Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Maintenance Technician

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a detail-oriented, safety-first Jet Maintenance Technician to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting and repairs on business and commercial jets. The ideal candidate holds an FAA A&P certificate (or equivalent), has hands-on experience with jet airframes and engines, and can work independently or as part of a maintenance team to return aircraft to service quickly and compliantly. This role emphasizes technical accuracy, regulatory compliance (ADs, SBs, MEL, MM, AMM), and strong communication with flight crews, maintenance control, and parts/logistics teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) / A&P Mechanic — Entry or early-career roles
Military jet mechanic / avionics technician transitioning to civilian life
Line maintenance technician at a regional airline or FBO

Advancement To:

Lead Jet Maintenance Technician / Crew Chief
Maintenance Supervisor / Shift Lead
Quality Assurance Inspector / Certified Inspector
Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Manager or Reliability Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician / Electrical Systems Specialist
Structures (Sheet Metal) or Composite Repair Technician
Field Service Representative or Technical Trainer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform thorough pre-flight, transit, line, and base maintenance inspections on jet aircraft according to the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM), structural repair manual (SRM), and company procedures, identifying and documenting all discrepancies and corrective actions required.
Troubleshoot and diagnose complex aircraft systems failures—hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, environmental control systems (ECS), flight control systems, landing gear, and auxiliary power units (APUs)—using OEM troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, and onboard test equipment.
Remove, install, and rig flight control surfaces, actuators, and control cables to factory tolerances, ensuring correct rigging and full system functionality in accordance with regulatory and manufacturer standards.
Inspect and perform scheduled and non-scheduled engine and APU maintenance tasks, including borescope inspections, engine removals/installs, accessory bench tests, line replacement of modules, and preparation for shop-level repairs.
Execute structural repairs and permanent/temporary damage mitigation on fuselage, wings, doors, and empennage using composite and sheet metal repair techniques per SRM and engineering-approved repair instructions.
Conduct avionics troubleshooting and FIFO replacement tasks—radios, transponders, flight management systems (FMS), inertial reference units (IRU), EFIS/ECAM components—coordinating with avionics specialists for software updates and functional checks.
Perform corrosion inspections, treat and document corrosion findings, and implement approved corrosion control repairs or submit findings to engineering for disposition.
Read, interpret, and apply airworthiness directives (ADs), service bulletins (SBs), maintenance planning documents, and MEL/CDL requirements; complete required paperwork and sign-off per company and regulatory standards.
Execute functional checks, rigging, system leak checks, pressure tests, and ground runs after maintenance to ensure aircraft systems are returned to service and airworthy condition.
Complete accurate maintenance records, logbook entries, certifications and work orders, including preparation of FAA 8130/1 tags (or equivalent certificates of release to service) and coordination with Maintenance Control for sign-off.
Operate hand and power tools, nondestructive inspection (NDI) equipment, test benches, oscilloscopes, and ground support equipment to perform diagnostic and repair work safely and efficiently.
Coordinate parts requisitioning, kitting, and tracking with inventory/logistics teams to ensure timely receipt of consumables, rotables, life-limited parts, and compliance with traceability requirements.
Participate in scheduled heavy checks (C‑checks, D‑checks, or manufacturer-defined checks), including disassembly, detailed inspection of internal components, structural access, and coordination with multiple trades and subcontractors.
Support weight & balance, component removal and shipping, and life-limited parts removal/replacement, ensuring proper tagging, preservation, and traceability in line with company SOPs.
Apply lockwire, safety wiring, torqueing to specified values, and fastener replacement practices per OEM specifications and tooling calibration records to maintain mechanical integrity.
Respond to AOG/urgent dispatch calls for on-site troubleshooting and repair, prepare technical discrepancy reports, and liaise with field service engineers or third-party vendors as required.
Mentor junior technicians and apprentices on best practices, safe work procedures, and troubleshooting methodology, and assist in on-the-job training and workshop demonstrations.
Participate in continuous improvement efforts by submitting technical findings, repair process improvements, and efficiency ideas to Maintenance Control and Reliability Engineering.
Adhere to occupational health and safety policies, confined space procedures, fall protection, hazardous materials handling (HMIS/GHS), and environmental disposal requirements when performing maintenance.
Use computerized maintenance tracking systems (CMMS) or electronic logbook software to record tasks, manage work packages, and monitor deferred defects and upcoming maintenance events.
Coordinate with flight crews, dispatch, and quality to provide timely technical status updates, estimated return-to-service times, and ensure minimal operational disruption while maintaining safety.
Support engineering teams by providing hands-on inspection data, discrepancy photos, measurements, and recommendations when unusual structural or systems failures occur.
Validate and apply temporary repairs and repair certificates per company procedures and regulatory allowances, escalating to maintenance control or engineering when permanent repair is required.
Maintain calibration and care of specialty tooling and test equipment, report tool defects, and ensure tool accountability across the maintenance team.
Perform cabin interior maintenance tasks such as seat track repairs, door seal replacements, and galley system troubleshooting in partnership with interiors specialists.

