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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Repair Mechanic

💰 $ - $

MaintenanceAviationMROMechanicalAircraft Repair

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Repair Mechanic is a skilled aircraft maintenance professional responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and returning jet aircraft to a certified, airworthy condition in compliance with regulatory standards (FAA, EASA or equivalent). This role combines deep mechanical and systems knowledge—engines, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, avionics, structures and composites—with precision inspection techniques (borescope, NDT), accurate maintenance recordkeeping, and the ability to respond to AOG (aircraft on ground) events. Successful candidates operate within an MRO environment or airline maintenance organization and use maintenance tracking systems (MMS/CMMS) and technical publications (AMM, IPC, SRM) to execute scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) / Apprenticeship program
  • Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certified technician
  • Military aircraft mechanic transitioning to civilian MRO

Advancement To:

  • Lead Jet Mechanic / Shift Lead
  • Maintenance Supervisor / Line Maintenance Manager
  • Quality Assurance / Certifying Inspector
  • MRO Operations Manager or Maintenance Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Avionics Technician or Systems Specialist
  • Engine (Powerplant) Specialist
  • Structures / Composite Repair Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct thorough line and base maintenance inspections on jet aircraft, following the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Structural Repair Manual (SRM), and manufacturer service bulletins to ensure compliance with FAA/EASA airworthiness directives and company procedures.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical system malfunctions using wiring diagrams, schematics, test equipment and onboard fault codes to identify root causes and recommend corrective action.
  • Perform scheduled heavy maintenance checks (A, B, C, D checks) and unscheduled repairs including removal/installation of engines, APUs, landing gear components, flight controls, and environmental control systems to return aircraft to service on schedule.
  • Execute structural repairs to metal and composite airframe components using approved techniques for patching, riveting, cold working, bonding and sanding, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with SRM and repair kits.
  • Carry out borescope inspections, trend and interpret engine condition parameters, and coordinate with engine shop or OEM for engine shop visits or removals when indicated by findings.
  • Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) such as eddy current, dye penetrant and ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks, corrosion and other defects, documenting findings and initiating corrective actions.
  • Replace, rig and adjust flight control surfaces, cables, actuators and control rods to maintain correct control surface travel and system redundancy, performing functional checks and operational tests.
  • Troubleshoot and repair avionics, communication and navigation equipment, including wiring harnesses and line replaceable units (LRUs), and coordinate bench-level repairs or exchange processes with avionics shop.
  • Remove and install landing gear assemblies, repair or replace hydraulic actuators and lines, perform functional extension/retraction tests and ensure correct torqueing and torque-sequencing per manufacturer procedures.
  • Execute fuel system maintenance, including pump and valve servicing, leak isolation, and contamination checks, followed by pressure tests and system functional checks.
  • Perform engine and APU removal/installation, alignment, engine runs, and ground operational checks, following OEM procedures and ensuring proper external condition, clearances and firewall integrity.
  • Conduct corrosion control, stripping, priming, and application of corrosion inhibitors, and coordinate with corrosion specialists when major structural remediation is required.
  • Interpret and apply maintenance planning documents, service bulletins, airworthiness directives (ADs), and engineering orders to update status of aircraft and coordinate required corrective actions with maintenance control.
  • Use maintenance tracking systems (MMS/CMMS) to open, close and annotate work orders, track deferred defects, manage MEL/CDL items, ensure parts traceability, and upload signed maintenance certifications and logbook entries.
  • Prepare, inspect and sign off logbook entries, maintenance release documentation and regulatory paperwork as required, ensuring legal airworthiness certifications and compliance with company quality control processes.
  • Respond to AOG calls and perform rapid troubleshooting and repairs in high-pressure situations to return aircraft to service with effective parts coordination, vendor management and communication with operations staff.
  • Coordinate parts requisitions, shop stock usage and spares ordering, including review of ATA chapters and IPC to ensure correct part numbers and shelf-life control, and liaise with vendors for rotables and warranty claims.
  • Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices by providing hands-on guidance, on-the-job training, and coaching on best practices, safety procedures and company maintenance standards.
  • Maintain and calibrate shop tools, test equipment and ground support equipment, ensuring tool control (TOOLBOX/Tool Tag procedures), calibration records and JSA compliance.
  • Participate in pre- and post-maintenance briefings with maintenance control, production planners and quality inspectors to ensure efficient execution of work scopes and minimize aircraft downtime.
