Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Engine Technician Trainee

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Engine Technician Trainee is an entry-level aviation maintenance professional who trains under certified engine mechanics to perform inspections, troubleshooting, removal/installation, and basic maintenance tasks on gas turbine engines. The trainee will learn to interpret OEM technical publications and airline/maintenance organization procedures, execute borescope inspections, assist in engine shop and line maintenance activities, and maintain accurate maintenance records. This role emphasizes hands-on training, safety compliance, and progression toward industry certifications (e.g., FAA A&P, EASA Part-66, OEM engine training).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) school graduate
Military aircraft engine/mechanic transitioning to civilian maintenance
Technical apprenticeship or vocational program in aerospace/mechanical maintenance

Advancement To:

Certified Jet Engine Technician / Engine Mechanic
Engine Overhaul Technician (shop-based)
Senior Engine Technician / Lead Line Mechanic
Quality/Inspection Engineer or Maintenance Planner
Engine Shop Supervisor / Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Airframe Technician (A&P specialization)
Avionics Technician (with additional training)
Quality Control / Maintenance Inspector
Parts & Logistics / Rotable Parts Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior engine mechanics in performing comprehensive borescope inspections of compressor, combustor, turbine, and accessory compartments; document findings and follow-up corrective actions per OEM and company procedures.
Perform supervised engine removal and installation (R/I) including safe use of hoists, slings, stands, and engine mounts; verify torque values and alignment to aircraft/engine manufacturer specifications.
Support engine troubleshooting and fault isolation during in-service discrepancies, using engine trend data, performance monitoring reports, fault codes, and maintenance manuals to help identify probable causes.
Execute scheduled line maintenance tasks such as engine washes, filter replacements, chip detector inspections, and routine lubrication under the direct supervision of certified mechanics.
Prepare and disassemble engine modules for shop inspection, cleaning, and preservation; tag and stage components in accordance with shop flow, parts identification and traceability requirements.
Assist with engine run-ups and ground tests, following engine run cards and safety protocols; monitor instrument readings and report anomalies to the supervising engine technician or test cell engineer.
Learn to read, interpret and apply Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM), Engine Maintenance Manuals (EMM), Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC), and OEM service bulletins to perform assigned maintenance tasks accurately.
Record maintenance actions, discrepancies, and part changes into the company’s maintenance tracking system (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, IFS, CAMO), ensuring entries meet regulatory and audit requirements.
Support removal, inspection and replacement of accessories (fuel pumps, starters, IDGs, FADECs) under guidance; follow component handling and preservation practices to avoid contamination or damage.
Assist with borescope report generation and photo documentation for non-routine findings; ensure proper labeling, storage and escalation of suspect hardware to inspectors.
Participate in engine teardown and reassembly activities under supervision, learning inspection criteria, measurement techniques, and acceptance limits for rotating and static components.
Support non-destructive testing (NDT) prep and follow-up by preparing parts for inspection, performing basic visual inspection criteria, and coordinating with certified NDT technicians for magnetic particle/eddy current checks.
Maintain tool control and calibration awareness by checking torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators and other precision tools for correct calibration status; log usage and report issues.
Assist in tracking engine time, cycles, and life-limited parts; help prepare material for scheduled overhauls and ensure correct part numbers and serials are recorded for traceability.
Follow engine preservation, sealing and packaging procedures for storage or shipment, including identification of contamination risks and application of protective coatings as required.
Support the completion of Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM) tasks under mentor supervision, including measurements, clearances and adjustment procedures while documenting results.
Perform basic troubleshooting of fuel, oil and pneumatic systems related to engine operation, escalating complex defects to qualified technicians and supervisors.
Help maintain a safe, clean and organized engine shop and line area by performing housekeeping, compliance checks, and safe disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.
Participate in technical and classroom training programs, OEM familiarization courses, and on-the-job training modules to develop the skills required for certification and independent work.
Assist quality assurance and inspection teams during internal audits and regulatory inspections by preparing requested workpacks, records, and evidence of compliance.
Support parts requisition, kitting and inventory control for scheduled engine workscopes; help verify incoming parts against purchase orders and maintain rotable status records.
Perform assigned administrative tasks such as printing/amending workcards, compiling maintenance packages, and coordinating with maintenance control to ensure timely release to service.

