Aviation Service Technician Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

Aviation service technicians are critical to providing safe and high-quality repair work on various aircraft machinery. One of the most important roles of an aviation service technician is ensuring aircraft airframes and engines are aligned with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. They achieve this by paying close attention to detail and understanding complex engine equipment and specifications. Aviation service technicians need to have strong mechanical skills to properly inspect, repair, and install different aircraft pieces. [Your Company Name] is looking to hire experienced aviation service technicians that are passionate about solving problems with the aircraft machinery we receive. If you have experience with aviation systems and different aircraft parts, we would love to have you as part of our company!

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Repair and install different aircraft components
• Examine aircraft to identify maintenance and repair issues
• Read and comprehend aircraft manuals to understand aircraft components
• Inspect completed work and ensure it matches standards
• Interpret and analyze data to identify performance issues 
• Maintain accurate record of repairs 
• Install software, hardware, and other components

Education and experience

This position requires an associate degree’s and Airframe and Powerplant License certificate from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aviation systems and controls have become more computerized and the appropriate background to operate them will also be required. 

Required skills and qualifications

• Physical stamina and strength 
• Manual dexterity
• Keen attention to detail 
• Knowledge of aviation technology and machinery
• Ability to comprehend complex documents, blueprints, sketches, and manuals

Preferred qualifications

• Aviation experience
• Strong mechanical skills
• Ability to work in a team to solve complex problems
• Extreme attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree

Position requirements

• Perform efforts associated with sealing, painting, shimming, and preserving structure and systems in accordance with standard repair processes
• Demonstrates the capability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical orders, process specification, and retrofit requirements to perform structural modification/repair
• Use of tooling assemblies and fixtures for depot level modification and repair of structural parts
• A detailed knowledge of aircraft unique tools such as test equipment, torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, cable tensiometers, sheet metal brakes, sheers, etc. is required.
• The mechanic will be required to access aircraft data via computer systems and initiate on-line parts and discrepancy requests
• Maintain necessary certifications, licenses, and permits as required for assigned work
• The candidate must be able to ascend and descend vertical work ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift loads of approximately 35 pounds
• Must be able to work various shifts and/or an alternate baseline schedule that may frequently change to support mission requirements and may include weekends and holidays. Mission requirements and/or workload may require both scheduled and unscheduled overtime

Required skills and experience

• 1+ years experience working as an aircraft mechanic
• Willing and able to work any shift (Must be able & willing to work various shifts and / or an alternate baseline schedule that may frequently change to support mission requirements and may include weekends and holidays; Mission requirements and / or workload may require both scheduled and unscheduled overtime)

Preferred skills and experience

• Currently possess an FAA A&P License or Military Technical School equivalent
• Computer skills experience including but not limited to: aircraft related systems and basic Microsoft Suite software (i.e. Word, Excel)
• Experience reading and understanding engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and specifications

Typical education

High school diploma or GED and typically 1+ years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job duties

• Is responsible for accomplishing assigned maintenance, preventative maintenance, and repair work on ABC Company’s aircraft
• Makes certain that all safety and accident prevention measures are adhered to and corrective action taken as warranted
• Inspects parts, sub-assemblies, and completed assemblies only to the extent necessary to determine, accomplish, and approve own work
• Responsible for the repairing, servicing and maintenance of aircraft systems, powerplants, airframes, avionics, and components
• Performs machine tool work in connection with the above mechanic maintenance work
• Accountable for production and assistance in interpretation and resolution of aircraft discrepancies
• Initiate, execute, and sign forms, tags, and other paperwork in accordance with the appropriate maintenance manuals. Review all paperwork for completeness and signatures. Release aircraft for service in accordance with ABC Company maintenance logbook procedures
• Shall be required to return an aircraft to service after maintenance had been performed as allowed by the GMM and the privileges of the FAA Airframe and Powerplant license
• Accountable for the general upkeep of ground equipment in support of all maintenance activities assigned to them
• Accountable for proper use and maintenance of equipment that is used to service, maintain, and repair aircraft

Minimum requirements

• Must have a FAA Airframe and Powerplant license
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to lift 25lbs. frequently and up to 70lbs. as needed
• Must have own tools
• Must possess sufficient experience and/or training to perform above duties
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Previous aircraft maintenance experience preferred
• Provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire

Summary of responsibilities

• Performs all work activities in accordance with established laws, regulations, standards, safety protocols, and procedures to ensure safety of self and others.
• Conducts inspections to locate damage, defects, or wear that may affect safety, reliability, or customer experience, reporting issues as appropriate.
• Recommends replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment based on inspection
• Reports issues, malfunctions, unusual wear, or damage to appropriate personnel, as required
• Tests machinery, mechanical equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning
• Installs, removes, or modifies aircraft structures, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications
• Repairs worn, defective, or damaged parts or components (e.g., seat gears, tray tables, wiring/electrical), using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment
• Troubleshoots equipment or systems operation problems
• Interprets discrepancies or logs (written or verbal) to understand history and nature of issue, to troubleshoot issue, and to identify required next steps (e.g., fix, defer, replace)
• Reads and interprets technical manuals and guidelines to perform inspections, installations, repairs, or other work activities
• Maintains repair logs, documenting all preventative, and corrective aircraft maintenance activities
• Interprets and uses specifications, drawings, blueprints diagrams, schematics, or flow charts to determine operational methods or sequences and to complete work activities
• Researches manuals, flight logs, or other technical resources to gather information needed to complete work activities
• Practices safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures

What you need to succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be authorized to work in the US
• Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Must pass a background check including a government required fingerprint-based criminal history records check
• Must pass a DOT required pre-employment drug screen and thereafter submit to DOT mandated random drug and alcohol testing
• Must read, write, speak, and understand English

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• One year of full-time work experience
• Prior military experience
• Formal educational certification or technical training (e.g., A&P school) or apprenticeship
• Prior work experience in the airline industry
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant license
• One year of mechanical experience (outside of educational experience)
• One year of aircraft maintenance experience (outside of educational experience)
• One year of heavy jet maintenance experience (outside of educational experience)
• Prior electronics/avionics experience or FCC license