How to hire an aircraft engine technician

How to hire an aircraft engine technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aircraft engine technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an aircraft engine technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft engine technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an aircraft engine technician, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

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   Hiring the perfect aircraft engine technician also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of aircraft engine technicians.

   Type of Aircraft Engine Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Aircraft Engine Technician	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).	$11-35
   Systems Mechanic	A systems mechanic specializes in repairing and maintaining systems, ensuring machines operate smoothly and efficiently. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies upon their company or place of employment, it typically includes meeting with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing wirings, and recommending other services when necessary... Show more	$24-43
   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... Show more	$21-41

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Test Cell
   • Hand Tools
   • Support Equipment
   • Test Equipment
   • Maintenance Manuals
   • Technical Orders
   • DOD
   • Technical Data
   • Aircraft Systems
   • Unscheduled Maintenance
   • Troubleshoot
   • Landing Gear
   • Fuel Systems
   • Technical Manuals

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage computer information systems used for information to troubleshoot engine malfunctions.
   • Perform on/off equipment maintenance on propulsion systems and remove, install, troubleshoot, inspect, repair, and modify engine.
   • Supervise all maintenance and trouble-shooting procedures for detection and correction of avionics to ensure safety of flight operations.
   • Align and assemble parts to be rivet using jigs, holding fixtures, pins, clamps, and fasteners.
   • Design and implement tracking checklist for each helicopter to track progress of each modification installation.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your aircraft engine technician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An aircraft engine technician salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, aircraft engine technicians' average salary in nebraska is 44% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aircraft engine technicians earn 68% less than senior-level aircraft engine technicians.
   • Certifications. An aircraft engine technician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an aircraft engine technician's salary.

   Average aircraft engine technician salary

   $42,482yearly

   $20.42 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aircraft engine technician salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

4. Writing an aircraft engine technician job description

   A job description for an aircraft engine technician role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an aircraft engine technician job description:

   Aircraft engine technician job description example

   Field Service Rep
   JOB SUMMARY
   This position is responsible for the advanced technical troubleshooting, LRU replacements, engine records, and I-Level repair of engines at test cell.
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
   (Not listed in order of importance. Other duties may be assigned.)
   - Provide technical support to shop and test cell personnel concerning J85 engines.
   - Perform engine troubleshooting in a test cell environment and develop problem resolutions
   - Coordinate with Test Cell Operations, Performance Engineering, Service Engineering, Supply and Logistics to ensure all repairs are completed in a timely manner
   - Troubleshoots, adjusts or replace components on engines and accessories during testing process. Liaisons with engineers, mechanics and inspectors on test performance.
   - Ensure all post repair and test paperwork is completed and signed off
   - Prepping engines for test, testing and de-prepping engines
   - Trains to become a certified test cell operator. Responsibilities include performing certification testing IAW O/H manual. Troubleshooting engine failures, replacing failed components, and completion of test documentation
   - Working as a motivated member of a specialized team to operate the test cell and the engine under test in accordance with the test instructions or tech orders.
   - Willingness to learn new tasks and cross train on multiple engine lines and other complementary skills and seeks endorsements for those skills as needed to support production requirements
   - Participates in the cross training of other technicians as needed to support production requirements.
   - Responsible for observing all applicable safety requirements and reporting immediately any unsafe practices/conditions.
   - Working within quality, environmental and health and safety management systems to deliver a high quality product in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
   - Complete daily maintenance inspections of equipment and facility to ensure operational readiness prior to use
   - Working with specialized mechanical, electrical and instrumentation systems to test gas turbine engines.
   - Performing and supporting troubleshooting, preventative and corrective maintenance of mechanical systems.
   - Participates in continuous improvement of cell processes.
   - Moves between production assignments that utilize multiple skills endorsements as needed to support production requirements.
   - Carries out other duties as assigned.
   QUALIFICATIONS, SPECIFIC SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES (INCLUDING LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS):
   - Ability to express or exchange ideas verbally with peers, engineering, management
   - Ability to get along with co-workers and peers.
   - Maintenance of regular attendance and punctuality within customary tolerances.
   - Looking for maintenance professionals who hold an A&P license with well-developed technical knowledge on any of these specific models of Turbine Engine. This knowledge should include troubleshooting at test and removal/installation of LRU:- J85 - Required,
   - T56, AE2100 - Preferred
   - F110 - Preferred
   - RB211 - Preferred
   
   - College degree OR high school graduate with technical vocational training and knowledge normally achieved through graduation from a university, trade school or military aircraft maintenance program, or an equivalent apprenticeship program.
   - Minimum of 15 years in Aerospace industry.
   - Minimum of 10 years relevant test cell experience.
   - Must possess effective written and verbal communications skills.
   - Must be able to speak, read, and write in the English language.
   - Must possess a valid driver's license.
   - Should be able to demonstrate PC proficiency in MS Word and Excel as well as learn any corporate or industry software used by the position.
   - Self-Motivated Team members must have a positive attitude toward a changing work environment and are committed to achieving the success and goals of their team
   - Experience with Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of Gas Turbine Engines.
   - Good planning, organizational, analytical, interpersonal, decision making, oral and written communication skills.
   - Working knowledge of production management computer systems and other related internal control systems.
   - High level of knowledge on testing and troubleshooting gas turbine engines
   - Knowledgeable in the functional operation of the engines tested.
   - Attainment of a Special Process stamp for Test Technician designation.
   - Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (unassisted) for approximately 25% of the average work day.
   - Regularly required to sit and stand for prolonged periods.
   - Working knowledge of related company instructions and company processes.
   - Product knowledge relative to the business unit.
   - Experience in a mechanical environment.
   - Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

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5. Post your job

   To find aircraft engine technicians for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any aircraft engine technicians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level aircraft engine technicians with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your aircraft engine technician job on Zippia to find and recruit aircraft engine technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting aircraft engine technicians requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft engine technician

   Once you have selected a candidate for the aircraft engine technician position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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