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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Engine Repairer

💰 $ - $

MaintenanceAerospaceEngine Repair

🎯 Role Definition

We're seeking an experienced Jet Engine Repairer (Turbine Engine Technician) to perform in-shop and field maintenance, inspection, overhaul, repair, and testing of commercial and military jet engines and their accessories. The ideal candidate demonstrates mastery of engine teardown/assembly, borescope and non-destructive inspection techniques, adherence to AMM/IPC/SRM procedures, and clear, audit-ready documentation for FAA/EASA compliance. This role supports overhaul lines, test cell operations, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement of engine MRO workflows.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Technician / A&P Trainee
  • Component Repair Technician (accessories, fuel systems)
  • Test Cell Operator or Engine Shop Helper

Advancement To:

  • Lead Jet Engine Repairer / Senior Engine Technician
  • Engine Overhaul Supervisor or Shop Foreman
  • Quality Assurance Manager (engines)
  • Field Service Representative / Technical Liaison
  • Engine Program Manager or Maintenance Training Instructor

Lateral Moves:

  • Test Cell Operator / Engine Run Specialist
  • NDT / Inspection Specialist
  • Component Overhaul or Accessories Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform complete teardown, inspection, repair, rework and assembly of commercial and military turbine engines (including hot section, cold section, gearboxes, and accessory drives) in accordance with OEM manuals (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC) and Structural Repair Manuals (SRM), ensuring all steps are followed and deviations are documented and approved.
  • Conduct detailed borescope inspections of combustion chambers, turbine and compressor sections to detect cracking, foreign object damage (FOD), corrosion, blade tip rub, and other defects; interpret findings and recommend repairs or further NDT as required.
  • Execute non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as eddy current, fluorescent penetrant (FPI), ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspection to identify subsurface flaws; coordinate with certified NDT personnel and maintain inspection records to meet NADCAP/AS9100 and regulatory requirements.
  • Troubleshoot in-service engine issues using engine health monitoring data, fault logs, FADEC readouts, and performance trends to determine root cause and corrective action; write clear repair recommendations for serviceable return-to-service.
  • Disassemble and reassemble engine modules and subassemblies using precision torque procedures, calibrated tools, special tooling and OEM-approved fixtures; perform rotor/stator alignment, clearances, and pre-lube/priming procedures per OEM specifications.
  • Balance rotating assemblies, perform shaft runout and bearing clearance measurements, and install/replace bearings, seals, and oil scavenge components to OEM tolerances to meet vibration and performance specifications.
  • Carry out controlled heat treatments, welding, brazing, and authorized repair processes for hot-section components where permitted by OEM repair schemes; coordinate repairs requiring external vendor or specialty shop capabilities.
  • Perform accessory and module removal/installation for gearboxes, fuel pumps, starters, and variable geometry systems; bench-test accessories and verify operational parameters before engine reassembly.
  • Operate engine test cell equipment safely and professionally: prepare instrumentation, manage instrumentation data capture, execute run-up procedures, observe engine parameters during idle, takeoff, and maximum thrust cycles, and document run cards and anomalies.
  • Review incoming work orders, conduct initial condition inspections, create detailed job cards and task breakdowns, estimate labor and parts needs, and update maintenance tracking systems (CMMS/ERP) with job status and downtime metrics.
  • Prepare engines and components for preservation, shipping, and transit; ensure compliance with packing, handling, weight, and hazardous materials protocols required for domestic and international movement.
  • Execute special inspections and repairs for life-limited parts, tracking time-in-service, cycles, and compliance with airworthiness directives (ADs), service bulletins (SBs), and mandatory inspection intervals to ensure continued airworthiness.
  • Maintain and calibrate precision measuring devices and special tooling (micrometers, dial indicators, torque wrenches, borescope equipment); document calibration records and remove nonconforming tools from use.
  • Author and update technical discrepancies, serviceable/unserviceable tags, logbook entries, and compliance paperwork following FAA/EASA regulations; ensure traceability of parts and repairs using serialized part records.
  • Support root cause investigations for recurring failures: collect evidence, perform metallurgical sampling or coordinate with lab services, generate corrective action recommendations, and implement preventive maintenance improvements.
  • Train, mentor and supervise junior technicians and apprentices on correct teardown procedures, best practices for handling hot-section hardware, safe use of shop tooling, and proper documentation standards to raise shop capability and quality.
  • Implement and follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, and respiratory protection procedures; drive a safety-first culture by reporting hazards and participating in safety observations and incident investigations.
  • Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to expedite critical parts, consolidating repairable components and recommending repair vs. replace actions to reduce engine downtime and repair costs.
