT Technician / NDT Level II (Eddy Current, Fluorescent Penetrant)
  • Component Repair Specialist (e.g., blades, casings, accessory drives)
  • OEM Field Service Representative or Technical Sales for engine components

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform detailed incoming inspections and condition assessments of jet engine components using OEM manuals, inspection checklists, and airworthiness directives to determine serviceability and required repairs.
  • Disassemble and reassemble turbine engines and accessories to component level following technical data, ensuring correct sequence, torque values and use of correct fasteners, seals and bearings.
  • Execute precision measurements (micrometer, vernier caliper, depth mic, dial indicators) and dimensional checks to verify tolerances and fit against OEM specification tables and engineering drawings.
  • Conduct and interpret non‑destructive testing (NDT) such as eddy current, fluorescent penetrant, ultrasonic, magnetic particle inspection, and borescope examinations to detect cracks, corrosion, fretting, and other defects.
  • Repair and restore turbine and compressor blades, vanes, shrouds, and disks using approved processes including blending, welding, shot peening, controlled machining, and application of coatings per OEM and SRM instructions.
  • Balance rotating assemblies and rotors using dynamic/static balancing equipment to meet vibration and tolerance limits specified by the engine manufacturer.
  • Strip, clean and chemically decontaminate components using approved solvents and processes, ensuring proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  • Replace and fit bearings, seals, bushings, seals, shafts and accessory components; perform end‑play, clearance and preload adjustments to meet OEM functional requirements.
  • Troubleshoot component failures and return causes by reviewing service history, teardown findings, metallurgical reports and collaborating with engineering or quality groups for root cause analysis.
  • Prepare detailed work cards, repair records, and quality documentation including tags, logbooks, vapor records and digital task entries to maintain traceability and regulatory compliance.
  • Perform part marking, plating, heat treatment coordination and liaison with outside vendors to control and validate repair processes that are beyond in‑house capability.
  • Execute service bulletins, airworthiness directives and engineering orders by integrating regulatory changes into maintenance actions and ensuring completion and sign-off of mandatory work.
  • Use maintenance planning and shop control systems (e.g., AMOS, Maintenix, TRAX or in-house ERP) to record inspections, orders, status updates and inventory movements for components under overhaul.
  • Conduct test preparation and assist in engine/component test cell runs by installing components, monitoring instrumentation, recording test data and validating performance against acceptance criteria.
  • Maintain, calibrate and verify precision tooling, jigs, fixtures and gauging equipment; escalate and coordinate calibration and repair of measurement instruments with calibration labs.
  • Fabricate and fit custom repair fixtures or temporary tooling where permitted, following engineering authorization and ensuring conforming repair outcomes.
  • Mentor and train junior mechanics and apprentices in component teardown, inspection technique, quality expectations and safe shop practices to build technical depth in the team.
  • Apply corrosion control measures including chemical treatments, protective coatings and material/component replacement guidelines to restore serviceability or prevent future deterioration.
  • Coordinate with supply chain, procurement and stores to source replacement parts, control life-limited parts, and manage rotables logistics to minimize turnaround times.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, Kaizen) to reduce cycle times, scrap and rework while improving first-pass yield and component throughput.
  • Follow and actively promote workplace health & safety, hazardous materials handling, PPE usage, and lockout/tagout procedures to maintain a safe shop environment for all personnel.
  • Perform final quality inspections and certify component releases by completing required stamps, signatures and records in line with regulatory and company quality systems.

Secondary Functions

  • Support continuous improvement projects to optimize repair flows, reduce cost-per-part and improve turnaround time for high-volume components.
  • Assist engineering and R&D teams with prototype builds, modifications and testing of new repair techniques or upgraded component versions.
  • Provide input for spare parts forecasting and inventory optimization based on repair trends and shop throughput data.
  • Support field service teams during AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations by providing technical guidance, expedited repairs or remote troubleshooting.
  • Participate in internal and external audits, supplier assessments and root cause corrective action (RCCA) activities to uphold quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of OEM service bulletins, material changes, engineering letters and industry best practices relevant to turbomachinery components.
  • Contribute to safety briefings, tool control programs and shop documentation updates to ensure current procedures reflect operational reality and regulatory guidance.
  • Assist in the conversion or validation of legacy repair instructions into digital work packages for tablet/mobile execution where applicable.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth knowledge of turbofan and turbojet engine component construction, function and typical failure modes (blades, disks, shafts, bearings, seals, combustors).
  • Capability to interpret OEM Service Manuals (SRM), Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC), engineering drawings and dimensional tolerance charts.
  • Proficiency in non‑destructive testing techniques: eddy current, fluorescent penetrant (FPI), magnetic particle (MPI) and borescope inspection; understanding of NDT acceptance criteria.
  • Precision measurement skills using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges and CMM basics to validate tolerances and runout.
  • Hands-on experience with common shop repair techniques: blending, welding (TIG/MIG proprietary repairers), brazing, shot peening, controlled machining and coating application.
  • Experience with dynamic and static balancing equipment and procedures for rotors and turbines.
  • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and airworthiness requirements (FAA 14 CFR, EASA Part‑145/66 or local equivalence) and ability to complete regulatory documentation.
  • Working knowledge of maintenance planning and shop control software (e.g., AMOS, Maintenix, TRAX, SAP PM).
  • Ability to read and apply engineering change notices, service bulletins, and mandatory airworthiness directives in repair actions.
  • Proficiency in test cell support tasks: instrumentation hookup, data logging, interpretation of test outcomes and safe execution of run-ups.
  • Competence in handling hazardous materials, chemical cleaning agents and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  • Basic machining skills and understanding of machining processes when coordinating in-house or vendor repairs.
  • Experience with life-limited parts control, serial number traceability and rotables management.
  • Familiarity with calibration requirements and control of precision tooling and measuring equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a methodical approach to inspections and documentation to ensure airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills for diagnosing complex component failures and recommending cost-effective repairs or replacements.
  • Clear written and verbal communication for interacting with engineers, quality, vendors and internal stakeholders; able to produce concise work cards and reports.
  • Team-oriented mindset with demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, collaborate on cross-functional projects and support shift handovers.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance throughput, quality, and urgent repairs (AOG situations).
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new OEM techniques, tooling and digital maintenance processes.
  • Strong safety mindset and commitment to shop procedures, hazard recognition and corrective action.
  • Customer-focused attitude, understanding the importance of on-time component return and service reliability to airline or OEM customers.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement mindset to propose process improvements and reduce rework or cycle times.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with strong mechanical aptitude; vocational or technical certificate in aircraft maintenance or mechanical trades preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent.
  • Formal training or certification courses in NDT, welding for aerospace, and precision measurement.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Precision Machining / Toolmaking

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of progressive experience in aircraft engine component maintenance, overhaul or repair in an MRO, OEM or airline environment.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years working specifically on turbofan/turbojet components with documented experience in NDT, balancing, welding/repair, and engine test support.
  • Current certifications where applicable (FAA A&P / EASA Part‑66 AME, NDT Level II, manufacturer-specific repair certifications) and proven track record of working to OEM repair standards.
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