Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Manufacturing Worker

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Manufacturing Worker performs hands-on assembly, fabrication, finishing and inspection of aircraft and jet components (airframes, wings, engine mounts, nacelles, control surfaces and subsystems). This role requires precise interpretation of engineering drawings, adherence to aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP, IPC), safe operation of hand and power tools, and collaboration with engineering, quality and production teams to deliver airworthy parts on schedule. The worker contributes to lean manufacturing initiatives, documents work per regulated processes, and supports continuous improvement in jet manufacturing operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Assembler / Production Assembler (entry-level airframe assembly)
Sheet Metal Worker or Fabricator with aerospace experience
Composite Layup Technician or Upholstery/Trim Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Manufacturing Technician / Lead Assembler
Quality Inspector / Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
Manufacturing Supervisor or Production Lead
Tooling & Fixtures Specialist or Process Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Materials & Inventory Specialist (kitting, stores)
Tooling and Jig Maintenance Technician
CNC Operator or Machining Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and apply engineering drawings, blueprints, wiring diagrams and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to accurately perform jet airframe and component assembly work, ensuring all parts meet specified tolerances and fit requirements.
Perform precision drilling, countersinking, fastener installation (solid rivets, blind rivets, hi-loks, bolts), rivet bucking and pneumatic or hydraulic riveting to industry torque and process specifications for airframe and nacelle assemblies.
Carry out composite layup, vacuum bagging, core bonding, cure cycle monitoring and trimming of composite components (carbon fiber, fiberglass) according to work instructions and resin manufacturer guidelines while maintaining clean-room protocols when required.
Execute sheet metal forming, bending, notching and hemming operations for skins, stiffeners and brackets using brakes, shears and press brakes, ensuring dimensional conformity to design specifications.
Use hand tools and precision inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, protractors) and perform first-article and in-process measurements to verify conformance to drawing tolerances and record results in manufacturing documents.
Conduct torqueing and installation of flight-critical hardware (engine mounts, landing gear attach points, control system linkages) to specified torque values and complete torque verification paperwork in accordance with quality control standards.
Assemble and install fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic lines, fittings and clamps, following routing diagrams and performing leak and pressure tests as required by manufacturing procedures and safety standards.
Apply sealants, adhesives and corrosion protection coatings using recommended methods and tools; follow curing schedules and ensure surfaces are properly prepared and contamination-free.
Perform precision deburring, sanding, blending and surface finishing of metal and composite parts to meet aerodynamic and aesthetic requirements while avoiding structural compromise.
Operate and maintain jigs, fixtures, templates and assembly tooling; set up fixtures to ensure accurate hole alignment and part registration during assembly and drilling operations.
Support engine installation and alignment tasks under supervision, assist with engine mount fitting, firewall installation and initial mechanical and electrical interface routings per installation drawings.
Execute wire harness routing, clamp installation and basic electrical terminations as part of aircraft subsystem installations, ensuring harness protection and adherence to routing specifications.
Perform nonconformance identification, document discrepancies and participate in root cause analysis and corrective action processes; assist quality with rework plans and final disposition of parts.
Conduct pressure, leak and functional tests on assemblies and components; record and report test results and participate in troubleshooting and rework efforts when tests fail to meet acceptance criteria.
Follow and maintain compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, FAA and company-specific processes and work instructions, including traceability, lot control and special process approvals.
Set up and safely operate power tools, pneumatic tools, torque wrenches, band saws and basic shop equipment while following lockout/tagout and PPE requirements to maintain a safe production environment.
Maintain accurate manufacturing travelers, work cards, and electronic records (ERP/MRP entries) to capture serial numbers, batch materials, process stamps and inspection sign-offs for traceability.
Participate in in-line inspections and final assembly inspections, sign off on quality checklists, and escalate concerns to lead technicians or quality engineers in a timely manner.
Support production schedules by performing cycle time improvements, identifying bottlenecks and recommending tool or process changes to increase throughput while maintaining quality.
Perform setup and tear-down of work cells, assist in parts kitting and ensure readiness of components prior to build, minimizing downtime and supporting just-in-time manufacturing flows.
Train and mentor junior assemblers and new hires on safe work practices, proper tool usage, blueprint reading and shop-level quality expectations to build team capability.
Comply with hazardous materials handling and storage procedures when working with adhesives, solvents, coatings or primers, and complete required safety documentation and material safety data sheet (MSDS) checks.
Assist Quality and Engineering during audits and validations by providing process records, work samples and by demonstrating adherence to approved procedures and special process controls.
Perform minor machining, rework and spot-welding operations as required for repair or modification tasks following approved repair instructions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives, 5S workplace organization, and lean manufacturing events by contributing practical shop-floor feedback and implementing agreed-upon improvements.