Secondary Functions

Assist with inventory audits, shelf-life tracking, and liaise with procurement to optimize stocking levels of critical rotables and consumables.
Support the creation and update of maintenance procedures, job cards, and local work instructions to align with manufacturer updates and regulatory changes.
Participate in safety, human factors, and quality assurance meetings; complete root-cause analyses for repeat discrepancies and contribute to CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions).
Provide input to the training team on recurrent technical training needs and help build training syllabi for new hires and apprentices.
Perform light facility upkeep of hangar and workspace—housekeeping, tool crib organization, and maintenance of GSE to maintain a professional and safe working environment.
When requested, assist engineering with parts traceability audits, nondestructive inspection support, and vendor qualification activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or equivalent civil aviation license (e.g., EASA B1/B2) — required or strongly preferred.
Proven experience inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing jet engines (turbofan/turbojet) and APUs, including borescope inspection techniques.
Deep knowledge of aircraft systems: hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, environmental control (ECS), landing gear, flight controls, and electrical power systems.
Ability to read and interpret aircraft maintenance manuals (AMM), structural repair manuals (SRM), wiring diagrams, and manufacturer troubleshooting guides.
Proficiency with avionics systems troubleshooting: FMS, EFIS, communication/navigation equipment, transponders, and wiring harness diagnostics.
Experience performing structural repairs on composite and metal airframes, including adherence to SRM repair limits and techniques.
Competence in nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods: dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic testing or willingness to be certified.
Familiarity with regulatory compliance: AD/SB management, MEL/CDL operations, 14 CFR (or local equivalents), and release-to-service procedures.
Skilled in use and maintenance of ground support equipment (GSE), torque wrenches, test benches, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and specialized aviation tooling.
Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), electronic logbooks, and maintenance tracking software.
Knowledge of weight & balance procedures, life-limited part tracking, and component tag/certification processes.
Ability to perform engine runs, functional system tests, rigging, and leak/pressure checks to confirm airworthiness.
Familiarity with hazardous materials handling, fuel/oil contamination procedures, and environmental disposal protocols.
Basic machining, riveting, and sheet metal repair skills for minor structural work.

(Provide proof of certifications and experience during interview; specific required items will be tailored to operating certifications and aircraft types.)

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical problem-solving skills to diagnose intermittent and complex system failures.
Clear communicator—able to write accurate logbook entries, present technical findings to engineers, and brief flight crews and maintenance control.
Team player who collaborates effectively across trades (avionics, structures, interiors) and with external vendors.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks under operational pressure and make safe, pragmatic decisions during AOG events.
Continuous learner mindset—keeps current with manufacturer updates, airworthiness directives, and new maintenance technologies.
Strong time-management skills and reliability—willingness to be on-call or work irregular shifts when operationally required.
Professionalism and customer-focused attitude when interacting with flight crews, management, and external stakeholders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED with accredited technical school training in aircraft maintenance or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Avionics / Avionics Engineering
Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
2–8+ years working on jet aircraft in line or base maintenance roles; 3+ years preferred for intermediate roles.

Preferred:
5+ years experience on business or commercial jet types (e.g., Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, or narrow-body/regional jets), proven AOG troubleshooting experience, and prior heavy-check participation. Experience with regulatory release-to-service and quality assurance activities is highly desirable.