Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Engine Specialist Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Engine Specialist Assistant supports licensed engine mechanics and propulsion engineers in the inspection, maintenance, overhaul and testing of gas turbine engines (turbojet, turbofan and turboprop). This role combines hands-on engine support — engine removals/installs, borescope inspections, minor component repairs, test cell assistance — with administrative responsibilities such as creating and maintaining technical records, sourcing parts, and supporting quality and safety processes. The assistant works under technical supervision within MRO shops, airline maintenance units, OEM service centers, or field operations and is expected to follow AMM/IPC/TM procedures, contribute to troubleshooting and reliability investigations, and help ensure regulatory compliance (FAA, EASA or equivalent).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P mechanic, Part 66 B1/B2 trainee)
Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice or Technician
Engine Shop Technician or General Aviation Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Engine Technician / Engine Specialist
Engine Shop Supervisor or Team Lead
Propulsion Test Cell Technician / Test Cell Lead
MRO Operations Supervisor or Engine Overhaul Engineer
Technical Authority / Engine Technical Support Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Component Repair Technician (hot-section, fuel systems)
Quality / Compliance Inspector (NDT, QA)
Maintenance Planner or Reliability Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform detailed borescope inspections and internal visual inspections of compressors, combustors, turbines and accessory sections, documenting findings with photographs and clear, actionable defect narratives in accordance with OEM and regulatory guidelines.
Assist in engine removal and installation activities on aircraft and ground test stands following AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual) procedures, using approved lifting equipment, engine mounts and torque sequences while coordinating with airframe teams.
Support scheduled and unscheduled engine maintenance events including line maintenance tasks, shop visit inspections, mid-life checks and full engine overhauls by preparing work packages and staging required tooling and parts.
Execute routine engine runs and test cell operations under supervision, monitor engine health parameters (EGT, N1/N2, fuel flow, vibrations), log anomalies and assist senior technicians in test point analysis and corrective actions.
Disassemble and reassemble engine modules to manufacturer specifications, perform minor repairs and replacements to seals, bearings, and accessory gearboxes, and return components to the inspection flow.
Carry out basic non-destructive testing (NDT) tasks such as dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections where certified, or coordinate with NDT technicians to ensure timely completion of special inspections.
Identify, tag, and segregate unserviceable parts; prepare and process discrepancy reports, serviceable tags, and technical documentation for parts disposition and supplier returns.
Maintain and update engine maintenance records, logbooks and regulatory documentation in physical and electronic maintenance systems (CMMS, AMOS, TRAX, SAP), ensuring traceability and compliance with airworthiness requirements.
Follow engine OEM service bulletins, ADs/SBs (airworthiness directives/service bulletins) and incorporate mandatory corrective actions into the maintenance process under supervision or per established procedures.
Support troubleshooting activities by gathering operational history, performing systematic fault isolation, and assisting senior specialists to reproduce and diagnose engine malfunctions or performance degradations.
Prepare engines and modules for shipment or test including preservation, packaging, and documentation in line with export/import regulations and OEM shipping requirements.
Assist in borescope probe calibration, maintenance and correct insertion techniques to protect delicate compressor and turbine surfaces and ensure accurate inspection results.
Help perform rotor balancing and run-up checks, document vibration trends and support corrective balancing or component replacement recommendations under direction.
Participate in engine teardown and teardown analysis, helping to catalog findings for root-cause analysis and life-limited parts tracking in support of reliability improvement initiatives.
Support hot section and combustion liner inspections, measure clearances and distortion limits, and report findings to enable repair decisions or parts replacement.
Assist with engine accessory bench testing (fuel pumps, control units, starters), connecting test rigs, recording test results and segregating units that require overhaul or replacement.
Execute shop housekeeping, tool control and calibration checks to maintain a safe, organized, and FAA/EASA-compliant work environment and support audit readiness.
Support training and mentoring programs by preparing training aids, shadowing senior technicians, and documenting on-the-job training outcomes for certification pathways.
Coordinate with procurement and stores to identify critical spares, monitor inventory levels for common wear items, and expedite parts for AOG and turnaround scenarios.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including process standardization, 5S, lean MRO projects, and digital transformation efforts related to engine health monitoring and maintenance workflow.
Follow and promote safety management system (SMS) practices, lockout/tagout procedures, hazardous materials handling, and appropriate PPE use while assisting with risk assessments for engine shop tasks.
Assist engineering teams with data collection from health monitoring systems and engine trend data to support condition-based maintenance and predictive maintenance analytics.
Provide support during engine warranty and field support visits by documenting defects, collecting samples, and liaising with OEM technical representatives.