Secondary Functions

Maintain tools, gauges and small equipment; perform basic calibration checks and report worn or out-of-tolerance tooling for repair or replacement.
Support inventory control and parts receiving by inspecting incoming materials for damage, verifying counts against purchase orders and updating material traceability records.
Prepare components for shipping by packaging to aerospace specifications, labeling serial numbers and completing shipping documentation for internal transfers or external vendors.
Assist engineering with prototype builds and first article builds, offering hands-on feedback on manufacturability and tool design to improve producibility.
Participate in cross-functional daily stand-ups and production meetings to communicate progress, safety concerns and opportunities for schedule optimization.
Document process deviations, implement temporary containment measures and assist in developing permanent corrective actions with engineering and quality teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint reading and interpretation of engineering drawings, tolerances and GD&T conventions specific to aerospace assemblies.
Precision measuring and inspection using calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, height gauges and basic CMM interaction or fixture-based gauging.
Riveting skills (solid bucking, blind rivets, hi-lok installation) and familiarity with pneumatic rivet guns and bucking bars.
Composite fabrication and repair: layup, vacuum bagging, cure cycle monitoring, trimming and sanding of carbon fiber and fiberglass components.
Sheet metal fabrication: shearing, bending, riveting, hemming and forming using brakes, rollers and press brakes.
Torque application and torque-wrench calibration knowledge for flight-critical hardware installation.
Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as dye penetrant, ultrasonic testing or visual inspection; ability to support NDT technicians or perform basic inspections.
Proficiency with aerospace quality systems and standards (AS9100, NADCAP awareness) and familiarity with FAA airworthiness documentation.
Usage of hand and power tools safely (drills, rivet guns, sanders, saws) and adherence to lockout/tagout and PPE protocols.
Basic electrical harness routing and termination skills, including clamp installation and understanding of simple wiring diagrams.
Knowledge of adhesive bonding, sealant application and corrosion protection processes used in aircraft manufacturing.
Experience logging manufacturing data in ERP/MRP systems and maintaining serial number traceability and traveler documentation.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and obsession with quality to ensure airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
Mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem solving to troubleshoot fitment and assembly issues quickly and effectively.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, quality personnel and production leads; able to read and produce clear process notes.
Team-player mindset with willingness to mentor junior staff and share craftsmanship knowledge.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks within a high-mix, high-paced production environment.
Adaptability and continuous improvement orientation to embrace lean practices and process changes.
Commitment to safety culture and proactive identification of hazards and corrective measures.
Accountability and ownership for work completed, including accurate documentation and timely escalation of issues.
Patience and persistence for repetitive precision tasks while maintaining high-quality outputs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate, vocational training or associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Manufacturing Technology, Sheet Metal Fabrication, or a related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aerospace Manufacturing / Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Sheet Metal / Metal Fabrication
Composite Materials Technology
Industrial or Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of hands-on experience in aerospace assembly, aircraft production, sheet metal fabrication or composite manufacturing for entry to mid-level roles.
5+ years for senior technician or lead positions with demonstrated responsibility for complex assemblies and process compliance.

Preferred:

Prior experience in jet or fixed-wing aircraft assembly environments with exposure to AS9100 and NADCAP processes.
Certifications such as FAA AC 65/145 (where applicable), IPC-A-610 for electronics assembly, Certified Riveter, NDT certification (Level I/II), or specific company training on special processes.
Demonstrated experience using ERP systems for traceability, maintaining manufacturing travelers and supporting quality audits.