Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Engine Machinist

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Engine Machinist (also referred to as Turbine Engine Machinist or Engine Overhaul Machinist) performs precision machining, repair, and assembly of gas turbine engine components. Working in an FAA/EASA-regulated environment, the role requires machining to tight tolerances, interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T, using CNC and manual equipment, performing inspection and NDT, balancing rotating assemblies, and producing clean, documented repairs that meet certified aviation standards. This recruiter-crafted role description focuses on real industry responsibilities and skills to attract qualified candidates and optimize for search and candidate matching.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

CNC Machinist / CNC Programmer (mill/lathe)
Aircraft Engine Technician or A&P Mechanic
Tool & Die Maker or Precision Grinder

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Engine Machinist / Lead Machinist
Engine Overhaul Supervisor / Production Supervisor
Process Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace)
Quality Manager (Aerospace Rotables)
Maintenance & Repair Operations (MRO) Manager

Lateral Moves:

NDT Technician (Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, PT)
Quality Inspector / CMM Operator
Fixture & Tooling Designer
Lean Continuous Improvement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform precision machining operations on turbine engine components (compressor blades, turbine disks, shafts, casings, seals, bearing journals) using CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual lathes, surface grinders, and CNC turning centers to meet specified tolerances and surface finishes.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) symbols to produce parts that meet aerospace quality standards and engineering intent.
Set up, program, and operate CNC equipment (G-code/CAM-generated programs) for complex aerospace parts; verify toolpaths, offsets, and cutting strategies for first-article parts and production runs.
Rework and repair worn or damaged engine components by re-machining bearing journals, restoring sealing surfaces, blending erosion areas, and removing foreign-object-damage (FOD) to manufacturers’ repair limits.
Perform precision balancing of rotors, fans, and shafts using dynamic balancing equipment to OEM specifications and document balance corrections in work orders.
Use coordinate measuring machines (CMM), optical comparators, micrometers, indicators, dial bore gauges, and profilometers to inspect and verify dimensional conformity and surface finish to specified tolerances.
Execute fine grinding, microfinishing, lapping, polishing and honing operations required for seal faces, bearing journals, and high-load contact surfaces to achieve specified Ra values and surface geometry.
Apply knowledge of metallurgy and heat-treat processes to determine acceptable machining parameters, post-machining heat treatments, and stress-relief processes for turbine alloys (nickel-based superalloys, titanium, stainless steels).
Perform precision EDM (electrical discharge machining) and wire-EDM setup and operations for tight internal features and complex geometries when conventional machining is infeasible.
Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) preparation and support (PT, ET, UT) for parts requiring inspection; collaborate with NDT technicians to ensure repaired components meet structural integrity requirements.
Follow approved repair procedures, service bulletins, overhaul manuals and OEM engineering dispositions to ensure compliance with FAA/EASA regulations and company quality systems (NADCAP/AS9100 where applicable).
Maintain traceable documentation of all machining steps, tooling changes, inspection records, and material certifications in the work order / ERP system to support auditability and rotable tracking.
Collaborate with engineers and quality teams to recommend engineering changes, tooling updates, or process improvements to enhance manufacturability and reduce rework/scrap.
Troubleshoot machining process issues (chatter, tool wear, burrs, heat distortion) and apply corrective actions such as tool path optimization, feed/speed adjustments, and fixturing improvements.
Manage high-value components with appropriate handling, cleaning, and contamination control procedures, including lubrication, corrosion protection, and packaging for rotable inventory.
Install, inspect, and torque fasteners, seals, and assemblies per engine assembly procedures; ensure correct shimming, sealing, and alignment during reassembly stages.
Support overhaul flows by staging and prioritizing work to meet production schedules, customer turnaround-times, and repair lead-time targets.
Program and operate CAM systems to optimize tool strategies, reduce cycle time, and simulate machining to prevent collisions on complex engine geometries.
Verify hardness, plating, and coating specifications post-process and coordinate with surface treatment shops (anodize, plating, thermal spray) to achieve OEM-specified finishes.
Participate in root cause analysis for recurring defects, document findings, and implement process controls to prevent recurrence and improve yield.
