Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Component Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Component Operator is a skilled manufacturing and maintenance professional responsible for operating, inspecting, finishing and documenting work on precision jet engine components. This role requires hands-on experience with machining and inspection equipment, strict adherence to aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP), competency in recognizing metallurgical and dimensional anomalies, and the ability to follow detailed work instructions and blueprints. The ideal candidate ensures safe, high-quality production of turbine blades, compressor discs, shafts, bearings, seals and other gas-turbine hardware while supporting continuous improvement and on-time delivery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

CNC Machinist / Machine Operator with precision component experience
Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P) transitioning to component repair
Metal Finisher / Grinder with aerospace exposure

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Component Operator / Lead Operator
Production Supervisor / Shift Lead
Quality Inspector / Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Specialist
Process Technician / Manufacturing Engineer

Lateral Moves:

NDT Technician (PT/MT/ET/UT)
Heat Treat / Metallurgy Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform precision setup and operation of manual and CNC machines, grinders, lathes and finishing equipment to manufacture and repair jet engine components to print and specification, ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface finish meet engineering tolerances.
Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T (geometric dimensioning & tolerancing) to determine machining, assembly and inspection requirements for turbine blades, compressor discs, shafts, housings and other rotary hardware.
Execute detailed component inspection using calibrated precision instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial indicators) and optical comparators to verify conformance to tolerance and surface condition requirements.
Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and generate, interpret or validate measurement reports; document measurement results into quality systems or ERP/MRP systems in accordance with company procedures.
Perform visual and dimensional inspections with borescopes and magnification tools for internal features of hubs, bores and cooling passages; flag and document foreign object damage (FOD), corrosion and cracking.
Conduct routine non-destructive testing support activities such as liquid penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT) or assist NDT technicians with eddy current (ET) and ultrasonic testing (UT) protocols when required by work instructions.
Carry out precision finishing operations — grinding, polishing, deburring, blending and hand-finishing — to achieve prescribed surface profiles, edge radii and aerodynamic tolerances on blades and vanes.
Assemble and disassemble engine component subassemblies following torque values, lockwire and safety critical fastener practices; verify fit, clearances and functional movement prior to release to next operation.
Execute balancing, run/trim and functional bench tests on rotating assemblies per engineering test procedures, record vibration, temperature and performance data, and raise discrepancies through NCRs (non-conformance reports).
Perform heat-treatment handling and post-process inspection steps for parts that go through stress relief, carburizing, nitriding or solution treatments — confirm process traceability and lot control.
Maintain traceability and materials documentation (MRB tags, lot numbers, material certifications, heat codes) and ensure component serial numbers and work order records are accurately maintained in the quality system.
Follow NADCAP and AS9100 process controls when performing specialized processes and participate in internal audits to support process compliance and continuous certification readiness.
Use ERP/MRP systems to complete travel cards, operation sign-offs, WIP status updates and material withdrawals, ensuring accurate production reporting and traceability.
Troubleshoot process and equipment malfunctions, recommend corrective actions, adjust feeds/feedspeeds/fixture setups and escalate complex issues to engineering to minimize downtime and scrap.
Participate in first piece inspections, in-process sampling and SPC (statistical process control) checks; generate control charts or inspection logs to maintain process capability and product consistency.
Implement and follow safety, environmental and hazardous materials handling procedures — including chemical etching, solvent use and plating operations — to minimize risk and comply with regulatory requirements.
Train and mentor junior operators on machining techniques, inspection criteria, work instructions and company safety culture; maintain skills matrix and cross-train across related operations.
Support continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives by identifying waste, proposing Kaizen improvements, participating in 5S and process standardization projects to increase throughput and quality.
Prepare parts for coating, plating and sealing operations including masking, cleaning, & pre-treatment steps; verify post-process adhesion and dimensional conformance as required.
Manage FOD prevention programs on the shop floor, perform tool and fixture inventories, and ensure proper storage and protection of high-value precision components.
Complete final acceptance inspection and paperwork for shipment-ready components, ensuring compliance with customer specifications, export controls and government/industry regulations where applicable.
Respond to engineering changes, update travelers and process documentation, and execute rework or repair procedures to incorporate engineering revisions into production.
Coordinate with supply chain, production planning and quality teams to manage throughput of specialized parts, expedite critical orders, and support customer-specific requirements (e.g., On-Wing support, MRO turnaround).
Maintain calibration status for tools and measuring devices; arrange and document out-of-tolerance tool condition and coordinate recalibration or replacement.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist Quality Engineering with root-cause investigations by providing process data, sample parts and firsthand observations.
Participate in cross-functional change control boards to evaluate manufacturability and risks associated with design revisions.
Help maintain tooling, fixtures and gages by performing preventive maintenance and reporting wear to maintenance teams.
Provide on-call support for manufacturing issues during critical engine MRO turnarounds and AOG events, as required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Precision blueprint reading and interpretation of GD&T and aerospace engineering drawings.
Hands-on operation and setup of CNC machines, manual mills, lathes, surface and centerless grinders.
Proficient use of metrology equipment: micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial indicators, bore gauges, profilometers and CMM operation.
Familiarity with non-destructive testing processes and ability to support PT/MT/ET/UT inspections and interpret results.
Experience with engine hardware (turbine blades, compressor discs, shafts, bearings, seals) and knowledge of typical failure modes and repair standards.
Competence with balancing and vibration test benches, data logging and interpretation of run/trim test results.
Strong working knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO 9001 and aerospace quality processes and documentation requirements.
Ability to use ERP/MRP and quality management systems for work orders, inspection records and traceability (e.g., SAP, Oracle, IQS or similar).
Proficiency in shop mathematics, tolerancing calculations and the ability to convert engineering specs into machine settings.
Familiarity with heat treat processes, plating and coating pre/post-process inspections and handling of controlled materials.
Experience with Lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, SPC) and continuous improvement methodologies.
Basic computer literacy for generating inspection reports, entering data and accessing digital work instructions.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and quality-first mindset — critical for aerospace safety and reliability.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional coordination with engineering, quality and supply chain.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting aptitude with the ability to escalate appropriately.
Time management and organization to meet tight MRO turnarounds and production schedules.
Team-oriented approach with experience mentoring junior staff and supporting shift continuity.
Adaptability to changing work instructions, engineering changes and customer-driven priorities.
Accountability and ownership over work-pack accuracy, documentation and process compliance.
Continuous learning mindset and willingness to pursue certifications and technical training.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with coursework in machine shop, aviation or technical trades.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Aviation Maintenance (A&P), Machining, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
NADCAP or quality-focused training, IPC or AS/EN standards coursework is advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aerospace Manufacturing Technology
Precision Machining / CNC Technology
Aviation Maintenance (A&P)
Materials Science / Metallurgy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–7 years in precision machining, aerospace manufacturing or MRO operations.

Preferred: 3+ years of direct experience working on jet engine or gas-turbine components, demonstrated competency with inspection equipment, familiarity with aerospace quality standards (AS9100/NADCAP) and experience using ERP/MRP systems.

If you’d like, I can tailor this description to a specific employer (MRO shop, OEM, defense contractor) or format it for an ATS-friendly job posting, LinkedIn job ad, or candidate screening checklist.