Secondary Functions

Support root cause investigations by collecting dimensional measurements, photographic evidence, and test data to enable engineers to perform failure analysis.
Assist quality assurance in pre- and post-maintenance inspections, participate in internal audits, and implement corrective actions to address non-conformances.
Prepare and maintain tool sets, special tooling and calibrated instruments used for engine maintenance, reporting calibration expiries and arranging recalibration.
Support planning and scheduling teams by estimating labor hours for routine engine tasks, providing turnaround time inputs, and flagging long-lead items.
Help coordinate field maintenance and AOG responses by preparing technical kits, playing a role in on-site diagnostics, and assisting in remote troubleshooting under guidance.
Participate in OEM-directed training, certification renewals and refresher courses to maintain competency on specific engine models and systems.
Assist in data entry and reporting for reliability databases and maintenance intelligence platforms to improve failure trend visibility and preventive maintenance planning.
Support environmental and hazardous waste procedures for disposal of oils, solvents, and other engine shop waste in accordance with company and regulatory standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Gas turbine engine mechanics and maintenance (turbofan/turbojet/turboprop) — familiarity with compressor, combustor, turbine, and accessory systems.
Borescope inspection techniques and documentation for internal engine inspections (including photographic reporting and defect coding).
Experience with engine test cell operations, instrumentation monitoring (EGT, N1/N2, vibration) and basic test run procedures.
Proficiency reading and working to AMM, IPC, TM and engine OEM maintenance manuals and service bulletins.
Hands-on experience with engine removals/installs, engine mounts, hoisting gear and torque procedures.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) fundamentals — dye penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current awareness and coordination with certified NDT personnel.
Component bench testing for accessories (fuel pumps, starters, fuel control units) and use of engine accessory test rigs.
Familiarity with maintenance tracking systems / CMMS (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, CAMP, SAP) and electronic technical records management.
Knowledge of FAA/EASA airworthiness directives, Part 145 maintenance requirements, and regulatory compliance processes.
Basic vibration analysis and rotor balancing awareness, and ability to assist in vibration data collection and interpretation.
Strong tooling and measurement skills (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators) and experience with calibrated measurement procedures.
Engine preservation, packing and logistics requirements for shipment and field support cases.
Use of technical data standards and configuration control, including managing serviceable/repairable parts and life-limited items.

Soft Skills

Clear written and verbal communication for effective logbook entries, defect reports and handover notes.
Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to inspections and documentation in a safety-critical environment.
Problem-solving mindset and ability to follow structured troubleshooting processes under supervision.
Teamwork and collaboration—coordinate with airframe, avionics, and engineering teams to accomplish engine maintenance tasks.
Time management and prioritization skills to support multiple engines or maintenance events simultaneously.
Adaptability and willingness to work shifts, extended hours or field deployments for AOG response.
Continual learning orientation — eagerness to pursue manufacturer courses and industry certifications.
High integrity and commitment to regulatory and safety compliance in all maintenance activities.
Coaching and mentoring capability to support apprentices and junior technicians during on-the-job training.
Customer-focused attitude when interfacing with airline customers, OEM representatives or field engineers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent plus formal technical training in aircraft engine maintenance or a relevant trade school certificate. FAA A&P or national equivalent preferred.

Preferred Education:

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Technology, or equivalent technical discipline.
Manufacturer-specific engine training certificates (e.g., GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls‑Royce, Safran).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Technology
Aviation Maintenance / Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Combustion/Propulsion Technology
Industrial Trades (machining, precision measurement)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years supporting engine maintenance operations; 3+ years preferred for independent work on complex tasks.

Preferred:

3–7 years working in an MRO, airline maintenance hangar, OEM engine shop or military engine overhaul facility.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with at least one family of commercial or military turbine engines.
Hold or be working toward relevant certifications such as FAA A&P, EASA Part‑66, OEM engine type courses, and NDT qualifications where applicable.
Proven experience using maintenance tracking software and producing audit-ready technical records.