  • Implement continuous improvement suggestions to reduce turnaround time, improve maintenance workflows and ensure compliance with safety management system (SMS) and human factors principles.
  • Inspect and certify repaired components for airworthiness, coordinate with the quality department for parts disposition, and support internal/external audits and regulatory inspections with accurate records and traceability.
  • Safely operate towing and jacking equipment, perform weight & balance calculations and prepare aircraft for ferry flights or test flights after maintenance, coordinating with flight crew for test procedures when required.
  • Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and tool/material organization in hangar and shop areas, adhering to environmental and hazardous materials handling regulations.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical support to maintenance planners and engineering for complex repairs, including creating or updating work cards and engineering deviation requests when standard procedures are not directly applicable.
  • Support cross-functional teams during scheduled heavy checks by staging parts, preparing work scopes and coordinating subcontractor activities for composites, NDT or avionics panel repairs.
  • Assist quality assurance with investigations of repeated defects and non-conformances, contributing technical input to root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
  • Participate in vendor visits and line surveys to evaluate third-party repair shops and ensure vendor compliance with OEM and regulatory standards.
  • Help maintain the maintenance training matrix by tracking certifications, renewals and required recurrent training for mechanics, and assist with the coordination of simulator or classroom sessions.
  • Contribute to safety initiatives and SMS reporting by documenting hazards, near-misses and corrective safety measures encountered during maintenance operations.
  • Facilitate cross-training opportunities across airframe, powerplant and avionics disciplines to increase workforce flexibility and enhance response to peak workload periods.
  • Perform occasional administrative duties such as updating maintenance manuals, revising standard operating procedures, and assisting with inventory audits when needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or EASA Part-66 (B1/B2) certification with proven experience on jet transport category aircraft.
  • Proficient use of Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Structural Repair Manual (SRM), Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Fault Isolation Manuals and Service Bulletins.
  • Advanced troubleshooting of aircraft systems: hydraulic, pneumatic, landing gear, flight controls, environmental control systems, fuel systems and electrical power distribution.
  • Hands-on experience with jet engines and APUs including borescope inspection, engine removal/installation, engine runs and trending.
  • Non-destructive testing (NDT) capability: eddy current, dye penetrant, ultrasonic and borescope inspection techniques and interpretation.
  • Composite and sheet metal repair skills including riveting, cold working, bonding, sanding and finishing in accordance with SRM and repair kits.
  • Avionics and wiring harness fault isolation, use of multi-meters, oscilloscopes and avionics test equipment; ability to interpret wiring diagrams and LRUs.
  • Knowledge of MEL/CDL processes and deferred defect management and experience working with maintenance tracking software (MMS/CMMS) such as AMOS, Ramco, OASES, TRAX or CAMP.
  • Familiarity with certification and sign-off procedures, logbook maintenance, and regulatory airworthiness compliance (ADs, SBs, EO).
  • Proficient in use and calibration of ground support equipment, hydraulic test stands, torque tools and shop tooling with strict tool control procedures.
  • Experience with corrosion control, spraying, sealing, and structural protective treatments.
  • Ability to perform rigging, alignment, and flight control rig checks to manufacturer tolerances.
  • Knowledge of safety protocols including Safety Management Systems (SMS) and hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and methodical work habits when following technical publications and checklists to ensure airworthiness.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for complex system troubleshooting under time constraints (AOG scenarios).
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordination with maintenance control, flight crew, and vendors.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to mentor junior technicians and work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary maintenance teams.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to handle multiple aircraft and competing maintenance tasks while minimizing downtime.
  • High level of integrity and responsibility in documenting work and signing certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, deadline-driven MRO or airline environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent plus completion of an accredited aviation maintenance technician program and FAA A&P or EASA Part-66 certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, or related technical discipline; coursework or certification in avionics or composites is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering / Aircraft Systems
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Avionics Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of progressive experience performing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) on jet aircraft (regional, narrowbody or widebody types).

Preferred: 5+ years of documented experience on specific jet models (e.g., Boeing 737/757/767/777, Airbus A320/A330/A350 families or business jets such as Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer) with demonstrated work history in line/base maintenance, heavy checks and AOG support.

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