Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Engine Worker

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Engine Worker (also known as Engine Technician, Engine Overhaul Technician, or Turbine Mechanic) performs hands-on maintenance, inspection, disassembly and reassembly, testing, troubleshooting and documentation for commercial and military jet engines and their accessories. This role requires deep knowledge of engine CMMs and service bulletins, practical experience with borescope inspection and NDT methods, strict compliance with FAA/EASA regulations and OEM specifications, and strong safety and quality focus.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P) or equivalent military aviation mechanic experience
Engine Technician Apprentice or Shop Helper
Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification graduate

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Engine Technician / Lead Engine Mechanic
Engine Shop Supervisor or Overhaul Manager
Test Cell Lead / Test Cell Engineer
Quality Assurance Inspector (engines/components)

Lateral Moves:

Component Repair Technician (fuel systems, accessories)
Test Cell Operator / Engine Run Technician
Field Service Engineer or On-wing Support Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform complete engine teardown following OEM Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs) and work cards: disassemble turbofan and turboprop engines to the component level, tag and log parts, and identify discrepancies according to maintenance and service bulletin requirements.
Conduct detailed borescope inspections of compressor, turbine, and combustion sections, document findings with images, and recommend repairs or overhauls based on OEM acceptance criteria and FAA/EASA regulations.
Execute non‑destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as eddy current, ultrasonic inspection, fluorescent penetrant, and magnetic particle to detect cracks, corrosion, and fatigue in rotating and static engine components and submit NDT reports per QA procedures.
Reassemble engines and modules to OEM torque and assembly specifications, install bearings, seals, and clearances, and verify mechanical integrity using calibrated tools, balancing equipment, and precision measurement devices.
Operate engine test cells safely and efficiently: prepare engines for runs, monitor sensors/parameters (temperatures, turbine speeds, vibrations), perform break‑in and acceptance runs, capture run data, and troubleshoot anomalies during and after test events.
Diagnose and troubleshoot engine malfunctions using fault isolation procedures, borescope results, run data analysis, and engineering documentation; implement corrective actions including part replacement, minor repairs, or escalations to engineering.
Perform component removal, repair and replacement on accessories such as fuel pumps, fuel nozzles, igniters, starters, oil pumps, and FADEC units, ensuring parts meet OEM tolerances and lubricants/fluids meet spec.
Prepare and complete accurate maintenance records, engine logbooks, and technical paperwork to support RTS (Release to Service) or equivalent regulatory sign‑offs in compliance with FAA, EASA or military maintenance standards.
Interpret and apply OEM service bulletins, airworthiness directives (ADs), engineering orders, and CMM revisions to maintenance instructions and backlog planning; ensure actions are traceable in maintenance management systems.
Support root cause analysis and failure investigations by collecting evidence, performing component teardown inspections, liaising with engineering, and preparing defect reports and corrective action recommendations.
Maintain and calibrate specialized tooling and test equipment (torque wrenches, balancing stands, borescope probes, NDT instruments), schedule calibrations and report any tool out‑of‑tolerance conditions to tooling control.
Manage engine preservation, cleaning and corrosion control processes during storage, shipping and between maintenance steps to protect internal surfaces and maintain serviceable condition.
Implement quality control steps during overhaul: verify part conformity, ensure correct part numbering and life limits, confirm clearances and dimensional checks, and perform final walk‑through inspections prior to dispatch.
Coordinate with logistics and supply chain teams to forecast and order engine parts, engine modules, and expendables; perform parts status checks and expedite critical spares for turnarounds and AOG events.
Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices on shop practices, safety protocols, proper use of CMMs, borescope techniques, and OEM assembly procedures to elevate team capability and consistency.
Follow hazardous material handling, storage, and disposal procedures for fuels, solvents, and chemical agents used in cleaning and preservation; maintain MSDS awareness and PPE adherence.
Participate in shift handovers and communicate outstanding defects, pending orders, and work scope changes to maintain continuity of engine work and minimize rework.
Apply lean principles and continuous improvement: suggest and implement process improvements in workflow, reduce engine turn time, and improve first‑time quality metrics within the engine shop.
Perform on‑wing or field engine inspections and minor repairs when required for AOG response, ensuring on‑site safety, documentation, and coordination with operations and flight crews.
Execute rotor dynamic checks, static and dynamic balancing for compressor and turbine stages, and verify vibration signatures meet OEM and airworthiness limits prior to release.
Ensure compliance with workplace safety programs, confined space procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and ergonomics while conducting heavy lifts, crane operations, and hoist movements for engine modules.
Maintain detailed inspection photography and digital records, upload to maintenance tracking systems, and produce technical reports to support warranty claims, OEM coordination, and contractual obligations.
Liaise with engineering and OEM technical support for complex repairs, part rework approvals, service bulletin clarifications, and to request engineering relief or alternative methods when necessary.

