How to Be Aerospace Assembly Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 1, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace assembly technicians are an essential part of the aerospace industry. They are responsible for analyzing and constructing aircraft and aerospace components to ensure they are up to standard and meet safety regulations. These technicians work with a variety of materials, including metals, composites, and plastics.

Their duties involve inspecting, assembling, and testing aerospace parts and products, such as engines, interior systems, and navigation systems. The importance of their role is highlighted by the fact that any faulty parts or components can lead to serious consequences, ranging from decreased performance to potential safety issues. As a result, aerospace assembly technicians must possess strong technical abilities and problem-solving skills to ensure that all components are properly assembled and meet the required specifications.

good communication skills are necessary for the successful completion of projects and working collaboratively with other professionals in the aerospace industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. In order to become an Aerospace Assembly Technician, it is important to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Pursue a post-secondary education. Most employers prefer candidates with some form of post-secondary education in aerospace technology, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
Gain experience. Working as an intern or in an entry-level position in the aerospace industry can provide valuable experience and help to develop the skills necessary to become an Aerospace Assembly Technician.
Obtain certifications. Obtaining certifications such as those offered by the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT), can help to demonstrate a commitment to the field and may lead to better job opportunities.
Get on-the-job training. Many employers provide on-the-job training to help employees become familiar with the specific assembly techniques used at their facility.
Become a certified Aerospace Assembly Technician. The National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT) offers certification for Aerospace Assembly Technicians. The certification requires passing a written exam and demonstrating proficiency in the assembly techniques required for the position.

The ideal and competent Aerospace Assembly Technician must have a deep understanding of the different aerospace components and materials, as well as a clear understanding of the assembly processes. This requires a combination of specific technical knowledge, manual dexterity and attention to detail.

Without these qualities, it is impossible to achieve the precision and accuracy required for successful aerospace assembly. Furthermore, the technician must possess excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. They must also be capable of performing accurate quality checks on all components, as well as being able to identify any potential safety issues.

If all these qualities are met, then a successful and competent Aerospace Assembly Technician will be able to produce high quality products in an efficient manner.

You may want to check Aerospace Fabricator, Aerospace Sales Representative, and Aerospace Production Planner for alternative.

Job Description

Assemble, inspect and test mechanical and electrical components of aerospace systems and equipment.
Build, install, maintain and repair aircraft and aerospace systems.
Develop, design and modify aerospace equipment as per company or customer specifications.
Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in aerospace systems and equipment.
Inspect components for flaws or defects in materials or workmanship.
Monitor and adjust the operation of aerospace systems to meet safety standards.
Follow strict safety procedures when installing and servicing aerospace equipment.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repair activities.
Perform preventative maintenance on aerospace systems and equipment.
Analyze test data to determine the need for adjustments or repairs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles and techniques.
Ability to read and understand technical drawings and schematics.
Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools, and other assembly equipment.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
Knowledge of industry standards for quality control and safety regulations.
High attention to detail and excellent problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to use measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and rulers.
Ability to inspect parts for defects and imperfections.
Ability to lift heavy components and use lifting equipment as needed.

Having a strong attention to detail is the most important skill for an Aerospace Assembly Technician. This skill is essential for ensuring that all parts are correctly assembled and that all safety protocols are followed. Assembling aerospace components requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand, meaning that any mistakes can have serious consequences.

To guarantee the accuracy of their work, Aerospace Assembly Technicians must be able to read and interpret blueprints, as well as spot any discrepancies in dimensions or tolerances. Furthermore, they must be able to use various tools and machinery, including welding and riveting equipment, with speed and accuracy. By possessing these qualifications and skills, Aerospace Assembly Technicians are able to ensure that the components they assemble are safe, reliable, and meet all required standards.

Aerospace Program Manager, Aerospace Program Administrator, and Aerospace Program Planner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What prior experience do you have in Aerospace Assembly Technician roles?
Describe a challenging assembly project you have worked on in the past.
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when performing assembly tasks?
What safety protocols do you adhere to when assembling components?
What is your experience with reading and interpreting technical drawings?
How have you handled situations where multiple components need to be assembled simultaneously?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot assembly issues?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on assembly projects?
How comfortable are you working with power tools and other equipment necessary for assembly?
What processes do you follow to ensure quality control during assemblies?

Common Tools in Industry

Torque Wrench. A tool used to apply a specific amount of torque, or rotational force, to a fastener such as a nut or bolt. (Eg: A 3/8" torque wrench is used to tighten the bolts that secure the wing to the fuselage. )
Rivet Gun. A tool used to apply rivets to join two pieces of material together. (Eg: An air-powered rivet gun is used to install the rivets along the wing skin. )
Drill. A tool used to create a hole in a material. (Eg: A cordless drill is used to create pilot holes for rivets in the wing skin. )
Sheet Metal Shears. A tool used to cut sheet metal. (Eg: Sheet metal shears are used to cut panels for the fuselage. )
Crimpers. A tool used to join two pieces of metal or plastic together by crimping them together. (Eg: Crimpers are used to attach electrical connections between components on the aircraft. )
Multi-Meter. A tool used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (Eg: A digital multi-meter is used to test the resistance of electrical connections on the aircraft. )
Heat Gun. A tool used to heat up materials in order to soften them, shape them, or remove old paint. (Eg: A heat gun is used to soften and remove old paint from the wings before a new coat of paint is applied. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Electronics Association
Aerospace Industries Association
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Society of Automotive Engineers
National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
International Federation of Airworthiness
International Test and Evaluation Association
International Air Transport Association
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association

We also have Aerospace Design Engineer, Aerospace Cost Estimator, and Aerospace Technician Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Structural Assembly. The process of constructing large-scale components and assemblies from individual pieces. It involves the design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and inspection of structures such as aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites.
Fastening Systems. A system of components used to secure or join two or more objects together. Fastening systems are commonly used in aerospace assemblies to ensure the integrity of components and assemblies.
Torque Tool. A tool used to apply specific amounts of torque to fasteners or other components in order to ensure a secure connection.
Adhesives. A substance used to bond two or more components together. Adhesives are commonly used in aerospace assemblies to ensure the strength and longevity of the bond.
Gasket. A type of seal used to ensure a tight fit between two or more components. Gaskets are commonly used in aerospace assemblies to create a fluid-tight seal between components.
Sealants. A substance used to fill gaps and spaces between two or more components. Sealants are commonly used in aerospace assemblies to prevent the intrusion of air, water, or other substances into the assembly.
Non-Destructive Testing. A type of testing used to identify defects or flaws in an object without damaging the object itself. Non-destructive testing is commonly used in aerospace assemblies to ensure the integrity and safety of the assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aerospace Assembly Technician?

An Aerospace Assembly Technician is a skilled professional responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing aircraft components and systems.

What skills are required to be an Aerospace Assembly Technician?

An Aerospace Assembly Technician must have technical knowledge of aircraft components, systems, and tools, as well as manual dexterity, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.

What education is required to become an Aerospace Assembly Technician?

An Aerospace Assembly Technician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized vocational training.

What are the job duties of an Aerospace Assembly Technician?

The job duties of an Aerospace Assembly Technician include assembling aircraft components, inspecting parts for defects, performing repairs and maintenance, and documenting work.