Secondary Functions

Attend daily safety briefings, shift handovers and technical debriefs to ensure continuity of work and safe operation practices.
Participate in cross-functional teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on engine maintenance efficiency and reliability.
Support ad-hoc tasks such as tooling projects, custom jigs fabrication under supervision, and updating internal job aids or checklists.
Contribute to the maintenance department’s training records by documenting completed training modules, proficiencies and competencies.
Help prepare management reports by compiling basic maintenance metrics (downtime, turn-time, defect recurrence) and escalating recurring issues for root cause analysis.
Assist other teams (airframe, avionics, logistics) to coordinate multi-disciplinary maintenance events and ensure timely completion of combined tasks.
Support the organization’s safety, environmental and human factors programs by reporting hazards, near-misses and participating in corrective action follow-up.
Perform limited customer-facing activities such as briefing operations or flight crews about engine status under guidance and with appropriate approvals.
Participate in tooling and parts housekeeping audits to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
Assist with training newer trainees by sharing lessons learned and demonstrating basic tasks after competency verification.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Solid mechanical aptitude with specific exposure to turbine engine systems (compressor, combustor, turbine, accessory gearbox).
Borescope inspection proficiency or training experience; ability to capture and annotate inspection images for reporting.
Familiarity with engine removal/installation procedures, rigging and lifting equipment; knowledge of torqueing and fastening standards.
Ability to read and apply Aircraft and Engine Maintenance Manuals (AMM/EMM), CMMs, IPCs, SBs, ADs and OEM service instructions.
Basic use of precision measurement tools: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, torque wrenches and feeler gauges.
Experience or coursework in non-destructive testing (NDT) basics and how to prepare parts for certified NDT inspection.
Understanding of engine health monitoring concepts and trend analysis (FCOM/MDM data awareness helpful).
Working knowledge of maintenance tracking and enterprise systems (examples: AMOS, TRAX, Ramco, IFS, OASES) or willingness to learn.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (FAA, EASA) and an understanding of the path to certification (A&P, Part-66).
Competence with hand and power tools, safety tools, and engine workshop equipment (balancing machines, cleaning stations, test stands).
Basic electrical and pneumatic systems knowledge relevant to engine accessories and ground test systems.
Ability to follow torque charts, clearances and acceptance criteria during assembly and measurement tasks.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with a methodical approach to inspections and documentation.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for concise reports, handovers and coordination with supervisors.
Team-oriented mindset and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.
Problem-solving mindset and willingness to escalate issues while proposing practical next steps.
Adaptability and eagerness to learn technical procedures, OEM methods and company processes.
Time management and prioritization skills to support multiple maintenance tasks and shift-based work.
Professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic with a focus on quality and regulatory compliance.
Safety-first attitude and commitment to PPE use, lockout/tagout, and hazard reporting.
Resilience and stress-management for operational pressures such as quick turn maintenance events.
Customer-service orientation when interacting with flight operations, logistics, and external vendors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with emphasis on math and technical subjects.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technician, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Completion of an FAA-certified AMT program or comparable national vocational program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Maintenance
Avionics / Electrical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–2 years (entry level / trainee), including internships, AMT school lab time, or military experience.

Preferred:

1–3 years of hands-on experience with aircraft or turbine engine maintenance, OR
Military experience as aircraft engine mechanic, OR
Completion of an FAA A&P program or equivalent and progressive on-the-job training toward licensure.
Willingness to obtain certifications (FAA A&P, EASA Part-66 Category B1/B3, OEM engine courses) within a defined timeline as part of career development.