Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Repair Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Repair Assistant reports to the Lead Technician or Maintenance Supervisor and provides direct support in the repair and upkeep of jet airframes, structures and related aircraft systems. This position assists with structural repairs (sheet metal and composites), non-destructive inspections, parts change-outs, rigging and basic system troubleshooting while ensuring compliance with regulatory and OEM maintenance procedures. The role is ideal for entry to mid-level technicians pursuing A&P or Part-66 certification and a long-term career in aircraft maintenance, MRO or structural repair shops.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Helper / Shop Assistant
Sheet Metal Apprentice or Technician
Military aircraft technician (structural/avionics support)

Advancement To:

Jet Repair Technician / Licensed A&P Mechanic
Structural Repair Specialist (composites & alloys)
Lead Aircraft Technician or Shift Supervisor
Quality/Inspection Engineer (NDT Level II/III after certification)

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician (with additional training)
NDT/Inspection Technician
Parts & Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed mechanics and structural technicians with scheduled and unscheduled aircraft structural repairs on business and commercial jets, following OEM structural repair manuals (SRM) and repair data packages step-by-step.
Perform hands-on sheet metal work including cutting, forming, deburring, edge rolling, and replacement of skins and doublers using hand and power tools while maintaining proper dimensional tolerances.
Execute composite repairs and layups under supervision, including surface preparation, resin mixing, curing procedures, and post-cure trimming in accordance with approved composite repair instructions.
Support removal, installation, and rigging of flight control surfaces, actuators and hinges; verify travel, rigging points and clearances per manufacturer specifications.
Perform pre-and post-maintenance inspections and quality verifications, documenting findings and sign-offs in the aircraft logbook or maintenance tracking system under appropriate supervision.
Assist with removal, inspection, servicing, and reinstallation of landing gear components, wheel/tire changes, brake replacements and torqueing to specified values following OEM torque charts.
Carry out corrosion inspection and treatment tasks, including surface preparation, chemical application, and coating processes per corrosion control manuals and safety data sheets (SDS).
Prepare and apply aircraft sealants, adhesives and fasteners (Hi-Lok, Huck, Cleco, blind rivets) using torque wrenches, rivet guns and installation tools to meet structural integrity requirements.
Support engine accessory and cowling removals/reinstalls for access to structure and systems, coordinating with engine mechanics and ensuring proper clearances and fastener security.
Conduct borescope-assisted inspections under guidance for internal structure and engine accessory borescope checks; assist in capturing imagery and documenting anomalies for senior technicians.
Assist in non-destructive testing (NDT) processes such as dye-penetrant, eddy current and visual inspections, preparing parts and logging results for review by certified NDT personnel.
Troubleshoot basic hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel system discrepancies by following schematics, running functional tests, and assisting with isolation procedures to help identify faulty components.
Help perform leak checks, pressure tests and system functional checks after maintenance events, recording test parameters and results in compliance with release-to-service requirements.
Conduct weight and balance support tasks including moving equipment, recording component weights, and assisting senior technicians with center-of-gravity adjustments during modifications.
Remove and replace aircraft interior panels, insulation and fairings to gain access for structural repairs while ensuring correct reinstallation and cabin finish quality.
Manage parts retrieval, kitting and staging for scheduled maintenance events; assist with inventory reconciliation, parts preservation and first-in-first-out (FIFO) handling.
Maintain and update technical records, work orders and logbooks daily in the MRO software or paper records, ensuring accuracy of task cards, sign-offs and compliance with regulatory directives.
Follow safety procedures, tool control, and foreign object debris (FOD) prevention practices at all times; participate in safety briefings and continuous improvement activities.
Maintain shop cleanliness, calibrate and care for hand and power tools, and identify tools that require repair or calibration to support an efficient maintenance environment.
Assist in training and mentoring apprentices or new hires on basic repair tasks, shop procedures, and safety practices under the guidance of senior technicians.
Support troubleshooting of basic electrical harnesses and connectors during structural repairs, including disconnect/reconnect procedures and temporary protective measures for nearby avionics.
Execute preparation for vendor repairs and liaise with outsourced repair facilities by packing and documenting parts per export/shipping and preservation standards.
Assist in implementing service bulletins, airworthiness directives and engineering deviations by preparing affected components, collecting required data and helping implement corrective actions under supervision.
Support scheduled aircraft movements, jacking, shoring and tow operations, ensuring proper ground support equipment usage and adherence to jacking points and load limits.
Participate in root-cause investigations of recurring defects (e.g., vibration, fretting, structural cracking) by gathering evidence, documenting damage patterns and assisting senior staff with corrective recommendations.

