Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Systems Technician

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a skilled Jet Systems Technician responsible for inspection, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, and certification of jet aircraft systems including fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic, pneumatic environmental control, electrical distribution, flight controls, and avionics interfaces. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with jet aircraft line and base maintenance, a strong understanding of regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA), and the ability to document work accurately in maintenance tracking systems. This role supports safe flight operations by ensuring all jet systems meet OEM and regulatory airworthiness standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P)
Avionics Technician / Electronics Technician
Aviation Maintenance Apprentice / Trainee

Advancement To:

Lead Jet Systems Technician / Senior Systems Technician
Maintenance Supervisor / Shift Lead
Base Maintenance Manager / Maintenance Control Specialist
Quality Assurance Inspector / Certification Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Specialist
Engine/Powerplant Technician
Structures/Composite Repair Technician
Quality Assurance / Airworthiness Representative

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform scheduled line and base maintenance on jet aircraft systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, environmental control systems, and flight controls) in accordance with OEM manuals, company procedures, and FAA/EASA regulations, ensuring timely return-to-service.
Diagnose and troubleshoot complex system faults using schematic diagrams, wiring harness drawings, avionics test equipment, multimeters, borescopes, and OEM troubleshooting flowcharts to rapidly restore aircraft to service.
Inspect, repair, replace, and rig primary and secondary flight control surfaces, actuators, control cables, pulleys, bearings, and associated control system components to maintain safe handling characteristics and certified rigging limits.
Perform removal, installation, functional checks, operational testing, and line-replacement unit (LRU) swaps for avionics and integrated system components while coordinating with avionics teams for system-level testing and software updates.
Overhaul and service hydraulic powerpacks, pumps, valves, accumulators, reservoirs, and associated plumbing; conduct leak checks, pressure tests, and contamination control per maintenance manuals and hydraulic fluid handling procedures.
Conduct fuel system maintenance including servicing, leak isolation, fuel pump replacement, flow testing, and troubleshooting of fuel quantity and fuel pressure anomalies; perform fuel system hot refuel and defuel procedures safely when required.
Maintain and service Environmental Control Systems (ECS) including air cycle machines, heat exchangers, ducting, bleed air components, pressurization systems, and cabin temperature control units to ensure climate control and pressurization integrity.
Execute electrical power system work: inspect, test, and repair power distribution panels, busbars, circuit breakers, generators, converters, and wiring harnesses; isolate electrical faults and coordinate with electrical engineers for SEL/ATC changes.
Follow and complete detailed maintenance paperwork, technical logbooks, and electronic maintenance tracking systems (AMMS/CMMS), including sign-offs, MEL/CDL entries, deferred defect documentation, and work package closeouts for regulatory compliance.
Use OEM structural repair and installation procedures to install system mounts, brackets, consoles, and fairings, ensuring weight-and-balance and structural integrity are maintained during system repairs.
Conduct borescope inspections for engines, APU interfaces, and inaccessible system conduits; capture, interpret, and report findings with photographic documentation and recommendations for corrective action.
Perform scheduled and unscheduled testing of bleed air, anti-ice, and de-icing systems; verify integrity and functionality of valves, sensors, and controllers under environmental and operational test conditions.
Work with maintenance control and flight operations to prioritize aircraft out-of-service items, estimate man-hours, and coordinate logistics for parts, tooling, and support equipment to minimize aircraft on-ground time.
Lead troubleshooting and repair efforts during AOG (Aircraft on Ground) events, including rapid fault isolation, sourcing of parts or LRUs, and direct communication with suppliers and OEM technical support to expedite repairs.
Install and remove aircraft equipment for modification and retrofit programs, including receiving and installing service bulletins, ADs, and STC-related system modifications; perform pre- and post-mod checks and paperwork.
Perform corrosion inspections, clean and treat affected areas per corrosion control procedures, and coordinate with structures teams for any primary structure remediation required before system restores.
Train, mentor, and provide on-the-job coaching to junior technicians, apprentices, and cross-functional maintenance staff on system specifics, troubleshooting techniques, and safety best practices to build team capability.
Enforce and adhere to safety protocols, aerospace maintenance best practices, Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) for electrical systems, hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT), and personal protective equipment (PPE) policies during all maintenance activities.
Collaborate with quality assurance and airworthiness authorities during scheduled audits and special inspections; provide technical support and documentation required for regulatory approvals and certificate releases.
Participate in technical review boards and continuous improvement initiatives to refine maintenance processes, reduce rework, improve reliability, and implement lessons learned from fleet feedback and reliability reports.
Conduct functional and operational checks after repairs, coordinate aircraft system integration tests, and certify the aircraft as airworthy following repair completion per company release-to-service procedures.
Maintain tooling and test equipment calibration records; perform pre-use checks and ensure specialized equipment (hydraulic test stands, avionics benches, power carts) is available and in serviceable condition.
Manage component removal, tagging, preservation, and shipment to vendors or overhaul facilities; track turnaround times and maintain chain-of-custody for LRUs and serialized components.
Review service bulletins, technical instructions, engineering orders, and manufacturers' maintenance manuals to determine scope of work, parts required, and regulatory applicability to planned tasks.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement efforts by providing feedback on maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guides, and parts lists to reduce repair cycle time and improve clarity.
Assist maintenance planning and procurement teams with technical input for parts lists, special tooling needs, and forecasted consumption based on fleet reliability trends.
Contribute to training curricula and skills assessments; lead periodic competency checks and participate in recurrent training to maintain currency with new systems and modifications.
Support special projects such as aircraft modifications, STC installations, and fleet-wide upgrades by providing technical implementation and validation of system-level interfaces.
Provide emergency on-call coverage for AOG events, remote troubleshooting via phone or digital collaboration tools, and on-site technical support during ferry flights or special missions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or equivalent (EASA Part-66 category privileges where applicable).
Deep knowledge of jet aircraft hydraulic systems: pumps, reservoirs, valves, actuators, hydraulic schematics interpretation and leak isolation techniques.
Proficient with avionics diagnostics and troubleshooting: LRUs, ARINC 429/717, CANbus, wiring schematics, and test benches.
Experience with electrical power systems: generators, electrical buses, distribution panels, circuit breaker troubleshooting, and DC/AC power conversion.
Fuel system maintenance expertise: pumps, valves, quantity probes, fuel filters, and fuel system testing procedures.
Competency in environmental control systems (ECS), bleed air systems, pressurization, and air conditioning troubleshooting and repair.
Familiarity with flight control systems: servoactuators, cables, autopilot interfaces, and rigging procedures to OEM tolerances.
Proficient with OEM maintenance manuals, Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC), wiring diagrams, and Structural Repair Manuals (SRM).
Experience with maintenance tracking software / AMMS / CMMS (e.g., CAMP, AerData, Traxxall, AMOS) and electronic technical records.
Strong troubleshooting using diagnostic tools: multimeter, oscilloscope, borescope, hydraulic test stands, power carts, and avionics test sets.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance: FAA 14 CFR, EASA Part-145, MEL/CDL principles, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and service bulletins implementation.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, installation instructions, and perform modifications per STC and OEM AMM/IPC procedures.
Experience handling hazardous materials (hydraulic fluids, fuels, solvents) and following HAZMAT, MSDS, and environmental disposal requirements.
Competence in corrosion inspection and basic structural repair coordination with composite and metal repair teams.
Familiarity with data link, ADS-B, TCAS, and transponder system testing procedures (where applicable to assigned fleet).

