Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Maintenance Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Maintenance Assistant supports licensed aircraft mechanics and engineers in the inspection, servicing, repair and documentation of jet aircraft (business jets, regional jets, and narrow-body commercial aircraft). This role performs hands-on maintenance tasks under supervision, conducts pre/post-flight and line maintenance activities, assists with engine and airframe inspections, maintains tool and parts control, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements such as FAA, EASA Part-66, and company maintenance procedures. Ideal candidates have a foundational knowledge of airframe and powerplant systems, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to aviation safety and quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice / Trainee
Military Aircraft Maintenance Specialist / Avionics Technician
Aviation Maintenance Technician School Graduate

Advancement To:

Licensed A&P Mechanic (FAA) or EASA Part-66 B1/B2
Jet Aircraft Technician / Line Mechanic
Maintenance Controller / Planner
Quality Assurance Inspector / Airworthiness Representative

Lateral Moves:

Parts and Logistics Coordinator (IPC/ERP specialist)
Ground Support Equipment Technician
Avionics Technician or Structural Repair Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed mechanics with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on jet aircraft, including A-checks, B-checks, component swaps, and basic structural repairs while following the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM), structural repair manual (SRM) and company procedures.
Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections (walkarounds, serviceability checks) to identify defects, log discrepancies in aircraft logbooks and maintenance tracking systems, and escalate findings to the supervising technician or maintenance control.
Prepare aircraft for maintenance events by removing panels, access doors, cowls and fairings using proper fastener procedures; support reassembly and ensure torque and safety wire specifications are met.
Support engine changeouts and assists with engine runs by moving equipment, connecting required utilities, monitoring gauges, and recording run data as directed by senior engine mechanics.
Conduct routine fluid servicing and sample collection (hydraulic, engine oil, APU fluids) and record results; assist with contamination control procedures and filter changes.
Assist in borescope inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) facilitation (dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic) by preparing work areas, positioning components, and documenting results under supervision.
Help troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems including landing gear, brakes, wheels and tires, flight controls, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, environmental control systems (ECS), and fuel systems, following schematics and wiring diagrams.
Perform basic avionics support tasks such as component swaps, cable routing, connector cleaning and visual checks for damaged harnesses, and assist certified avionics technicians with software updates or LRUs (Line Replaceable Units) exchanges.
Conduct corrosion inspections and basic sheet metal work support (riveting, fastener replacement, small patch repairs) in accordance with SRM and approved repair schemes.
Maintain accurate entries in technical logs, job cards and electronic maintenance systems (e.g., AMOS, Ramco, Trax, CAMP), ensuring compliance with ADs (Airworthiness Directives), SBs (Service Bulletins), and MEL/CDL procedures.
Execute safe jacking and leveling procedures and ground handling tasks in support of major checks, including positioning jacks, chocks, towbar operation, and supervising aircraft movement with ground crew under direction.
Perform component removal/installation (APU, avionics LRUs, batteries, pumps, valves) and tag/track removed parts for test, repair or overhaul; prepare parts for shipping and coordinate with logistics for timely turnaround.
Maintain tool control and calibration records, conduct daily tool inspections, ensure torque wrenches and test equipment are calibrated and stored per company tool control program.
Assist with electrical system isolation and safe power-down procedures during maintenance, confirming proper placards and lock-out/tag-out practices are used.
Support troubleshooting by gathering fault data from onboard maintenance logs, FDR/CB reports, and cockpit indications, and assist in functional tests and rigging verifications after repairs.
Assist in cabin interior maintenance activities such as seat removal/installation, cabin system checks, oxygen system servicing, and interior damage repairs with attention to customer-facing aesthetics and safety.
Observe and assist with weight and balance control tasks, placard verification, and ensure that all removed equipment weight is recorded and accounted for per company procedures.
Participate in daily maintenance briefings, shift handovers and maintenance control coordination to ensure work continuity, timely task completion and compliance with dispatch requirements.
Support line maintenance and quick-turn operations at the gate or ramp, including troubleshooting, minor defect rectification, and ensuring minimal on-ground time to meet flight schedules.
Compile materials for scheduled maintenance events and assists planners by pulling parts from inventory, verifying part numbers in IPC/CDS, and returning unused parts with proper documentation.
Assist with documentation and administration required for component returns to service, including preparing work packages, compiling certification paperwork, and ensuring all sign-offs are completed by authorized personnel.
Follow and promote safety policies including personal protective equipment (PPE), confined-space entry procedures, hazardous materials handling, and compliance with OSHA and local regulatory safety standards.
Participate in quality assurance inspections and internal audits as requested, preparing evidence of compliance and helping implement corrective actions under supervision.
Maintain clean, organized maintenance areas and hangar spaces; ensure waste, consumables, and hazardous materials are handled and disposed of per environmental and company policies.
Support onboarding and on-the-job training for less experienced technicians by demonstrating basic procedures, tool use, and company safety expectations while learning from senior staff.

