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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Engine Mechanic

💰 $55,000 - $110,000

AviationMaintenanceEngineeringMRO

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Engine Mechanic (Aircraft Engine Technician) performs detailed inspection, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and testing of turbine engines and related accessories. This role focuses on troubleshooting complex engine systems, executing engine removals and installations (R&R), performing borescope and non-destructive inspections (NDT), executing engine performance testing in test cells, and completing accurate regulatory documentation. The ideal candidate demonstrates hands‑on experience with common commercial and regional engines (e.g., CFM56, V2500, GE90, PW1000G), strong knowledge of engine accessories and fuel control systems, and a continuous commitment to safety and regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P) or Aircraft Maintenance Technician
  • Military Aviation Engine Technician or Aviation Mechanic apprentice programs
  • Component Repair Technician in MRO facilities

Advancement To:

  • Lead Jet Engine Mechanic / Lead Engine Technician
  • Engine Shop Supervisor or MRO Team Lead
  • Quality Assurance / Regulatory Compliance Inspector (FAA/EASA)
  • Field Service Engineer or Technical Representative for OEMs (GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls‑Royce)
  • Engine Overhaul Manager or Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic for line maintenance
  • Avionics Technician (with cross‑training)
  • Component Repair/Exchange (CR/EX) Technician
  • Quality/Inspection Technician (NDT Specialist)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform detailed engine inspections, borescope examinations, and functional checks on turbojet and turbofan engines, documenting findings and recommending corrective actions in accordance with OEM manuals and FAA/EASA regulations.
  • Diagnose complex engine malfunctions using technical manuals, engine monitoring data (EICAS/APU logs), vibration/trend analyses, and OEM troubleshooting guides to determine root cause and repair disposition.
  • Execute scheduled and unscheduled engine removals and installations (R&R) from airframes, coordinating with airframe teams to ensure proper rigging, alignment, torqueing, and adherence to removal/installation procedures.
  • Perform engine line maintenance and on-wing repairs including accessory replacement, chip detector inspections, fuel nozzles servicing, and bleed air system troubleshooting while maintaining all required safety precautions.
  • Disassemble, inspect, and reassemble engine modules and accessories during shop visits and overhauls; interpret service bulletins, airworthiness directives (ADs), and engineering orders to make disposition decisions.
  • Conduct engine test cell operations: prepare engine for test, perform run-ups, monitor parameters (EPR, N1, N2, ITT), collect and analyze performance data, and execute post-test inspections to validate repairs.
  • Perform non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods such as borescope inspection, eddy current, fluorescent penetrant, and ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks, corrosion, and foreign object damage (FOD).
  • Repair and overhaul engine accessories including fuel pumps, fuel control units, accessory gearboxes, starters, and integrated drive generators, following OEM and shop practices.
  • Replace and adjust engine control systems including FADEC units, fuel control assemblies, and governor systems; perform bench testing and calibration when required.
  • Follow detailed torque procedures and use calibrated tooling for fastening, ensuring compliance with engine torque charts and fastener traceability requirements.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records, logbooks and workcards (electronic or paper), prepare serviceable/non‑serviceable part tags, and update MRO systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, Ramco) to maintain audit readiness.
  • Coordinate parts requisitions, shop orders, and return-to-service paperwork with parts, logistics, and production control teams to meet scheduled turntimes.
  • Implement engine modifications and incorporate service bulletins and engineering changes, including fitting new kits, inspection panels, and updated components per OEM instructions.
  • Support teardown and evaluation tasks during engine removals: segregate parts for repair vs scrap, create discrepancy reports, and provide technical feedback for corrective action planning.
  • Participate in root cause failure investigations, write technical reports, and collaborate with engineering, quality, and OEM field service to develop corrective plans and reliability improvements.
  • Adhere to health, safety, and environmental procedures including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, hazardous materials handling, and respiratory protection in accordance with company and regulatory policies.
  • Mentor and train junior engine technicians on engine systems, safe work practices, troubleshooting techniques, and OEM overhaul procedures to build bench strength in the shop.
  • Conduct component runs, break-in procedures, and functional testing for accessories and sub-assemblies on test benches to verify repair effectiveness and serviceability.
  • Inspect and service auxiliary power units (APUs) and small turbine accessories, performing borescope, filter replacement, fuel system checks, and operational tests as required.
  • Participate in scheduled shop maintenance campaigns, engine life-limited part tracking, and serial number traceability audits to ensure compliance with overhaul schedules and ADs.
  • Maintain and calibrate specialty tools and test equipment, report discrepancies in tooling calibration, and ensure tool control and calibration records meet quality standards.
  • Communicate with flight operations, dispatch, and airline maintenance control to provide technical status updates on engine repairs, expected return-to-service times, and safety-of-flight issues.