Soft Skills

Strong analytic and methodical troubleshooting mindset with demonstrated problem-solving under pressure during AOG situations.
Excellent verbal and written communication to document work, liaise with maintenance control, flight crews, OEMs, and regulatory inspectors.
Attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping for maintenance logs, safety directives, and release-to-service paperwork.
Team-oriented with ability to mentor junior technicians, collaborate across departments, and work in multi-shift environments.
Time management and prioritization skills to manage competing maintenance tasks and meet aircraft operational schedules.
Adaptability to changing technologies and upgrades; proactive in learning new systems and participating in recurrent training.
Decision-making and judgment to escalate complex technical issues to engineering or quality assurance when required.
Customer service orientation when interfacing with flight crews, operators, and third-party vendors during aircraft servicing.
Safety-first mindset with commitment to enforcing and following safety and regulatory protocols.
Organizational skills to maintain tool control, parts accountability, and calibration documentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED plus FAA A&P certification or equivalent aviation maintenance license (EASA Part-66 or national equivalent).

Preferred Education:

Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Avionics, or related technical field; Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering a plus.
Manufacturer-specific training or type ratings for assigned aircraft family (e.g., Gulfstream, Bombardier, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Avionics Technology
Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of progressive aircraft systems maintenance experience, with at least 2 years on jet aircraft preferred.

Preferred:

3–5+ years of hands-on jet systems troubleshooting, repair, and certification experience in line/base maintenance environments.
Experience with specific aircraft families (corporate jets, regional jets, or airliners) and familiarity with OEM troubleshooting procedures.
Prior experience in AOG support, maintenance planning coordination, and working within an FAA/EASA regulated environment.
Demonstrated use of AMMS/CMMS systems, technical publications, and participation in audit-ready maintenance processes.
Additional certifications: manufacturer-authorized courses, IPC/wiring harness repair training, hydraulic/electrical specialty courses, or NDT basics.