Secondary Functions

Assist maintenance planning teams by validating work scope, providing hands-on feedback on task durations and tooling requirements, and helping prepare task cards.
Support parts and stores teams with inventory counts, cycle counts, and locating hard-to-find parts using IPC, OEM catalogs and ERP systems.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing field observations on recurring discrepancies, recommending improvements to troubleshooting flows or preventive maintenance intervals.
Help maintain training and certification matrices by tracking expiry dates for licenses, medicals, type ratings and mandatory recurrent training.
Provide customer service at line stations by communicating status updates to crew, operations staff and flight dispatch under the guidance of the shift lead.
Assist with ramp operations including fueling coordination, marshalling, and ground power unit (GPU) hookups as required and when properly trained and authorized.
Participate in safety stand-downs, toolbox talks and voluntary improvement events aimed at reducing human factors risks and improving operational reliability.
Support records digitization and archival projects by scanning/filing maintenance log pages, engineering approvals and component maintenance records.
Act as a liaison with vendors and overhaul facilities for routing parts, tracking repair status, and following up on serviceable part returns.
Help prepare aircraft for special maintenance events such as heavy check mobilizations, ferry flights or regulatory inspections by compiling required documentation and coordinating resources.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aircraft maintenance fundamentals (airframe and powerplant) including familiarity with AMM, SRM, IPC and WDM.
Knowledge of FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) basics or EASA Part-66 framework and regulatory compliance (ADs, SBs, MEL/CDL).
Experience with line maintenance and quick-turn troubleshooting of jet aircraft systems (hydraulics, flight controls, landing gear, environmental systems).
Hands-on experience with basic engine/APU servicing and support for engine change activities; understanding of borescope inspection tradecraft.
Competence in tool control and use of calibrated torque tools, multimeters, test benches and basic avionics ground support equipment.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, hydraulic schematics, wiring diagrams and maintenance task cards.
Familiarity with maintenance management systems (AMO software such as AMOS, Ramco, Trax, CAMP or equivalent) and electronic logbooks.
Basic non-destructive inspection awareness (visual, dye-penetrant, eddy current) and corrosion treatment support.
Practical knowledge of fastener removal/installation, riveting, sheet metal repair basics and composite patch support procedures.
Safe handling of hazardous materials, fuel servicing, oxygen systems and knowledge of HAZMAT/DGR regulations.
Ability to perform weight & balance support tasks and understand load/placard implications when removing/adding equipment.
Proficient with computer tools (MS Office, mobile maintenance apps) for reporting defects, generating work packs and communicating with maintenance control.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and zero-defect mentality when completing maintenance tasks and documentation.
Excellent communication skills — able to clearly report defects, status and test results to supervisors, engineers and flight crews.
Team-oriented with the ability to work under the direction of licensed mechanics and collaborate in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
Problem-solving mindset, comfortable following troubleshooting flows and escalating complex issues to senior staff.
Good organizational skills for managing multiple tasks, parts, tools and paperwork during turnarounds and maintenance events.
Adaptability and flexibility to work varied shifts, on-call rotations and travel to line stations or outstations as required.
Strong safety culture, adhering to PPE, lock-out/tag-out and company safety rules while promoting best practices among peers.
Customer-focused and professional demeanor when interacting with flight crews, passengers and operations personnel.
Continuous learning orientation — eager to pursue certifications (A&P/Part-66), type ratings and recurrent training.
Resilience and physical stamina for hands-on tasks, working in confined spaces, at heights or extended periods in hangar/ramp conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED (required). Vocational/technical school background preferred.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Maintenance, or equivalent.
Completion of an accredited Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering / Technician Programs
Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years in aviation maintenance or related mechanical trades; apprentices with hands-on training are considered.

Preferred:

1–3 years supporting commercial or business jet maintenance, demonstrated familiarity with business/regional jets or narrow-body aircraft.
Partially-completed or held FAA A&P license, EASA Part-66 module completion, military maintenance experience, or documented apprenticeship.
Experience using AMOS, Ramco, Trax, CAMP or similar maintenance tracking and ERP systems.
Training and/or certification in borescope operations, NDT basics, HAZMAT, dangerous goods and workplace safety (OSHA or local equivalent).

This role is ideal for motivated technicians seeking a practical pathway to full A&P/Part-66 licensing and a steady career in jet aircraft maintenance. Candidates who are detail-oriented, safety-minded, and eager to learn on-the-job will thrive and progress quickly into licensed technician and supervisory roles.