Secondary Functions

Help prepare cost/time estimates and labor entries for minor repair tasks and provide input to supervisors on parts/time needs.
Assist quality and production teams in preparing inspection reports and non-conformance documentation for engineering review.
Support procurement and spare parts teams by validating part numbers, shelf-life and shelf-storage conditions during parts issuance.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce turnaround time, increase first-time fix rate and improve documentation accuracy.
Provide ad-hoc support to other maintenance teams (avionics, engines, interiors) during heavy maintenance peaks and line operations.
Attend technical training sessions, vendor courses and OEM bulletins to stay current on new repair techniques and materials.
Support environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance by maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and following hazardous materials handling procedures.
Maintain digital and physical maintenance manuals, repair kits and toolboxes to ensure readiness for the next maintenance event.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or actively working toward A&P; EASA Part-66 (B1/B2) advantage.
Proven experience or training in aircraft sheet metal repair (cutting, forming, riveting, riveting patterns and fastener installation).
Hands-on familiarity with composite repair techniques: surface prep, cold/oven curing, scarfing, sanding and finishing.
Basic knowledge of aircraft hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel system components and maintenance procedures.
Experience with borescope inspection, dye-penetrant and visual inspections; exposure to eddy current or ultrasonic testing is a plus.
Proficient using standard aviation tools: torque wrenches, rivet guns, pneumatic tools, hand files, deburring tools and measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers).
Ability to read, interpret and work from OEM structural repair manuals (SRM), IPC, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
Competence with maintenance tracking systems / MRO software (e.g., AMOS, CAMO, TRAX, Ramco) or willingness to learn.
Familiarity with regulatory compliance: FAA/EASA airworthiness directives (ADs), service bulletins (SBs) and proper logbook entries.
Experience with landing gear servicing, wheel/tire changes, brake maintenance and jacking procedures preferred.
Basic electrical harness and connector handling skills for temporary disconnects and protective measures.
Strong knowledge of safe chemical handling, sealants, adhesives, and MSDS protocols for hazardous materials.
Ability to safely operate ground support equipment (GSE), hoists and jacks for structural access and component handling.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with consistent focus on quality and compliance.
Excellent verbal and written communication for clear logbook entries and teamwork across maintenance departments.
Problem-solving mindset with ability to follow troubleshooting flows and escalate appropriately.
Good manual dexterity and physical stamina for lifting, climbing, and confined-space work.
Time-management and prioritization skills to support fast-paced shifts and quick turn maintenance.
Team-oriented with a collaborative attitude and willingness to mentor apprentices.
Adaptability to changing schedules, regulatory updates and occasional overnight or travel requirements.
Commitment to safety, accountability and continuous learning.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED with strong math and mechanical aptitude.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Manufacturing, or equivalent technical program.
Completion of manufacturer OEM repair courses (e.g., Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, Dassault) or approved composite/sheet-metal training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Sheet Metal Fabrication / Composite Repair
Industrial Maintenance / Mechanical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years in aircraft maintenance, sheet metal or composite repair environments; military aircraft technicians with structural experience considered.

Preferred:

2+ years supporting jet structural repairs or working under licensed mechanics on business/commercial jets.
Prior exposure to MRO environments, OEM SRMs, and regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA) strongly preferred.
Candidates holding or pursuing A&P or Part-66 certifications are highly desirable.