Educate and mentor junior machinists and apprentices on engine-specific machining techniques, safety and quality expectations, and best practices for complex turbine components.
Maintain and calibrate precision tooling, gauges, and inspection equipment in accordance with calibration schedules and quality system requirements.
Ensure compliance with shop safety regulations, hazardous-material handling, and PPE usage; maintain a clean, organized work area to preserve part integrity.
Coordinate with supply chain and procurement to ensure availability of specialty tooling, inserts, and high-grade alloys needed for specific engine repairs.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen) to increase shop efficiency, reduce cycle times and improve first-pass yield for engine repairs.
Participate in internal and external audits and implement corrective actions to maintain NADCAP/AS9100 and FAA/EASA compliance.
Assist with estimating machine time and labor content for repair quotes and work orders; provide feedback to planning and production control teams.
Cross-train on adjacent machines or processes (CMM programming, NDT prep, assembly) to improve production flexibility.
Help maintain tooling inventories, recommend replacements and upgrades, and work with tooling vendors for specialty fixtures and cutters.
Provide technical input during design reviews for repair fixtures, jigs, and special tooling used on new engine models or modification kits.
Support vendor qualification and supplier audits by providing machining capability data and process control evidence.
Prepare detailed process sheets, route cards, and first-article inspection reports for new repair procedures or engineering dispositions.
Mentor apprentices and train temporary staff on safety, part handling, and essential machining methods specific to jet engine parts.
Assist engineering during prototype or modification machining runs, capturing lessons learned for documentation and process standardization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Precision machining of turbine engine components using CNC mills, CNC lathes, multi-axis machines, and manual equipment.
Advanced blueprint reading and application of geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T).
CNC programming (G-code familiarity) and CAM system usage (e.g., Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, Fusion 360).
Experience with CMM operation and programming, optical comparators, micrometers, bore gauges, and profilometers for aerospace inspection.
Hands-on knowledge of turbine materials (nickel superalloys, titanium, stainless steel) and machining strategies for difficult-to-machine alloys.
Balancing rotating assemblies and interpreting balance reports to OEM tolerances.
EDM/wire-EDM setup and operation, precision grinding, lapping, and surface finishing techniques.
Familiarity with FAA/EASA regulatory environments, OEM repair manuals, and quality systems (AS9100, NADCAP).
Non-destructive testing awareness and ability to prepare parts for PT/ET/UT inspections.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems and precise documentation of work orders, traceability and material certifications.
Tooling selection, cutting-tool technology, feeds & speeds optimization, and toolpath collision avoidance.
Knowledge of heat treatment effects, metallurgical fundamentals, and post-machining processes.
Proficiency in measuring tolerances to the thousandth of an inch (0.001") and ensuring consistent surface finish (Ra) targets.
Strong troubleshooting of machining defects (vibration/chatter, burrs, runout) and corrective process implementation.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to zero-defect workmanship.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and documentation.
Problem-solving mindset with practical root-cause analysis experience.
Time management and ability to prioritize high-value rotable work under tight lead times.
Team orientation with coaching/mentoring capability for junior staff.
Adaptability to evolving engine models, repair instructions, and tooling innovations.
Accountability and compliance with strict safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to contribute to process optimization initiatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with substantial hands-on machining experience and apprenticeship training.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical diploma in Machining, Precision Manufacturing, or Aerospace Manufacturing Technology.
Certifications such as Journeyman Machinist, NDT Level II, CNC Operator/Programmer certification, or FAA/A&P credential (beneficial).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Precision Machining / Tool & Die
Aerospace Manufacturing Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Metallurgy / Materials Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3–10 years of precision machining experience; 3+ years specifically on turbine/jet engine components preferred.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience in aerospace engine overhaul, MRO, or OEM engine production with documented work on compressor/turbine hardware.
Proven track record of machining to aerospace tolerances, working with engine repair manuals, and operating balancing, EDM, and CMM equipment.
Experience within regulated environments (FAA/EASA) or with NADCAP/AS9100-compliant facilities.