What does a structures mechanic do?
A Structures Mechanic maintains the frame and structural components of machinery. They fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials, as well as perform inspections and supervision of machinery.
Structures mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real structures mechanic resumes:
- Effect honeycomb and composite repairs on regional aircraft nose cones per manufacturer SRM and AMM.
- Operate air tools, rivet guns, sanders, angle grinders, and other miscellaneous tools require.
- Work with materials such as graphite, fiberglass and corefil.
- Move locomotives and equipment throughout yard and into maintenance areas.
- Perform all facets of structural repair and maintenance on F/A-18 aircraft.
- Work with Polysulfide and epoxy bonds, adhesives, and sealants.
- Perform FOD inspection and wipe down with approve solvent for final inspection.
- Station in VFA-86, perform organizational maintenance on the F/A-18 E/F aircraft.
- Fabricate and install skin repairs and various other repair IAW SRM and EO.
- Utilize specialized training in HAZMAT to efficiently resolve oil spills and toxic discharges.
- Add many mods to existing fleet to bring the fleet into FRA specs.
- Maintain safety and integrity of all working parts of locomotives and passenger cars.
- Shim and set in liquid shim hinges, on tool jigs, set pin alignment for free pin movement.
- Remove and installs airplane subsystem assemblies, engines, rotors, gearboxes, transmissions, mechanical flight controls and their components.
- Train multiple marines how to utilize tools, perform maintenance with correct procedures, HAZMAT control, and corrosion control.
Structures mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Structures Mechanics are proficient in Safety Regulations, Jigs, and Ladders. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of Structures Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Safety Regulations, 11%
Complied with all safety regulations during operations.
- Jigs, 9%
Shimmed and set in liquid shim hinges, on tool jigs, set pin alignment for free pin movement.
- Ladders, 8%
Work from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
- Math, 7%
Experienced in blueprint reading, manufacturing, basic shop math and the use of precision/quantitative measuring devices.
- Structural Repairs, 6%
Performed structural modifications and structural repairs to aircraft and worked with composites to perform modifications and repairs.
- Operation Sheets, 6%
Read work orders, blueprints, lofts, sketches, and operation sheets to determine sequence of operations.
Common skills that a structures mechanic uses to do their job include "safety regulations," "jigs," and "ladders." You can find details on the most important structures mechanic responsibilities below.
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a structures mechanic to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what structures mechanics do because "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Additionally, a structures mechanic resume shows how structures mechanics use detail oriented: "required to follow detailed blue prints and engineering orders for installation of major structural airframe components. Aircraft: b1b bomber. "
Dexterity. Many structures mechanic duties rely on dexterity. "mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts.," so a structures mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways structures mechanic responsibilities rely on dexterity: "certified in permaswage, basic structures, catia, solumina, scissor lift operations, overhead crane operations (building y)"
The three companies that hire the most structures mechanics are:
- LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions101 structures mechanics jobs
- PDS Tech58 structures mechanics jobs
- Aerotek25 structures mechanics jobs
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Compare different structures mechanics
Structures 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.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, structures mechanic responsibilities require skills like "jigs," "ladders," "math," and "structural repairs." Meanwhile a typical aircraft fueler has skills in areas such as "basic math," "commercial vehicles," "aircraft weight," and "safety procedures." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Aircraft fuelers earn the highest salaries when working in the transportation industry, with an average yearly salary of $33,369. On the other hand, structures mechanics are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $67,111.On average, aircraft fuelers reach similar levels of education than structures mechanics. Aircraft fuelers are 2.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Structures mechanic vs. Aircraft electrician
An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records. There are also instances where they must solder wires, climb up high places, and perform regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an aircraft electrician typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and safe workflow.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that structures mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "safety regulations," "ladders," "math," and "structural repairs." But an aircraft electrician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "electrical systems," "diagnose malfunctions," "switchboards," and "troubleshoot."
Aircraft electricians may earn a lower salary than structures mechanics, but aircraft electricians earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $63,434. On the other hand, structures mechanics receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $67,111.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Aircraft electricians tend to reach similar levels of education than structures mechanics. In fact, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Structures mechanic vs. Aircraft maintenance technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians make commercial, government/private airplanes, and helicopters safe for their crew and passengers. They ensure that aircrafts meet Federal Aviation Regulations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from structures mechanic resumes include skills like "safety regulations," "math," "structural repairs," and "operation sheets," whereas an aircraft maintenance technician is more likely to list skills in "powerplant," "aircraft systems," "work ethic," and "strong work ethic. "
Aircraft maintenance technicians make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $58,621. On the other hand, structures mechanics are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $67,111.When it comes to education, aircraft maintenance technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to structures mechanics. In fact, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Structures 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.
Types of structures mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
