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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Technician Trainee

💰 $40,000 - $55,000

AviationMaintenanceEntry Level

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Technician Trainee supports licensed aircraft maintenance technicians in troubleshooting, inspecting, repairing and servicing commercial and business jets. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience with airframe, powerplant, avionics and systems work while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (FAA/EASA/CASA) and company maintenance programs. The trainee will learn to use maintenance tracking systems, read technical manuals and complete accurate maintenance paperwork under supervision, progressing toward independent A&P/EASA Part-66 certification.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High school diploma with aviation/technical school certificate
  • Military aircraft maintenance experience (crew chief / avionics technician)
  • Aviation maintenance technician program or community college A&P coursework

Advancement To:

  • Licensed Jet Technician / A&P Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)
  • Avionics Technician or Systems Specialist
  • Lead/Line Maintenance Technician or Shift Supervisor
  • Maintenance Planner or Quality Control Inspector
  • Maintenance Manager / Director of Maintenance

Lateral Moves:

  • Parts & Logistics Technician
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist licensed maintenance technicians in performing scheduled and unscheduled inspections (pre-flight, transit, daily, A-check/B-check) on jet aircraft and document findings in the aircraft logbook and Maintenance Tracking System (e.g., CAMP, TRAX, AMOS).
  • Perform basic line maintenance tasks such as pre-flight checks, post-flight servicing, fueling support, fluid checks, and routine operational checks under direct supervision of a certificated mechanic.
  • Remove and replace components (avionics modules, brakes, wheels, filters, hydraulic lines, access panels) following manufacturers’ maintenance manuals and applicable structural repair procedures.
  • Support engine run-ups, start/stop procedures and engine bay inspections while adhering to engine manufacturer and company safety protocols.
  • Conduct visual inspections and assist in more detailed troubleshooting of avionics, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel and landing gear systems using wiring diagrams, schematics and fault isolation procedures.
  • Perform borescope inspections and support non-destructive testing (NDT) preparations (e.g., dye penetrant, visual inspections) per company and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist with corrosion control, cleaning, sealing and minor structural repairs (skin patches, rivet replacement) under authorized repair instructions and supervision.
  • Prepare and reconcile parts requisitions, issue parts to maintenance tasks, and track consumables and rotable parts to ensure efficient maintenance flow.
  • Complete accurate maintenance records, signoffs and corrective action reports in compliance with FAA/EASA regulations, work orders and standard operating procedures.
  • Follow Airworthiness Directives (ADs), service bulletins and engineering orders by assisting in the implementation, documentation and verification of required actions.
  • Use hand and power tools (torque wrenches, rivet guns, drills, safety wire pliers) and maintain tool control and calibration records according to company tool control program.
  • Assist in rigging and flight control surface inspections, verify control travel limits, and support adjustment work under supervision of licensed personnel.
  • Monitor and report defects, squawks and recurring issues; assist in root cause analysis by collecting data, performing wiring continuity checks and supporting functional tests.
  • Support tire and brake maintenance including wheel changes, tire inspection, brake replacement, and hydraulic brake system servicing while following safety lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Handle hazardous materials (hydraulic fluids, solvents, batteries) and waste disposal in accordance with safety data sheets (SDS) and environmental procedures.
  • Assist with cabin and emergency equipment checks (oxygen systems, slides, fire extinguishers) and verify that safety equipment is serviceable and logged.
  • Participate in scheduled heavy maintenance events by performing teardown assistance, parts cleaning, and inventory support to expedite line-to-base transitions.
  • Utilize digital maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, avionics troubleshooting guides and electronic task cards to learn systematic fault isolation and corrective procedures.
  • Support avionics bench testing and basic soldering/desoldering under guidance while maintaining electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions for sensitive components.
  • Aid quality assurance inspections by providing clear documentation, preparing work packs, and ensuring all maintenance actions meet company and regulatory standards.
  • Support ferry flight preparations by assisting with weight & balance verification, control checks and required maintenance release paperwork.
  • Participate in training programs, competency checks and on-the-job assessments to build the skills required for certification and promotion.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain clean, organized maintenance workspaces, hangar areas and toolboxes to promote safety, efficiency and compliance.
  • Support parts receiving and inventory reconciliation, tagging and shelf replenishment to reduce aircraft downtime.
  • Assist in safety meetings, hazard reporting and continuous improvement initiatives by providing frontline feedback on maintenance processes.
  • Help update and maintain maintenance records, technical library materials and digital documentation to ensure information accuracy.
  • Support calibration and preventive maintenance of ground support equipment (GSE) used during aircraft servicing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Familiarity with FAA (14 CFR Part 43/145) or EASA Part-145 regulations and basic understanding of Airworthiness Directives (AD) and Service Bulletins.
  • Knowledge of aircraft systems: airframe, powerplant, avionics, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and landing gear systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret aviation maintenance manuals (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) and wiring diagrams/schematics.
  • Proficiency with maintenance tracking and logbook software (CAMP, TRAX, AMOS, Ramco or equivalent).
  • Hands-on experience with standard aviation tools: torque wrenches, safety wire pliers, rivet guns, multimeters, borescopes.
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for avionics and electrical systems, including continuity and resistance testing.
  • Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods awareness (visual, dye-penetrant) and pre-NDT preparation processes.
  • Basic engine and APU servicing knowledge including oil changes, filter replacement and pre/post-run checks.
  • Understanding of human factors, safety management systems (SMS) and lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Competence in completing and signing maintenance paperwork, technical logs and repair tags accurately.
  • Basic soldering and bench-testing skills for small avionics repairs (preferred).
  • Experience with corrosion inspection and preventive maintenance processes.
  • Ability to operate ground support equipment (tow bars, jacks, hydraulic carts) safely under supervision.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and high standards for workmanship and safety.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication to document findings and coordinate with maintenance teams.
  • Team-oriented mindset and ability to take direction while working in fast-paced, shift-based environments.
  • Problem-solving aptitude and willingness to escalate complex issues appropriately.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and adhere to maintenance schedules.
  • Learning agility and commitment to continuous professional development and certification.
  • Reliability, strong work ethic, and ability to perform physical tasks in varying environmental conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with coursework in math, physics or technical drafting.

Preferred Education:

  • FAA A&P certificate in progress, or completion of an accredited Aviation Maintenance Technician Program.
  • Associate degree or certificate from an aviation maintenance school (community college or technical institute).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering Technology
  • Electrical/Electronics Technology
  • Mechanical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–2 years (entry-level trainees to early-career technicians). Relevant military experience or completion of an FAA-approved AMT program strongly preferred.

Preferred:

  • Internship, co-op or hands-on experience in line maintenance, hangar support, or military aircraft maintenance.
  • Demonstrated use of maintenance tracking systems and basic familiarity with regulatory documentation.
  • Commitment to obtaining full A&P or EASA Part-66 certification within a defined timeframe.

If you want, I can tailor this job description to your company’s brand voice, include a customizable candidate profile, or generate interview questions and an evaluation rubric for Jet Technician Trainee candidates.

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