Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Technician Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Technician Assistant supports licensed aircraft maintenance personnel and engineering teams in the inspection, repair, and routine servicing of business and commercial jets. This hands-on role focuses on safe, efficient execution of maintenance tasks under supervision, accurate maintenance record-keeping, parts handling, and adherence to regulatory and manufacturer requirements (FAA/EASA/commercial operators). Ideal for early-career aviation technicians, military transitioners, and vocational school graduates seeking practical experience toward full A&P or equivalent licensure.

Core keywords: Jet Technician Assistant, aircraft maintenance, A&P support, jet engine maintenance, avionics assistance, line maintenance, scheduled and unscheduled inspections, maintenance documentation, FAA/EASA compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aviation Maintenance Technician Trainee or Apprentice program
Aircraft Maintenance/Avionics vocational school graduate
Military aviation mechanic (aircraft technician, avionics, crew chief)

Advancement To:

Licensed A&P Technician (Airframe & Powerplant)
Jet Technician / Line Maintenance Technician
Lead Jet Technician or Senior Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Planner or Component Repair Specialist
Maintenance Supervisor / Base Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician
Component Repair Technician
Parts/Logistics Coordinator
Quality Control / Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed A&P mechanics and senior technicians with scheduled line and base maintenance on business and commercial jets, performing tasks such as component removal/installation, access panel work, and system checks under supervision.
Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, documenting discrepancies and reporting safety-critical findings immediately to the supervising technician or shift lead.
Execute routine preventive maintenance tasks (lubrication, filter changes, tire and brake inspections, battery service) in accordance with manufacturer maintenance manuals and company procedures.
Support engine maintenance activities by assisting with borescope inspections, fuel nozzle checks, oil sampling, and cleaning components per technical instructions.
Help inspect and maintain landing gear systems, including struts, actuators, brakes and retraction mechanisms, following torque and safety procedures.
Assist with avionics bench testing and ground-support equipment operations, connecting test sets and following test procedures under direction of avionics personnel.
Use calibrated tools and test equipment (multimeters, torque wrenches, pressure gauges, borescopes) to perform diagnostic and acceptance checks while maintaining tool calibration records.
Remove and install aircraft panels, fairings, and interior components for access to systems and structures, ensuring protective coverings and scribe marks are applied to prevent damage.
Support structural repairs by preparing surfaces, setting up jigs, deburring, riveting, and following approved repair schemes under supervision of a licensed technician.
Assist with hydraulic system servicing, including fluid drain/fill, filter changes and leak checks, following lockout/tagout and pressure-relief procedures.
Manage parts and materials requisitions: pick, issue, and restock inventory, verify part numbers, shelf-life and documentation to support maintenance tasks.
Accurately log work in digital maintenance tracking systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, CAMP, Ramco or equivalent) and prepare required paperwork for sign-off by licensed personnel.
Support fuel system checks and servicing operations: fuel sampling, cross-checking fuel quality, and securing grounding/ bonding during refueling operations.
Assist in engine runs and functional check flights preparations by setting up instrumentation, securing safety zones and monitoring parameters under licensed technician supervision.
Follow maintenance safety programs, PPE requirements, and hazardous materials handling guidelines (battery, hydraulic fluid, solvents) to maintain a compliant work environment.
Conduct basic troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic faults using schematics and wiring diagrams, escalating complex issues to senior staff.
Participate in scheduled inspections (A, B, C checks or equivalent operator checks) by preparing work cards, completing assigned tasks, and supporting larger team workflows.
Prepare and maintain clean, organized workspaces and tool control systems, including daily tool box checks and 5S housekeeping standards.
Assist quality assurance and continuing airworthiness teams with evidence collection, parts traceability, and disposition of unserviceable components.
Support component removal and shipment processes, including proper preservation, packing, and coordination with logistics for repair or overhaul.
Complete required maintenance training modules and recurrent certifications, and apply new procedures or service bulletins under supervision.
Support customer-facing interaction during on-wing troubleshooting or AOG events by communicating progress updates professionally and courteously under guidance.

Secondary Functions

Assist with inventory audits and cycle counts to maintain accurate stock levels for rotables, expendables, and consumables.
Help create and update job cards, non-routine task reports, and discrepancy tags to speed technician workflow and regulatory compliance.
Support the calibration schedule by preparing items for external vendor calibration and tracking return-to-service status.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean maintenance) to reduce turnaround times and improve reliability metrics.
Provide on-the-job mentoring for new apprentices and trainees by demonstrating basic maintenance tasks and safety expectations.
Coordinate with operations and dispatch to prioritize AOG (Aircraft on Ground) tasks and assist in rapid troubleshooting or parts sourcing.
Help maintain service bulletins, airworthiness directives, and technical library indices so licensed technicians have timely reference materials.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Familiarity with aircraft maintenance fundamentals for business and commercial jets (airframe, engines, landing gear, hydraulic, pneumatic systems).
Ability to read and follow aircraft maintenance manuals (AMM), illustrated parts catalogs (IPC), wiring diagrams, and structural repair manuals.
Proficiency using maintenance tracking systems and digital logbooks (examples: AMOS, TRAX, CAMP, Ramco, Quantum).
Basic electrical and avionics knowledge: multimeter use, continuity checks, connector servicing and simple wire repairs.
Experience or training in borescope inspections and interpreting basic borescope images for engines and auxiliary power units (APUs).
Competence with hand tools, torque wrenches, calibrated measuring devices, and power tools used in aircraft maintenance.
Knowledge of aircraft fasteners, rivet installation/removal, and sheet metal repair techniques.
Understanding of ground support equipment operation and safe procedures for engine runs and ground testing.
Familiarity with fuel, oil, and hydraulic servicing procedures, sampling, and contamination control.
Competence with safety, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling, and personnel protective equipment (PPE) protocols.
Basic knowledge of FAA/EASA maintenance regulations, airworthiness directives, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Experience with parts identification, bin management, shelf-life control, and rotables handling.
Ability to complete and understand maintenance documentation and sign-offs under licensed technician supervision.

(At least 10 technical skills listed above)

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks that impact airworthiness and safety.
Excellent communication skills for clear handovers and coordination with licensed mechanics, engineers and operations.
Team orientation with the ability to take direction, ask clarifying questions, and work harmoniously in high-pressure environments.
Time management and prioritization skills to handle shift-based work and urgent AOG situations.
Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn from senior technicians and service manuals.
Physical stamina, manual dexterity, and comfort working at heights, in confined spaces, and outdoors in variable weather.
Accountability, reliability and a safety-first mentality.
Adaptability to changing schedules and the ability to work irregular hours or travel for line maintenance support.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with coursework in math, physics, or shop/technical subjects.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma from an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School / Part 147 program or equivalent vocational training.
Additional avionics or composites coursework is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Avionics / Electrical Technology
Mechanical Trades / Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years of hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance, military aircraft mechanic experience, or completion of an accredited maintenance program.

Preferred:

1–2 years working in commercial or business jet line/base maintenance, or military aircraft maintenance experience.
Progress toward or possession of an FAA A&P certificate (or EASA Part-66 module completion) is highly desirable.
Documented experience using maintenance tracking software and performing basic troubleshooting and component handling.

If you would like, I can tailor this job spec to a specific aircraft family (e.g., Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, Airbus Corporate Jets) or include a checklist of interview questions and technical task assessments for screening candidates.