Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Production Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Production Operator is a skilled manufacturing technician responsible for the safe, accurate assembly, inspection, testing and documentation of jet engine components and subassemblies. This hands-on role supports high-volume and low-rate production environments in compliance with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, FAA, NADCAP) and company manufacturing procedures. The Operator reads engineering drawings, uses precision measuring instruments, performs in-process inspections, operates test stands and manufacturing equipment, and actively contributes to continuous improvement and on-time delivery metrics.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft mechanic/airframe & powerplant (A&P) technician transitioning to production.
Machinist or CNC operator with aerospace experience.
General production technician or assembly technician in precision manufacturing.

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Production Operator / Lead Assembler
Production Team Lead / Cell Supervisor
Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer
Quality Inspector / Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Test Cell Technician (engine ground run/test)
Tooling & Fixtures Specialist
Supply chain / material planner for production

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform complete assembly of jet engine modules and subassemblies (compressor, combustor, turbine, gearbox, accessory drives) in strict accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and torque and sealant specifications to ensure component interchangeability and airworthiness.
Interpret complex blueprints, wiring schematics, routing diagrams and build sheets to correctly position, fasten and connect hoses, fuel lines, electrical harnesses and fluid conduits while documenting deviations and non-conformances per AS9100 procedures.
Apply calibrated torque values and sequence fasteners using manual and electronic torque wrenches, hydraulic torque tools and pulse tools; record torque data to maintain traceability for safety-critical hardware.
Operate precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators) and perform first article inspections to verify tolerances, concentricity, runout and gap specifications during in-process assembly.
Set up, operate and monitor coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and portable measurement arms for dimensional verification of complex geometries and feed measured data into quality control systems.
Perform, record and interpret non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as dye penetrant, eddy current and visual inspections to detect surface and subsurface defects, and initiate corrective action on discrepant parts.
Execute engine build schedules by staging parts, consumables and tooling; coordinate with materials and kitting to minimize downtime and maintain on-time delivery of production lots.
Conduct functional system checks, pneumatic and hydraulic leak tests, and instrument checks on subassemblies; run engine test stand procedures including ground runs, idle checks and basic performance verification under supervision or per operator qualification.
Use test cell instrumentation and data acquisition systems to capture engine parameters, interpret anomalies, and support troubleshooting with engineering and test teams.
Adhere to all safety, environmental and cleanroom protocols: handle hazardous materials (sealants, solvents, adhesives) safely, maintain housekeeping via 5S practices, and follow lockout/tagout and confined space procedures as required.
Maintain detailed build records, traveler documentation, serial number traceability, tool calibration logs and electronic data entries in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle or similar) to meet audit and regulatory requirements.
Calibrate, inspect and maintain hand tools, torque tools, gauges and specialized fixtures; escalate out-of-tolerance tools and coordinate repairs to ensure measurement integrity.
Apply precision fastening processes including cold working, rivet installation, hi-lok/fastener installation and chemical bonding processes while controlling installation torque, depth and thread engagement.
Perform wiring, harness routing and basic avionics connector assembly following electrostatic discharge (ESD) and stray voltage prevention procedures.
Diagnose assembly-related issues, propose corrective actions, and execute root cause analyses with production engineering and quality teams to prevent recurrence of defects.
Participate in continuous improvement activities (Kaizen, value stream mapping) to reduce cycle time, improve yield and lower scrap rates; implement process improvements and update work instructions accordingly.
Train and mentor junior operators on best practices, safety, and proper use of specialized equipment (CMM, test stands, torque calibration), and document operator qualifications.
Support tooling design feedback by identifying opportunities for jigs, fixtures and ergonomic improvements to reduce assembly complexity and operator fatigue.
Maintain compliance with government and customer-controlled technical data, and support external audits, FAA/DoD/prime contractor inspections and certificate of conformity processes.
Assist in shop floor scheduling and capacity planning by reporting production metrics (throughput, cycle time, yield, rework) and participating in daily stand-ups to address bottlenecks.
Handle heavy lifts and part movement using cranes, hoists, dollies and lifting fixtures; verify proper rigging and weight distribution to protect precision hardware.
Dispose of waste and consumables in accordance with environmental and hazardous waste regulations and maintain material safety data sheets (MSDS) availability for all chemicals used on the production floor.
Support repair and overhaul activities by performing teardown, inspection, and reassembly of returned components, documenting non-conformance reports (NCRs) and repair dispositions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (quality, materials, engineering, test) to ensure design for manufacturability and production readiness for new engine configurations and upgrades.

Secondary Functions

Support production data capture and KPI reporting by entering accurate time, scrap and quality events into MES/ERP systems.
Assist in process documentation updates, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials based on lessons learned and continuous improvement findings.
Provide subject-matter input for supplier nonconformance investigations and support incoming inspection activities when requested.
Participate in shift handovers, communicate work in progress and critical defects to inbound teams to maintain continuity of build quality.
Support special projects such as process validations, tool trials, new product introduction (NPI) builds and prototype assembly as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert blueprint and technical drawing reading for mechanical assemblies, GD&T interpretation and fastener callouts.
Proficient in applying calibrated torque and using electronic torque wrenches, torque multipliers and hydraulic tooling with strict adherence to torque specs and sequences.
Strong experience with precision metrology: micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, CMM operation and dimensional reporting.
Practical knowledge of jet engine systems (turbine, compressor, combustion chamber, bearings, seals, fuel systems, accessory drives).
Hands-on experience with NDT techniques such as dye penetrant, eddy current and visual inspection and the ability to document and escalate findings.
Familiarity with test cell and ground-run procedures, instrumentation readouts, and basic engine performance parameter interpretation.
Competence with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) for work order processing, material consumption and electronic traveler management.
Experience using hand and power tools, rivet guns, cold-working tooling, loctite/adhesive application, sealant dispensing and controlled fastener installation.
Knowledge of quality systems and regulatory standards (AS9100, ISO9001, FAA/DOD requirements) and working within controlled manufacturing environments.
Basic electrical and wiring harness skills: connector installation, crimping, routing and ESD best practices.
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing methodologies (5S, Kaizen, TPM) and experience participating in continuous improvement events.
Ability to read and maintain tooling and calibration records and understand calibration intervals and out-of-tolerance handling.
Experience performing root cause analysis and corrective action tracking (8D, CAPA) with production and quality teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel for data reporting) and the ability to prepare simple production metrics and shift reports.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail, methodical work habits and focus on quality and compliance.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills under pressure during production or test events.
Clear verbal and written communication for documenting discrepancies, communicating with engineering and participating in shift handovers.
Team orientation with the ability to collaborate across manufacturing, quality and engineering functions.
Time management and prioritization skills to meet tight production schedules while maintaining part quality.
Adaptability to changing production priorities, new engine variants and continuous improvement initiatives.
Commitment to safety culture and adherence to established environmental and safety policies.
Coaching and mentoring skills to help develop less experienced operators.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required; emphasis on mathematics and shop-related coursework.

Preferred Education:

Technical diploma or associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Precision Machining, Manufacturing Technology, Aerospace Technology or similar.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance / A&P certification
Precision Machining / CNC Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Aerospace Technology / Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7 years of hands-on aerospace assembly, engine build, or precision manufacturing experience depending on company and complexity.

Preferred:

5+ years in jet engine assembly or aerospace production with demonstrated competency in torque application, dimensional inspection, test cell support and quality system compliance. Prior experience with AS9100 environment, SAP/MES system usage, and NDT certification(s) preferred.