Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Turbine Worker

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on technician with a passion for aviation and the power that drives it? This role requires a skilled and meticulous Jet Turbine Worker to join our state-of-the-art engine overhaul and repair facility. In this critical role, you will be the backbone of aviation safety and performance, responsible for the complete lifecycle of jet turbine engines. You will meticulously disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble some of the most advanced powerplants in the sky. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to apply your technical expertise to a mission that matters, ensuring the reliability and airworthiness of aircraft that connect the world. If you thrive in a structured, high-precision environment and want to build a career in the aerospace industry, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance School Graduate
Military Veteran (Aircraft Engine Mechanic, Gas Turbine Systems Technician)
Experienced Automotive or Heavy Diesel Mechanic with strong mechanical aptitude

Advancement To:

Lead Engine Technician / Team Lead
Quality Assurance Inspector (Engine Overhaul)
Maintenance Supervisor or Production Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

Field Service Representative / Technician
Engine Test Cell Operator / Technician
Technical Trainer or Maintenance Procedures Writer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete disassembly of complex jet turbine engines and their associated modules (e.g., fan, compressor, combustor, turbine) down to the individual component level, adhering strictly to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) manuals and company procedures.
Perform comprehensive visual, dimensional, and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections on critical engine components, such as turbine blades, vanes, disks, and casings, to identify cracks, corrosion, erosion, or other service-induced damage.
Utilize a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, bore scopes, and dial indicators, to verify that component dimensions are within specified tolerance limits.
Skillfully reassemble turbine engines and sub-assemblies, ensuring the precise alignment, proper clearance, correct torque values, and secure locking of all hardware and components.
Interpret complex technical documentation, including engine maintenance manuals, illustrated parts catalogs, service bulletins, and engineering drawings, to guide all maintenance and repair activities.
Document every maintenance action, inspection finding, and part replacement with exceptional accuracy in digital and paper-based work orders and engine logbooks to ensure full FAA and EASA traceability.
Perform intricate component-level repairs, such as blending and polishing of airfoil surfaces, replacing bearings and seals, and accomplishing modifications as mandated by airworthiness directives.
Prepare and balance major rotating components and modules, including fan and compressor rotor assemblies, to exacting standards to prevent vibration and ensure smooth engine operation.
is, and secure all fluid and pneumatic lines, fittings, and connectors.
Troubleshoot and diagnose engine malfunctions or discrepancies, using logical problem-solving skills to identify the root cause and determine the appropriate corrective action.
Operate specialized tooling, heavy lifting equipment, and engine handling fixtures safely and effectively to maneuver engines and large modules within the facility.
Ensure all work performed meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, company policies, and customer requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, adhering to all 5S/6S principles and foreign object damage (FOD) prevention programs.
Perform routing and non-routing work cards and tasks, ensuring all steps are signed off upon completion and that all required parts are correctly ordered and installed.
Assist in the preparation of engines for testing, including the installation of instrumentation, plumbing, and necessary connections for test cell operation.
Conduct final inspections and operational checks on assembled engines to ensure they are service-ready and all maintenance has been properly completed and documented.
Collaborate effectively with other technicians, inspectors, and engineers to resolve complex technical issues and ensure a smooth production workflow.
Manage and account for all tooling and equipment used during the maintenance process, ensuring tools are calibrated and in good working order.
Perform cleaning and preparation of engine components using approved chemical and mechanical methods prior to inspection and repair.
Identify and tag non-conforming parts and materials, initiating the proper quality documentation and quarantine procedures.

Secondary Functions

Support urgent, ad-hoc maintenance requests, including assisting with Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations or special engineering projects as needed.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance processes by providing feedback on work instructions, tooling, and shop floor practices.
Collaborate with the materials and logistics departments to ensure timely availability of necessary parts and components for scheduled engine builds.
Participate in regular safety meetings, quality audits, and team-based problem-solving initiatives to enhance overall shop performance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Engine Manual Proficiency: Deep understanding and ability to interpret Engine Shop Manuals (ESM), Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC), and Service Bulletins (SB).
Precision Measurement: Expertise in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, and borescopes to verify tight tolerances.
FAA Regulations: Strong working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), particularly Parts 43, 65, and 145, related to aircraft maintenance and record-keeping.
Mechanical Aptitude: Proven ability to assemble and disassemble complex mechanical systems, with a strong understanding of how components interact.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and electrical/hydraulic schematics.
Hand and Power Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the proper and safe use of a wide variety of hand tools, pneumatic tools, and specialized aviation tooling.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Familiarity: Basic understanding of NDT methods (e.g., FPI, MPI) and ability to interpret findings for go/no-go decisions.
Torque and Safety Wiring: Demonstrable skill in applying correct torque specifications and performing lock-wiring/safety-wiring techniques to aviation standards.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is paramount; the ability to spot minute defects and ensure every step is followed precisely.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose complex mechanical issues and determine effective solutions.
Safety Conscious: A deeply ingrained commitment to working safely and maintaining a safe environment for oneself and the team.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team of technicians, sharing knowledge and supporting team goals.
Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with colleagues.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work on different engine types and adapt to changing production schedules and priorities.
Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high-quality standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from an FAA-approved Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
Formal apprenticeship in a relevant mechanical or aerospace trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7+ years of hands-on experience in the disassembly, inspection, assembly, and/or repair of aircraft turbine engines or similar complex mechanical systems.

Preferred:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license is highly preferred.
Documented experience working on specific large commercial or military turbine engines (e.g., GE90, GEnx, CFM56, LEAP, PW1000G, Trent family).
Prior experience in a Part 145 Repair Station environment.
Experience with Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) certifications is a plus.