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

Jan 2, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Aerospace fabricators are responsible for the construction of air and spacecraft components. They use a variety of tools, equipment, and materials to create parts for aircraft, launch vehicles, and satellites. With the advancement of technology, the demand for aerospace fabricators has grown significantly.

As a result, the job market has become increasingly competitive. This has necessitated the need for aerospace fabricators to have a wide range of skills, including welding, machining, assembly, and fabrication. they must have a strong knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations.

With the right combination of experience and training, aerospace fabricators can enjoy a successful career with good job security and high salaries.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Although most employers do not require a college degree, some employers may prefer to hire applicants with a degree in an aerospace-related field. Additionally, many employers look favorably on applicants with basic welding experience.
Enroll in a welding program. There are several welding schools and programs available that offer certification in welding. These programs will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to work as an aerospace fabricator.
Obtain your welding certification. In order to become an aerospace fabricator, you must have a welding certification from an accredited welding school or program. This certification will demonstrate your knowledge of welding and is required by most employers.
Find an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs provide hands-on experience and allow you to gain the skills necessary to become an aerospace fabricator.
Join a professional organization such as the American Welding Society (AWS). Joining a professional organization such as the AWS can help you stay up to date on the latest industry trends and provide networking opportunities.
Obtain a welding license. Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to obtain a welding license in order to work as an aerospace fabricator. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so check with your state's licensing board for more information.
Look for job openings. Once you have obtained your welding certification and licensing, you can start looking for job openings in the aerospace fabrication field. Many aerospace fabrication positions are found through job postings on websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster.

The aerospace industry is a highly competitive and rapidly evolving field. As such, it is essential for any aspiring aerospace fabricator to be well-versed in the latest technologies and materials, as well as to have a strong understanding of the principles of engineering. The most ideal and qualified aerospace fabricators have a combination of expertise in welding, metal fabrication, machining, and manufacturing processes, as well as a deep understanding of the principles of aeronautical engineering.

This combination of skills ensures that fabricators are able to produce components or systems with the highest level of precision and reliability. Furthermore, having a comprehensive understanding of the various manufacturing processes and materials used within the aerospace industry enables fabricators to quickly and efficiently create components or systems that meet the exacting specifications of their customers.

You may want to check Aerospace Parts Specialist, Aerospace Quality Inspector, and Aerospace Systems Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Fabricate, assemble and inspect aerospace components and assemblies.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and blueprints.
Install aircraft and engine systems, sub-systems, and components.
Lay out and fabricate sheet metal parts using shears, brakes, presses and other equipment.
Fabricate, modify and repair metallic and nonmetallic parts using machine tools such as lathes, mills, drills, grinders and routers.
Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) systems to create detailed engineering drawings for fabrication.
Maintain production records and document nonconforming parts and processes.
Test and inspect fabricated items for compliance with established standards.
Operate welding equipment to join metals and alloys by fusion.
Operate cutting torches to cut, shape and prepare materials for assembly.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
Knowledge of aerospace materials, including aluminum, steel, titanium, and composite materials
Proficient in the use of power tools and hand tools to fabricate components
Skill in welding and other fabrication processes, such as brazing, riveting, and soldering
Knowledge of measuring techniques and quality control standards
Familiarity with safety standards and procedures
Ability to work with tight tolerances
Strong attention to detail
Good problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently or in a team environment

Having the right skills as an Aerospace Fabricator is essential for success in the field. Effective problem solving and troubleshooting skills are key, as Aerospace Fabricators are often called upon to devise creative solutions to complex engineering issues. A good understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and structural design is also necessary to create quality products that meet industry standards.

a strong understanding of blueprint reading and welding is often required, as many aerospace components are made using these processes. Good communication skills are also important, as Aerospace Fabricators must be able to effectively collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and other personnel on projects. With these essential skills, Aerospace Fabricators can successfully complete projects on time, within budget, and with the highest quality results.

Aerospace Business Analyst, Aerospace Data Analyst, and Aerospace Assembly Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aerospace fabrics?
How would you handle a project that requires tight deadlines and a high level of precision?
Describe a situation where you had to quickly troubleshoot a problem with an aerospace fabric.
How do you stay up-to-date on new tools and methods for working with aerospace fabrics?
What safety measures do you take when working with aerospace fabrics?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and quality when working with aerospace fabrics?
What challenges have you faced in the past when working with aerospace fabrics?
Describe a project you have completed that involved complex aerospace fabrics.
How do you collaborate effectively with other team members when working on aerospace fabric projects?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with aerospace fabrics?

Common Tools in Industry

Hand Seamer. A handheld tool used to bend and form sheet metal. (eg: a hand seamer is used to create the curvature of an airplane wing).
Deburring Tool. A tool used to remove sharp edges from metal surfaces. (eg: a deburring tool is used to smooth the edges of an airplane fuselage).
Sheet Metal Brake. A machine used to bend and shape sheet metal. (eg: a sheet metal brake is used to bend the edges of a fuselage panel).
Drill Press. A machine used to create holes in metal. (eg: a drill press is used to create the bolt holes in an airplane wing).
Spot Welder. A machine used to fuse two pieces of metal together. (eg: a spot welder is used to join two pieces of aluminum together).
Grinder. A machine used to grind down metal surfaces. (eg: a grinder is used to smooth out the edges of an airplane wing).
Torque Wrench. A tool used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: a torque wrench is used to fasten the screws on an airplane wing).
Sander. A machine used to smooth out metal surfaces. (eg: a sander is used to make the surface of an airplane wing smooth).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (N-CATT)
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
The Professional Association of Aeronautical Technicians (PAAT)
National Institute of Aerospace (NIA)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
International Federation of Aerospace Engineering (IFAE)

We also have Aerospace Maintenance Technician, Aerospace Project Coordinator, and Aerospace Manufacturing Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aerospace Engineering. The design, manufacture, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and associated systems.
Aircraft. A type of vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, typically utilizing wings that generate lift due to the dynamic reaction of the air against them.
Aerospace Manufacturing. The production of parts and components used in aerospace engineering.
Avionics. Electronic systems used on aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft.
Composite Materials. Materials composed of two or more distinct materials that when combined provide improved strength and weight characteristics.
Extrusions. A process of forming a shape by forcing a material through a die with an opening of a specific shape.
Finishing. The process of preparing a surface for painting or coating.
Heat Treating. A process used to alter the physical and/or chemical properties of a metal or metal alloy by heating and cooling it over a certain temperature range.
Metal Fabrication. The process of cutting, shaping, and joining metal components to form a finished product.
Sheet Metal. A type of metal formed into thin, flat pieces that can be cut and bent into different shapes for use in various aerospace components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aerospace Fabricator?

An Aerospace Fabricator is a professional who specializes in manufacturing and designing components for aerospace vehicles. They have expertise in metal fabrication, welding, machining and composite materials.

What qualifications do Aerospace Fabricators need?

Aerospace Fabricators typically need to have a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field. They also need to complete specialized training in welding, machining, and other fabrication processes.

What is the job outlook for Aerospace Fabricators?

The job outlook for Aerospace Fabricators is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Aerospace Fabricators is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029.

What are the safety requirements for Aerospace Fabricators?

Aerospace Fabricators must adhere to strict safety requirements when performing their duties. They must wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and face shields. Additionally, they need to be aware of the dangers of working with hazardous materials and take proper precautions to protect themselves.

What is the average salary for an Aerospace Fabricator?

The average salary for an Aerospace Fabricator is $63,817 per year. Salaries can range from $41,000 to $86,000 depending on experience, location and other factors.