  • Participate in quality audits, internal process reviews and external regulatory inspections; respond to corrective actions and audit findings to continuously improve engine maintenance processes and quality metrics.
  • Support engineering and modifications teams by providing hands-on feedback for design changes, field service instructions, and retrofit kits; assist with prototype installs and flight/ground test support.
  • Assist in cost control and workflow optimization by recommending standard work procedures, time-to-repair estimates, waste reduction initiatives and inventory rationalization for commonly repaired components.
  • Maintain professional relationships with OEM technical representatives and field service engineers to clarify ambiguous procedures, obtain repair schemes, and access engineering dispositions for non-routine repairs.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical support to operations and maintenance planning teams for forecasting engine shop capacity and spare engine requirements.
  • Participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events to streamline engine teardown/assembly flows and reduce cycle time while maintaining quality.
  • Assist with inventory audits for serialized engine components and track scrap/rework dispositions to align physical inventory with CMMS records.
  • Contribute to the development of shop-level standard operating procedures and job aids for complex engine maintenance tasks.
  • Support occasional field deployments for on-wing repairs, AOG responses, and line maintenance troubleshooting when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proven experience with jet/turbine engine teardown, inspection, repair and assembly for common engine families (examples: CFM56, V2500, CF6, GE90, Trent, PW1000G, PW4000).
  • FAA A&P certification or EASA Part-66 B1/B2 preferred; strong working knowledge of airworthiness regulations and maintenance release processes.
  • Proficient in reading and following OEM documentation: AMM, IPC, SRM, service bulletins (SBs), and engine wiring diagrams.
  • Borescope operation and interpretation skills with experience documenting findings and generating inspection reports.
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) knowledge: eddy current, fluorescent penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic testing; coordination with certified NDT technicians.
  • Engine test cell operation and data interpretation: instrumentation setup, run card execution, vibration analysis, and hot/cold section monitoring.
  • Precision measurement and inspection skills: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, and understanding of dimensional tolerance and fit.
  • Rotor balancing, bearing installation, seal installation, and clearance measurement to OEM tolerances.
  • Knowledge of FADEC systems and troubleshooting electronic engine control anomalies.
  • Familiarity with shop tooling, calibration practices, and tool control programs; ability to identify and remove out-of-calibration tools.
  • Experience with CMMS/ERP systems for job cards, work orders, and parts tracking (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, IFS).
  • Ability to perform authorized welding, brazing or thermal spray repairs as permitted by OEM repair schemes or to coordinate vendor repairs.
  • Component bench testing and accessory overhauls (fuel pumps, starters, IDGs) with functional test procedures.
  • Understanding of corrosion control, preservation, and shipping standards for aviation engine hardware.
  • Documentation and technical writing skills for clear logbook entries, job cards, and regulatory paperwork.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety in high-consequence maintenance environments.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability for diagnosing complex engine failures and determining effective corrective actions.
  • Clear verbal and written communication to liaise with engineers, planners, OEM field reps, and regulatory inspectors.
  • Team-oriented attitude and ability to mentor junior technicians while collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to handle multiple engine projects, meet delivery timelines, and support AOG responses.
  • Adaptability and calm under pressure when troubleshooting in a test cell or on-wing environment.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with willingness to document best practices and improve shop processes.
  • Integrity and regulatory compliance orientation to maintain accurate records and ensure traceability of repairs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED plus formal technical training in aircraft maintenance or mechanical technology; demonstrated hands-on turbine engine experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or EASA Part-66 B1/B2 license preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance or Precision Machining

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–8 years of progressive experience in turbine engine shop or field engine maintenance, with demonstrated competency in module-level repairs and test cell operations.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience specifically on commercial or military turbofan/turboprop engines, demonstrable work on multiple engine families, prior work in a certified MRO environment, and experience interfacing with OEM technical teams.
  • Additional preferred credentials: NDT Level II certification, NADCAP familiarity, AS9100 quality exposure, OSHA training, and experience with engine health monitoring systems.
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