An aviation engine mechanic repairs or replaces worn, defective, or damaged aircraft engine parts. They also test engine components and systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and use testing equipment to diagnose and identify engine problems. In addition, an aviation engine mechanic is responsible for disassembling and inspecting engine parts like turbine blades and cylinders, for wear, warping, cracks, and leaks. The aviation engine mechanic is in charge of making sure aircraft airframes and engines are maintained within Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
Aviation engine mechanics usually work in hangars, repair stations, and airfields. They should be highly detail-oriented, thorough, and organized. Also, an aviation engine mechanic should have the ability to understand complex engine specifications and equipment, as well as possess strong mechanical skills.
Sample job description #1
Principle duties and essential functions
- Communicate as required to receive and understand work assignments. Perform complex aircraft inspections, repairs, and modifications with minimal supervision
- Coordinate with MTL, STM, and the Inspection Department to ensure compliance with internal and FAA inspection and documentation requirements. Properly complete CMP cards, work order sign-offs, and other paperwork in a timely and accurate manner. Assist as needed with shift turnovers
- Ensure that all work accomplished meets quality standards and specifications
- Properly identify (tag) customer property and equipment. Store aircraft components and other customer property securely and safely
- Follow standard operating procedures when operating ground support equipment (external power carts, hydraulic mules, hydraulic lift platforms, tow tugs, forklifts, compressed gas cylinders, etc.)
- Coordinate, accomplish, and assist with aircraft movement in hangar and ramp areas
- Provide training to less experienced technicians
- Protect customer property (PTP)
Additional functions
- Properly collect and dispose of waste fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids, de-icing fluids, and solvent rags. Apply 6S and Lean Initiatives to keep shops, hangars, and aircraft work areas clean and uncluttered
- Implement and apply Lean/continuous improvement processes to all areas of responsibility
- Properly use and maintain Company provided tools and equipment. Return items to designated storage area after use
- Comply with safety rules and procedures. Use protective equipment as required. and be alert for unsafe conditions. Address unsafe conditions before putting people or property at risk
- Use the material tracking system to create parts demand, track squawks and sign-offs, and to charge labor to correct work orders
- In support of aircraft certification and final phase testing, may include flight tests on aircraft as required
Other requirements
- Working knowledge of the FAA regulations, process specifications, Repair Station and Quality Control manuals, and company policies and procedures
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
Sample job description #2
Summary
- Provides Legendary Customer Service by servicing and maintaining aircraft to ensure an airworthy fleet that will sustain an on-time flight schedule.
Responsibilities
- Works in a cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
- The work of the Mechanic shall include all work generally recognized as Mechanic’s work performed by the Company in its airline operations in and about Company shops, maintenance bases, and maintenance stations–including, but not limited to–checks, dismantling, overhauling, repairing, fabricating, assembling, welding, erecting, and painting all parts of aircraft, aircraft engines, radio equipment, instruments, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and machine tool work in connection therewith
- Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders, with all internal and external Customers
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Must be able to read and comprehend maintenance procedures manuals and related documents, wire diagrams, blue prints, Aircraft Change Orders, special items, and log write ups
- Must be able to follow instructions, learn, understand, and comply with maintenance procedures, rules, and regulations
- Must be able to write accurate and complete summaries of work accomplished on required forms and sign to verify work was performed as indicated
- Must have sufficient computer skills to access and complete computer based training modules
- Must be able to meet all training requirements in a timely manner
- Must be aware of hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies as needed
- Must be able to perform well in fast paced environment working under specific deadlines and time constraints to perform aircraft maintenance to meet the demands of the flight schedule
- Must work well with others as part of a team and work under stressful situations
- Must be able to remain alert to moving vehicles or aircraft and use radio equipment effectively
- Must be able to communicate information and instructions in writing, verbally or via radio equipment
- Provides friendly service to and maintains positive relationship with all Internal and External customers
- Works in cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
Education
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
- Required: 2 years Aircraft Maintenance
- Required: 1 Year Heavy jet aircraft of 12,500 lbs. or more within past two years
- Must meet regency of experience requirements of CFR 65.83
- Licensing/Certification
- Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s License
- Valid Federal A&P Certificates, as required by Federal Law
- Must be able to perform all job functions within cramped and confined spaces and in hazardous areas
- Must be able to lift and move items of up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
- Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop on a frequent basis and for extended periods of time
Sample job description #3
The Aviation Mechanic is responsible for accomplishing assigned tear down and maintenance any gear and aircraft components following our standards. This is a great entry level job for someone that has mechanical ability, tools, and a good work ethic.
Responsibilities
- Teardown engines following Supervisor or lead mechanic instructions
- Provide preliminary inspection of engines and components
- Maintain and perform preventative maintenance on tooling
- Promote safety within the workplace to guarantee all tasks are performed within the safety manual guidelines
Qualifications
- High school or equivalent preferred
- Some mechanical experience preferred
- Detail-oriented and good troubleshooting skills
- Dependable, honest, and reliable
- Ability to multitask
- Ability to follow instructions
- Great work ethic
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an aviation engine mechanic is 79,000 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $78,550 | $106,300 |
| Los Angeles, California | $88,650 | $119,900 |
| Denver, Colorado | $73,850 | $99,950 |
| Washington, DC | $90,000 | $121,750 |
| Miami, Florida | $73,550 | $99,500 |
| Orlando, Florida | $67,800 | $91,750 |
| Tampa, Florida | $68,500 | $92,650 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $71,850 | $97,200 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $82,600 | $111,750 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $89,300 | $120,850 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $71,200 | $96,300 |
| New York City, New York | $94,000 | $127,200 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $76,550 | $103,550 |
| Dallas, Texas | $74,550 | $100,850 |
| Houston, Texas | $73,850 | $99,950 |
| Seattle, Washington | $85,950 | $116,300 |
| National Average | $67,150 | $90,850 |
Sample interview questions
- What qualities should every good aviation engine mechanic have?
- What motivates you at work?
- What made you want to become an aviation engine mechanic?
- Describe the procedures you use to examine and inspect various aircraft parts.
- What type of engines are you used to working with?
- How do you conduct routine inspections as required by regulations?
- What have you found to be the best ways to document inspections and repairs?
- Talk me through a test operation of engines and other systems.
- How do you organize, plan, and prioritize your work?
- What experience do you have related to handling vehicles and mechanized equipment?
- Tell me about a time you applied new information or technology into your role. How did it benefit the company?
- Share an experience in which your attention to detail greatly impacted your outcome with a repair.
- How did you handle a failed inspection once you found out about it?
- How do you inspect engines for wear and other defects?
- Walk me through how you disassemble engines.
- How do you determine if an engine is damaged beyond repair? How do you recommend a new engine to clients?
- Why do you want to work for our company?
