What does a systems mechanic do?
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. They may also install and assemble equipment, establish guidelines, and replenish fluid such as oil and gas. Moreover, there are instances when a systems mechanic works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and successful workflow.
Systems mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems mechanic resumes:
- Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
- Install fiber optic, RF, data and power cabling.
- Adjust regulators, cut in/ out relays and points in magnetic switches.
- Act as liaison between production employees and engineers to troubleshoot technical problems.
- Dispose of hazardous waste and materials in accordance with AFOSHA and OSHA standards.
- Utilize and adapt templates, jigs, and fixtures require to complete repairs.
- Inspect associate components such as bell cranks, torque tubes, cables and pulleys.
- Train and perform proper disposal of hazardous waste and materials according to OSHA standards.
- Service burners and blowers; clean and oil parts, replace filters and clean vents and ducts.
- Qualify to inspect, troubleshoot, install, repair, overhaul, and modify aircraft pneumatic/hydraulic equipment.
- Promote to perform operations and maintenance of radar launchers, antenna masts, generators and UHF communications system.
- Test, calibrate, inspect, troubleshoot and perform maintenance on electrical, diesel, hydraulic and HVAC controls.
- Inspect tank cleaning equipment such as portable pumps, respirators, air lines, harnesses, hoses, and compressors.
- Perform unit level maintenance and troubleshooting on the Vulcan air defense weapon system, range-only radar, and associate equipment.
- Inspect, troubleshot and perform maintenance on HVAC controls, diesel and turbine power generator controls and mobile power plant controls.
Systems mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Systems Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Test Equipment, and Preventive Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Customer-service skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 10%
Performed maintenance incorporating proper usage of hand tools & insured adequate accountability & security of issued equipment.
- Test Equipment, 8%
Test equipment and calibration laboratory standards troubleshooting, repair and calibration in a Type IV USAF Calibration Laboratory.
- Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Provided periodic preventive maintenance, diagnose system malfunctions, and replace/repair defective components.
- Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Performed preventative and corrective maintenance for mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems and/or components.
- Technical Data, 4%
Ensured strict obedience to technical data integrity, maintenance operating instructions and tool control directives.
- Support Equipment, 4%
Provided routine preventative maintenance, overhaul, calibration and repair of all powered and non-powered support equipment.
Most systems mechanics use their skills in "hand tools," "test equipment," and "preventive maintenance" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential systems mechanic responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a systems mechanic to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Systems mechanics often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintain completed work by performing routine quality checks following the applicable technical orders and electrical diagrams/schematics with attention to detail. "
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform systems mechanic duties is dexterity. Systems mechanics responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts." Systems mechanics also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provided hands-on training to lower grade personnel concerned with repair of avionics systems. "
The three companies that hire the most systems mechanics are:
- Vectrus4 systems mechanics jobs
- Aerotek3 systems mechanics jobs
- ASRC Federal3 systems mechanics jobs
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Compare different systems mechanics
Systems 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between systems mechanics and aircraft fueler. For instance, systems mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "test equipment," "preventive maintenance," and "hydraulic systems." Whereas a aircraft fueler is skilled in "basic math," "commercial vehicles," "aircraft weight," and "safety procedures." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Aircraft fuelers earn the highest salaries when working in the transportation industry, with an average yearly salary of $33,369. On the other hand, systems mechanics are paid more in the government industry with an average salary of $78,942.On average, aircraft fuelers reach similar levels of education than systems mechanics. Aircraft fuelers are 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Systems 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems mechanic resumes. While systems mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "preventive maintenance," "electronic equipment," "mechanical troubleshooting," and "safety practices," aircraft electricians use skills like "diagnose malfunctions," "switchboards," "troubleshoot," and "environmental systems."
Aircraft electricians earn a lower average salary than systems mechanics. But aircraft electricians earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $63,434. Additionally, systems mechanics earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $78,942 annually.In general, aircraft electricians achieve similar levels of education than systems mechanics. They're 1.8% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, systems mechanics are more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "support equipment," "electronic equipment," and "mechanical troubleshooting." But a aircraft maintenance technician is more likely to have skills like "airframe," "powerplant," "aircraft components," and "aircraft systems."
Aircraft maintenance technicians earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $58,621. Systems mechanics earn the highest pay from the government industry, with an average salary of $78,942.Most aircraft maintenance technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to systems mechanics. For example, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems mechanic vs. Airframe and powerplant mechanic
An Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic inspects, tests, and repairs aircraft. They work on various parts of an aircraft, such as the engine, brakes, and landing gear.
Types of systems mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
