What does an aircraft structure mechanic do?
Aircraft structure mechanics are skilled professionals who are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft components and airframe structural supports. These mechanics are required to use hand tools and testing equipment to perform repairs and troubleshoot aircraft components. They must conduct inspections and troubleshooting of aircraft systems and related aviation equipment to isolate faults and determine the required repairs or replacements. Aircraft structure mechanics must also interpret maintenance manuals so that they can determine the feasibility and method of repairing malfunctioning components.
Aircraft structure mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft structure mechanic resumes:
- Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
- Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
- Work as an aircraft mechanic in the USAF.
- Act as liaison between USAF shop personnel and company management.
- Follow appropriate safety instructions, such as requirements by OSHA.
- Drill precision holes using drill bushings, core drills, reamers.
- Obtain, maintain and expertly perform functions of CDI to standards.
- Obtain the qualification of a colatral duty inspector (CDI).
- Perform strong hand drilling in composite, aluminum and titanium fittings and brackets.
- Utilize computer programs such as Revit and AutoCAD to create building plans and sectional details.
- Train in electrical safety, HAZMAT, tool control, foreign object damage, fuel safety.
- Drill holes in structure and attach brackets, hinges, braces and clips to secure installations.
- Work with forms of aircraft grade metals to include aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
- Experience in blueprint reading, manufacturing, basic shop math and the use of precision/quantitative measuring devices.
- Act as a FOD auditor for the work site and inspect FOD prevention practices in other work areas.
Aircraft structure mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Aircraft Structure Mechanics are proficient in Calipers, Jigs, and Stabilizers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Strength, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Aircraft Structure Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Calipers, 23%
Measured dimensions of products using instruments such as rulers, calipers, gauges, and micrometers.
- Jigs, 21%
Assemble lower fuselage panel assembly, locate frames, stringers, stringer clips and skin on assembly jig.
- Stabilizers, 9%
Worked on KC-10 doing heavy structural repairs on plank changes on horizontal stabilizers which included locating and drilling close tolerance holes.
- Hand Tools, 6%
Worked with close tolerance dimensions and various types of fasteners using common hand tools, special instruments and pneumatic tools.
- Engineering Drawings, 3%
Worked from company procedures, engineering drawings, specification, planning papers and supervisor instruction.
- Airframe, 3%
Completed the apprenticeship for Airframe Mechanic under the sponsorship of United Services Military Apprenticeship Program.
Most aircraft structure mechanics use their skills in "calipers," "jigs," and "stabilizers" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential aircraft structure mechanic responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an aircraft structure mechanic to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Aircraft structure mechanics often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "fabricate and install detail parts using approved data provided by engineers, technical manuals, and service bulletins. "
Strength. Another essential skill to perform aircraft structure mechanic duties is strength. Aircraft structure mechanics responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians may carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling." Aircraft structure mechanics also use strength in their role according to a real resume snippet: "inspected aircraft structural repairs for original strength, weight, and contour. "
Dexterity. This is an important skill for aircraft structure mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic: "worked on major assemblies on the air force c-17 globemaster iii air cargo lift. ".
The three companies that hire the most aircraft structure mechanics are:
- Northrop Grumman21 aircraft structure mechanics jobs
- Boeing14 aircraft structure mechanics jobs
- Textron9 aircraft structure mechanics jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable aircraft structure mechanic resume templates
Build a professional aircraft structure mechanic resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your aircraft structure mechanic resume.
Compare different aircraft structure mechanics
Aircraft structure mechanic vs. Aviation maintenance technician
An Aviation Maintenance Technician carries out repairs and maintenance on all sorts of aircraft, like airplanes and helicopters. They ensure that aircraft are in perfect working condition.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an aircraft structure mechanic are more likely to require skills like "calipers," "jigs," "stabilizers," and "torque wrenches." On the other hand, a job as an aviation maintenance technician requires skills like "electrical troubleshooting," "aviation maintenance," "troubleshoot," and "powerplant." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Aviation maintenance technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than aircraft structure mechanics. In fact, aviation maintenance technicians are 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft structure 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real aircraft structure mechanic resumes. While aircraft structure mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "calipers," "jigs," "stabilizers," and "hand tools," power plant technicians use skills like "plant equipment," "preventive maintenance," "gearboxes," and "electrical equipment."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Power plant technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than aircraft structure mechanics. In fact, they're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft structure 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 structure mechanics are more likely to have skills like "calipers," "stabilizers," "engineering drawings," and "airframe." But a mechanic is more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer service," "customer vehicles," and "diagnosis."
Mechanics make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $51,758. On the other hand, aircraft structure mechanics are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $65,029.Most mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to aircraft structure mechanics. For example, they're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft structure mechanic vs. Aircraft fueler
Aircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft. An aircraft fueler manages refueling equipment, transports fuel, and ensures adherence to safety protocols. They are also responsible for monitoring the functionality of all equipment and ordering repairs. This position requires a high level of safety-consciousness.
Types of aircraft structure mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
