Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Sheet Metal Trainee

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Sheet Metal Trainee is an entry-level manufacturing role focused on learning and performing aerospace sheet metal fabrication, assembly, repair and inspection tasks under experienced supervision. This position is tailored for candidates starting a career in aircraft structure fabrication and maintenance; responsibilities emphasize safe shop practices, accurate interpretation of engineering prints and work orders, hands-on use of sheet metal tools and machines (shears, brakes, presses, rollers, punches, band saws), and progressive development of inspection and finishing skills. Ideal for candidates pursuing a career in aerospace manufacturing, airframe maintenance, or industrial fabrication.

Keywords: Jet Sheet Metal Trainee, aerospace sheet metal, airframe fabrication, blueprint reading, CNC press brake, rivet installation, deburring, tolerances, FAA standards, aircraft structures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High school graduate or GED with shop/metalworking coursework
Manufacturing assembler, production support, or helper in aerospace/metal fab
Technical school graduate or recent apprenticeship participant in sheet metal

Advancement To:

Sheet Metal Technician / Journeyman
Airframe Fabricator or Aircraft Structural Repair Technician
CNC Press Brake or Punch Operator (Aerospace)
Quality Inspector (NDT or final inspection)
Lead Fabricator / Team Lead / Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Composite Technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P) or Mechanic Trainee
Maintenance Technician for production equipment

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and work from engineering blueprints, CAD drawings, and detail prints to lay out, cut, form and assemble sheet metal airframe components to specified tolerances and finish standards.
Accurately measure, mark and scribe materials using calipers, micrometers, height gauges and templates; verify dimensions and tolerances against blueprints and inspection checklists.
Set up and operate manual and semi-automated sheet metal equipment such as shears, hand brakes, box and pan brakes, roll benders, notching machines, and turret punches under supervision.
Assist in programming and operating CNC press brakes and CNC punch/laser cells, following job set-up sheets and tooling lists while learning machine parameters and bend allowances.
Layout and prepare parts for riveting and fastening; install solid, blind (Hi-Lok) and flush rivets per engineering specification, using pneumatic riveters, bucking bars and squeezers as directed.
Perform precise drilling, countersinking and reaming operations for fastener installation using drill presses, hand drills and portable drilling equipment while maintaining hole tolerances and edge distances.
Deburr, file, sand, grind and finish metal edges and formed components to meet surface quality, fit and fatigue-prevention requirements for aircraft structures.
Assemble assemblies and subassemblies including bulkheads, ribs, stringers, skins and brackets using jigs, fixtures and assembly tooling while maintaining alignment and fastener torque values.
Perform initial and in-process inspections, record nondestructive inspection (NDT) inputs when instructed, and collaborate with quality inspectors to ensure conformance to drawing notes and FAA/airworthiness standards.
Follow detailed work instructions, engineering changes, route sheets and traveler documents; log time, complete paperwork and update production trackers accurately.
Identify and report non-conforming materials, dimensional issues or process deviations and participate in corrective action under the guidance of senior technicians or supervisors.
Adhere to all safety procedures, PPE requirements and hazardous material handling protocols specific to aerospace fabrication shops, including safe use of grinders, shears and press brakes.
Learn and apply aircraft-grade material handling methods for aluminum, titanium, stainless steel and exotic alloys, including sheet, plate, tube and formed shapes.
Participate in structured on-the-job training (OJT) and skills assessments, complete assigned training modules, and demonstrate competency progression on core fabrication tasks.
Support tooling setup and changeovers, inventory tooling and consumables, and maintain organized, calibrated tooling lists and setup documentation.
Assist with basic fit-checks, trial assemblies and first article builds; communicate fitment or interference issues to engineering for resolution.
Perform edge preparation, corrosion preventive treatment and protective masking/packaging for parts per specification before shipment or final assembly.
Learn to read and apply torque charts and fastening sequences for structural hardware installation and verify torque values using calibrated tools.
Assist maintenance staff with routine machine maintenance, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting to maximize uptime of production equipment.
Participate in Lean / Kaizen continuous improvement activities focused on waste reduction, standard work, and shop floor 5S organization.
Maintain accurate records of material lot numbers, rivet batches and fastener serials to support traceability and audit requirements.
Support final assembly tasks such as clamp fitting, sequence fastening, and hand finishing while building proficiency for independent work.

Secondary Functions

Shadow senior fabricators to learn advanced forming, hemming and stretch forming techniques for complex contoured skins.
Assist the quality team with incoming material inspections, visual checks and simple dimensional verifications.
Contribute to fabrication process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and shop floor checklists as skills mature.
Cross-train in adjacent roles such as deburring, polishing, or tooling maintenance to increase shop flexibility.
Participate in tool crib management, including issuing and receiving tools, tracking calibration status and reporting lost or damaged items.
Support engineering and manufacturing engineers with prototype builds, mock-ups and tooling trials.
Maintain a clean, safe and organized workstation, and help enforce 5S standards across the production cell.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation (GD&T basics, symbols, notes)
Manual and CNC press brake operation fundamentals and bending calculation understanding
Sheet metal layout: scribing, marking, lines and development of patterns
Proficiency with hand tools and power tools used in sheet metal work (drills, rivet guns, deburrers, grinders)
Rivet and fastener installation techniques (solid, blind, Hi-Lok, inserts)
Precision measurement skills using calipers, micrometers, height gauges and basic inspection tools
Familiarity with metal forming machines: shears, rollers, brakes, notchers and punches
Basic knowledge of material properties for aluminum, steel, titanium and alloys used in aerospace
Experience or training with basic CNC setup sheets, tooling lists and job travellers
Understanding of safety standards and PPE for metal fabrication (lockout/tagout, machine guarding)
Basic torque tool usage and calibration awareness
Basic hand-fitting and final assembly techniques
Familiarity with corrosion prevention, surface prep and masking for aerospace parts
Knowledge of quality documentation and traceability practices (part numbers, lot tracking)

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting tight dimensional tolerances
Willingness to learn quickly and follow step-by-step work instructions
Good communication skills for clear reporting of defects, material issues and process questions
Team-oriented attitude and ability to follow direction from senior technicians and supervisors
Problem-solving mindset with a practical approach to troubleshooting fit and process issues
Time management skills to meet production schedules and support shift-based work
Adaptability to changing priorities in a high-mix aerospace production environment
Reliability and strong work ethic, including punctuality and adherence to safety rules
Initiative to identify opportunities for small continuous improvements
Patience and dexterity for repetitive small-part work and precise hand operations

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with coursework in shop, drafting or industrial arts.

Preferred Education:

Technical diploma or certificate in sheet metal fabrication, aerospace manufacturing, or welding technology.
Completion of an aerospace sheet metal apprenticeship program or related vocational training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Sheet Metal Fabrication / HVAC & Sheet Metal Programs
Aerospace Manufacturing Technology
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Mechanical or Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 2 years of hands-on manufacturing or metalworking experience; entry-level candidates with relevant coursework are encouraged.

Preferred:

1+ years in a sheet metal, aerospace, or precision fabrication environment, or documented completion of an apprenticeship or technical program.
Exposure to aerospace quality standards, FAA regulations or AS9100-related processes is a plus.

If you're recruiting or applying for a Jet Sheet Metal Trainee role, highlight blueprint reading, rivet/fastener experience, basic brake and shear operation, and demonstrable safety and quality awareness to improve match rates and keyword relevance for ATS and search engines.