Secondary Functions

Support engine shop production scheduling by providing realistic time estimates for teardown, inspection and reassembly tasks and highlighting critical path items.
Assist in continuous documentation updates—CMM change logs, internal work instructions, and training materials—to keep the shop aligned with current OEM and regulatory requirements.
Participate in safety committees and continuous improvement teams to raise quality, reduce defects, and improve turnaround time for engine overhauls.
Provide technical input for budgeting and cost tracking on engine projects by noting non-routine repairs, material consumption, and labor variances.
Support ad‑hoc customer communication during AOG responses, offering technical input on repairability, estimated time to repair, and expected parts lead times.
Collaborate with QA to resolve nonconformances, suspect parts investigations, and root cause corrective actions for recurring engine defects.
Assist in cross-training with accessory and component repair teams to increase shop flexibility and support peak workloads.
Maintain shop housekeeping and tooling stowage to ensure productivity and rapid access to required equipment.
Contribute to onboarding and evaluation of vendor repairs and outsourced component work by performing incoming inspections and acceptance testing.
Aid in environmental compliance efforts by following clean‑room practices for sensitive components (FADEC, fuel injectors) and maintaining solvent control records.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Engine overhaul and teardown/reassembly experience with turbofan and turboprop engines (examples: GE CF6, GEnx, CFM56, Pratt & Whitney PW1000, Rolls‑Royce Trent).
FAA A&P certification or EASA Part‑66 (B1/B2) eligibility and familiarity with regulatory release‑to‑service processes.
Proficient in CMM (Component Maintenance Manual) interpretation and applying OEM service bulletins, ADs, and engineering orders.
Borescope inspection proficiency including image capture, interpretation, and reporting of foreign object damage (FOD), erosion, and blade damage.
Hands‑on non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods: eddy current, ultrasonic inspection, fluorescent penetrant, magnetic particle testing.
Engine test cell operation and engine run experience, including data acquisition, parameter monitoring, and safe run procedures.
Troubleshooting and fault isolation skills for fuel systems, lubrication systems, FADEC/electronic controls, and accessory gearboxes.
Precision measurement and balancing skills: micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and dynamic/static balancing equipment.
Experience with fasteners, torque procedures, locking wire/clinching, and use of calibrated torque wrenches and hydraulic presses.
Knowledge of corrosion control, preservation methods, and proper cleaning solvents and practices for engine internals.
Proficiency with maintenance tracking systems (MMS), work order systems, and digital documentation (parts tracking, logbooks).
Familiarity with shop floor safety protocols: lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, hazardous materials handling, and PPE requirements.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, piping/hose diagrams and wiring diagrams related to engine accessories.
Use and maintenance of specialized tooling: hoists, slings, engine dollys, alignment tools and fixtures.
Experience in component repair programs and interchangeability/part life‑limit management.

Soft Skills

Meticulous attention to detail and quality focus to ensure airworthiness and passenger safety.
Strong oral and written communication skills for clear documentation, handovers, and customer interactions.
Teamwork and collaboration with mechanics, QA, engineers, and logistics to meet turnaround deadlines.
Problem solving and analytical thinking to perform root cause analysis and technical troubleshooting.
Time management and prioritization in a fast‑paced engine shop environment.
Adaptability to changing technical bulletins, priorities, and AOG situations.
Instructional ability to train apprentices and junior staff and convey complex procedures clearly.
Professionalism and customer service orientation when interfacing with airline or OEM customers.
Physical stamina and dexterity for lifting heavy components, working in tight spaces, and standing for long periods.
Safety‑first mindset with consistent adherence to procedures and regulatory requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED plus FAA A&P certificate, military equivalent maintenance certification, or documented relevant shop apprenticeship experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Technology.
Additional industry certifications: EASA Part‑66, OEM engine type courses (GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls‑Royce), and formal NDT certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Machining

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–8 years of hands‑on engine maintenance, overhaul, or test cell experience; includes on‑wing and shop positions.

Preferred:

3+ years working specifically on jet/turbine engines with demonstrated teardown, inspection, NDT and test cell run experience.
Experience with major OEM engine models and documented completion of OEM-specific training programs.
Demonstrable record of compliance with FAA/EASA maintenance regulations and previous sign‑off authority experience is a strong plus.