Secondary Functions

  • Support line maintenance teams with technical troubleshooting assistance and take-home engine directives to expedite aircraft return-to-service.
  • Assist production control with job card estimation, labor allocation, and turnaround time improvements to optimize MRO throughput.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, Kaizen) to reduce engine shop turn times and improve shop efficiency.
  • Help maintain the shop’s inventory control by identifying consumables usage trends, recommending stocking levels, and tagging obsolete tooling.
  • Provide technical input for procurement of engine consumables, test equipment, and tooling based on OEM recommendations and shop workload.
  • Support regulatory audit preparation by gathering engine maintenance records, workpack evidence, and calibration certificates for quality and compliance teams.
  • Deliver cross-functional support to the overhaul engineering group by provisioning real-world teardown findings and contributing to repair procedure updates.
  • Attend training sessions and OEM technical schools to stay current on new engine models, life‑limit changes, and updated maintenance philosophies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent EASA Part‑66 B1/B2 authorization with documented jet engine experience.
  • Proven experience performing borescope inspections and interpreting borescope reports per OEM instruction.
  • Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) experience: fluorescent penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic inspection techniques applied to rotating hardware and casings.
  • Engine test cell operation experience including pre‑run setup, instrumentation, parameter monitoring (N1/N2, EGT/ITT, oil pressure), and post‑test analysis.
  • Hands‑on engine R&R (remove and install) experience on commercial engines (e.g., CFM56, V2500, IAE, GE, PW family) and familiarity with OEM maintenance manuals.
  • Troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills for fuel control systems, FADEC, accessory gearbox, turbine/compressor performance issues, and oil systems.
  • Shop overhaul skills: disassembly, inspection, dimensional measurement, reassembly, and balancing of rotating assemblies.
  • Proficiency with maintenance tracking and MRO software systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, Ramco, AerData) and electronic technical publications.
  • Strong blueprint reading and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, torque charts, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives.
  • Calibration and use of precision tooling: torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, borescope equipment, and test benches.
  • Knowledge of engine fuel, oil, lubrication, pneumatic, and hydraulic interfaces and the ability to service related components.
  • Familiarity with parts control, shelf life, life‑limited parts tracking, and serial/part number traceability.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and methodical documentation skills to maintain airworthiness records and support audits.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset for diagnosing intermittent and complex engine failures.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for interfacing with maintenance control, engineering, and OEM support teams.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills to coordinate multi‑discipline maintenance tasks and shift handovers.
  • Time management and prioritization capability to meet tight turnaround and aircraft on‑time performance goals.
  • Adaptability to changing schedules and quick response to AOG (aircraft on ground) engine events.
  • Safety‑first attitude and commitment to regulatory compliance and safe work practices.
  • Customer service orientation when dealing with airline operations, dispatch, and external stakeholders.
  • Mentoring and coaching capabilities to develop junior technicians and support knowledge transfer.
  • Initiative for continuous improvement and process optimization in a high‑paced MRO environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with technical aptitude and documented aviation maintenance training or equivalent military experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technology, or Mechanical Technology.
  • FAA A&P Certificate (preferred) or EASA Part‑66 License with engine endorsement.
  • OEM engine-specific training certifications (GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls‑Royce, CFM) or completion of engine school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance / Heavy Equipment Technology
  • Military Aviation Technical Training

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2 – 8+ years of hands‑on aircraft turbine engine maintenance; 3–5 years preferred for intermediate positions.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years working on commercial turbofan or turboprop engines in MRO, airline line maintenance, or military aviation.
  • Demonstrated experience with engine teardown/overhaul cycles, test cell operation, and NDT inspections.
  • Experience with specific engine models (CFM56, V2500, CFM LEAP, GE90, PW1100G, PW4000, RR Trent series) and OEM technical documentation.
  • Prior experience working in a regulated environment with FAA/EASA oversight and participation in safety and quality audits.
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