Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Technician Intern

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Technician Intern supports licensed aircraft technicians and engineers in maintaining the airworthiness of business and commercial jets. This hands-on internship provides practical experience with inspections, troubleshooting, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and regulatory documentation while working under the supervision of FAA/EASA certificated personnel. The role is ideal for students or early-career candidates pursuing an A&P certificate, associate degree in Aviation Maintenance, or related technical training.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aviation Maintenance Technician student (A&P program)
High school/technical school graduate with aviation coursework
Previous internship or entry-level role in ground support or MRO

Advancement To:

A&P Certified Technician / Licensed Aircraft Technician
Line Maintenance Technician
Avionics Technician
Component Maintenance Technician / Shop Technician
Lead Technician or Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Quality Inspector (FAA/EASA compliance)
Maintenance Planner / Records Specialist
Ground Support Equipment Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist certificated mechanics in performing pre-flight, daily, and transit inspections on business jets and narrowbody aircraft, ensuring compliance with company procedures and FAA/EASA maintenance manuals.
Support scheduled maintenance events (A-checks, B-checks, and routine line maintenance) by preparing work areas, gathering parts and tooling, and assisting with tasks under direct supervision.
Perform basic troubleshooting of aircraft systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, environmental controls, fuel systems, and electrical) using maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, and test equipment, escalating complex issues to senior technicians.
Aid in component change-outs and replacements (avionic modules, pumps, filters, lights, batteries) including removal, installation, and functional checks following torque specifications and safety procedures.
Conduct corrosion inspections and perform supervised corrosion control treatments, surface preparation, and minor sheet metal repair work per structural repair manuals and shop policies.
Execute borescope inspections and assist with engine and accessory inspections under certified mechanic supervision, collecting findings and recording results in maintenance logs.
Complete accurate maintenance logbook entries and electronic work order updates, documenting discrepancies, corrective actions, serial numbers, part numbers, and sign-off inputs per regulatory requirements.
Support AD (Airworthiness Directive), SB (Service Bulletin), and CDCCL/MEL tasks by verifying applicability, assisting with compliance actions, and maintaining traceability in maintenance records.
Prepare and return aircraft to service under guidance by performing functional checks, system checks, and ground runs while observing proper safety and communication protocols.
Participate in removal, inspection, and teardown of suspect components for shop evaluation, ensuring chain-of-custody, tagging, and shipping procedures are followed.
Maintain strict tool control and calibration records, participate in daily tool inventories, and ensure torque wrenches, test equipment, and GSE are accounted for and calibrated.
Operate ground support equipment (tow tractors, jacks, stands, and lifts) safely and assist with aircraft movement, docking, and positioning in the hangar under direction.
Assist avionics staff with basic tests, cable routing, connector service, and bench checks following avionics installation procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
Support troubleshooting and isolation of electrical anomalies using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and built-in test equipment while documenting test steps and results for senior review.
Aid in fabricating simple replacement parts, riveting, drilling, and deburring as instructed, following structural repair instructions and using correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
Participate in engine run-ups and system functional checks by assisting in monitoring parameters, logging results, and ensuring fire and safety procedures are in place.
Assist with inventory management and parts receipt: verify deliveries, inspect parts for damage, update parts tracking systems, and stage parts for upcoming maintenance events.
Follow safety, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), and PPE procedures, assist in proper disposal of fluids and materials, and support maintenance facility cleanliness and organization.
Support paint, interior, and cosmetic repair preparatory tasks during line and heavy maintenance events under supervision, including masking, cleaning, and surface preparations.
Engage in continuous learning by attending technical briefings, hands-on training sessions, and manufacturer training to build knowledge of aircraft systems and maintenance best practices.
Provide on-call support for irregular operations (AOG) under guidance, assisting with rapid troubleshooting, parts pulls, and corrective actions to return aircraft to service promptly.
Assist with weight and balance computations, configuration checks, and placard verification as part of pre-delivery inspections and documentation.
Help maintain quality and compliance by participating in internal audits, non-conformance identification, and corrective action tracking under the QA team’s direction.
Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to help source replacement parts and material for maintenance tasks, following company parts import/export and traceability requirements.

Secondary Functions

Support training documentation and update training logs for completed hands-on tasks and certifications.
Help gather technical data and historical maintenance records for troubleshooting and engineering requests.
Participate in root cause investigations by assisting technicians in collecting photos, measurements, and test data.
Assist maintenance planners by compiling parts lists, prepping kits, and staging tooling for scheduled inspections and heavy checks.
Support tooling and equipment cleanliness, lubrication, and basic maintenance activities to ensure readiness for daily operations.
Shadow senior technicians during service bulletins and modification installations to gain exposure to advanced repair techniques.
Help the records team convert paper logbook entries into electronic maintenance records and ensure accuracy of serial numbers and work scopes.
Participate in team safety meetings and briefings and contribute observations that can improve maintenance safety and efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Basic aircraft system diagnostics: hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, landing gear, environmental control systems, and electrical systems.
Familiarity with maintenance publications and documentation systems (AMM, IPC, SRM, MEL/CDL, FCOM, TSM).
Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical drawings.
Hands-on experience with multimeters, borescopes, torque wrenches, calipers, and standard aircraft hand tools.
Knowledge of FAA/EASA regulations and experience supporting AD/SB compliance activities.
Competence in performing and documenting pre-flight, transit, and routine inspections.
Understanding of tool control, calibration requirements, and maintenance of GSE (ground support equipment).
Basic sheet metal and riveting skills and knowledge of corrosion control procedures.
Familiarity with aircraft maintenance tracking software (e.g., AMOS, CAMM, Trax, Ramco, Quantum).
Experience with logbook entries and electronic maintenance record keeping.
Ability to perform simple bench tests on components and work with avionics bench equipment.
Basic knowledge of engine run-up procedures, safety checks, and monitoring engine parameters.
Parts identification and inventory handling, including reading part numbers and technical data.
HAZMAT handling, PPE use, and basic workshop safety protocols.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and inspection work.
Effective verbal and written communication for teamwork and regulatory records.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate appropriately and follow troubleshooting processes.
Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and adopt best practices from experienced technicians.
Time management and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced maintenance environment.
Team player who collaborates across maintenance, supply, and quality assurance teams.
Professionalism and reliability for shift work, possible overtime, and on-call duties.
Initiative to take ownership of assigned tasks while working under supervision.
Safety-first attitude and commitment to following procedures and checklists.
Adaptability and resilience when supporting irregular operations or tight AOG timelines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with strong STEM coursework (preferred: math and physics).

Preferred Education:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate in progress or completed.
Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technology, or Avionics.
Technical school certification in aircraft maintenance or related mechanical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 2 years of hands-on experience in aviation maintenance, internships, co-ops, or vocational training.

Preferred:

Prior internship or entry-level experience in line or hangar maintenance.
Coursework or practical experience with aircraft systems, maintenance manuals, and troubleshooting tools.
Progress toward or possession of FAA A&P certification (or equivalent regulatory license for non‑US locations).
Familiarity with maintenance tracking software and basic shop safety certifications (e.g., HAZMAT awareness, PPE training).