What does an aircraft engine mechanic do?
The Aircraft Engine Mechanic maintains the serviceability of all aircraft under the mechanic's care. They use manuals, blueprints and run diagnostics on aircraft engines. The mechanic tasks are to conduct repairs and maintenance and provide suggestions and recommendations for upgrades. Aircraft Engine Mechanics are crucial for any aviation company, as every part of the aircraft's engine should be in working order before the flight. The mechanic will also inspect the plane if its engine is still within the engine regulations.
Aircraft engine mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft engine mechanic resumes:
- Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
- Apply technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
- Qualify in CPR and up to first responders level.
- Perform depot level overhaul contract maintenance on foreign and domestic customer jet engines.
Aircraft engine mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Aircraft Engine Mechanics are proficient in Troubleshoot, Hand Tools, and Security Clearance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Strength, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Aircraft Engine Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Troubleshoot, 10%
Perform engine run operation on installed and uninstalled engines, troubleshoot malfunctions or verify findings.
- Hand Tools, 9%
Used applicable technical manuals, test equipment, hand tools, power tools, and technical drawings to remove, replace.
- Security Clearance, 8%
Hold a US secret security clearance.
- Test Equipment, 5%
Identified and corrected malfunctions using test equipment
- Ladders, 5%
Stooped, climbed ladders and lifted heavy loads during set-up for events.
- Gearboxes, 4%
Obtained certifications on the assembly and disassembly of: exhaust cases, gearboxes and hot sections.
Most aircraft engine mechanics use their skills in "troubleshoot," "hand tools," and "security clearance" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential aircraft engine mechanic responsibilities here:
Strength. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an aircraft engine mechanic to have is strength. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians may carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling." Aircraft engine mechanics often use strength in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "inspected aircraft structural repairs for original strength, weight, and contour. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform aircraft engine mechanic duties is detail oriented. Aircraft engine mechanics responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Aircraft engine mechanics also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "followed detailed procedures such as technical orders that specify task sequences, tolerances, etc. "
Dexterity. This is an important skill for aircraft engine mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how aircraft engine mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an aircraft engine mechanic: "scissor lift, crane hoist, plumbing and refrigerant service certified. ".
The three companies that hire the most aircraft engine mechanics are:
- LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions14 aircraft engine mechanics jobs
- Standard Aero Aviation Holdings Inc
7 aircraft engine mechanics jobs
- StandardAero5 aircraft engine mechanics jobs
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Compare different aircraft engine mechanics
Aircraft engine mechanic vs. Power plant technician
Power plant technicians, paid at an average of $790K per year, must have skills in concentration, dexterity, mechanics, and problem-solving. They will need a high school diploma or GED at the very least, though some employers do prefer a college or vocational school degree, as well as strong math and science backgrounds. Those who choose this career will be called on to controlling and monitoring -power plant equipment, like boilers, turbines, and generators.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an aircraft engine mechanic are more likely to require skills like "troubleshoot," "hand tools," "security clearance," and "ladders." On the other hand, a job as a power plant technician requires skills like "plant equipment," "preventive maintenance," "electrical equipment," and "safety procedures." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Power plant technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than aircraft engine mechanics. In fact, power plant technicians are 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft engine mechanic vs. Structures technician
Structures technicians design buildings or monuments. They plan construction, select materials, and create models. They must investigate the properties of possible materials, including steel, concrete, cement, and brick.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, aircraft engine mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "security clearance," "test equipment," "gearboxes," and "operational checks." Meanwhile, a structures technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "engineering drawings," "revit," "cad," and "osha." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Structures technicians earn a higher average salary than aircraft engine mechanics. But structures technicians earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $64,055. Additionally, aircraft engine mechanics earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $55,974 annually.structures technicians earn similar levels of education than aircraft engine mechanics in general. They're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft engine mechanic vs. Mechanic
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, aircraft engine mechanics are more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "security clearance," "operational checks," and "safety practices." But a mechanic is more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer service," "customer vehicles," and "diagnosis."
Mechanics earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $51,758. Comparatively, aircraft engine mechanics have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $55,974.mechanics typically earn similar educational levels compared to aircraft engine mechanics. Specifically, they're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft engine mechanic vs. Helicopter mechanic
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
Types of aircraft engine mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
