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

Sep 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace Structures Technicians are responsible for designing, assembling, and maintaining the structural components of aircraft and spacecraft. This position requires a vast knowledge of structural materials and an understanding of aircraft mechanics, as well as the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions. As a result of their expertise, Aerospace Structures Technicians ensure that the frames, wings, tails, and other components of aircraft and spacecraft are properly constructed, inspected, and maintained. Their work helps ensure the safety and reliability of these machines, allowing them to fly safely and effectively.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or GED, since they may need to understand complex instructions and use mathematics to perform their duties.
Take courses in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Aerospace structures technicians use mathematics, physics, and engineering principles to build and maintain aircraft components. Taking courses in these areas can help you develop the necessary skills for the job.
Develop your mechanical skills. As an aerospace structures technician, you will be responsible for building and repairing aircraft components. Developing your mechanical skills by taking classes in auto mechanics, welding, or another related field can help you stand out from other applicants.
Pursue an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available in the aerospace field that provide valuable hands-on experience working with aircraft components. Apprenticeships usually last two to three years and include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Obtain certification. Many employers prefer technicians who are certified in the field. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers certification programs for aerospace structures technicians.
Continue your education. Aerospace structures technicians must keep up with the latest technologies and techniques in the field. To stay current, consider taking continuing education courses or attending seminars related to the aerospace industry.

To stay ahead and efficient as an Aerospace Structures Technician, it is important to stay up to date with the latest technologies and materials being used in the field. By regularly attending seminars, workshops and conferences to learn new skills and knowledge, technicians can be more informed of the recent advancements that can help improve their productivity. it is important to maintain an organized workspace and use the right tools for the job.

By having a well-organized work environment, technicians can save time and reduce errors in their work. Finally, it is important to keep an open mind so that technicians are able to quickly adapt to any changes in the field or new ideas in order to increase their efficiency. By using these methods, Aerospace Structures Technicians can ensure they stay ahead and efficient in their work.

You may want to check Aerospace Production Supervisor, Aerospace Mechanical Engineer, and Aerospace Production Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Assemble and install structural components for aerospace vehicles.
Troubleshoot, inspect, and repair defects in aircraft structures.
Align structural components using jigs, templates, and measuring instruments.
Fabricate and install complex structural assemblies using measuring instruments and hand tools.
Monitor and adjust manufacturing processes to ensure proper dimensions of components.
Document structural fabrication processes and inspect parts for quality assurance.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics.
Install wiring and other electrical components into structural assemblies.
Monitor maintenance and repair of aircraft structures and components.
Operate specialized machinery and other equipment as needed to perform job duties.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aerospace engineering fundamentals
Knowledge of safety regulations and requirements
Ability to read and interpret blueprints
Ability to use hand and power tools
Ability to identify, analyze and troubleshoot problems
Ability to fabricate and assemble components
Ability to perform inspections and tests
Knowledge of welding and soldering techniques
Knowledge of composites and their applications
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software
Ability to follow instructions precisely

Having a strong technical background is essential for any Aerospace Structures Technician. Being able to understand complex engineering principles and apply them to aircraft components is a must. A thorough knowledge of aircraft materials and fabrication techniques is also important in order to plan, install, inspect, repair, and modify aircraft structures.

Good problem-solving skills are also necessary to determine the best way to approach a project and anticipate the potential problems that may arise. Strong communication and teamwork skills are needed to work effectively with other technicians and engineers. Lastly, attention to detail is key to ensure that all projects are completed safely and accurately.

These skills are all essential for a successful career as an Aerospace Structures Technician.

Aerospace Technician, Aerospace Quality Assurance Analyst, and Aerospace Parts Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aerospace structures?
What challenges have you faced in working with aerospace structures and how did you overcome them?
Describe a time when you identified a structural problem and how you were able to troubleshoot and resolve it.
How do you stay up to date with the latest advances in aerospace structures technology?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when measuring and fabricating aerospace structures?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects at once?
Explain the safety procedures and protocols you follow when working with aerospace structures.
Describe the process you use for reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
What strategies have you employed to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical staff?
How do you stay organized when working on complex projects with large-scale components?

Common Tools in Industry

Torque Wrench. A tool used to apply torque to bolts and fastening hardware. (Eg: Assembly of aerospace components)
Multi-Meter. An electrical testing device used to measure voltage, current and resistance. (Eg: Testing electrical system wiring)
Crimping Pliers. A tool used to connect electrical wires together using special terminals. (Eg: Connecting wires to circuit boards)
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join two pieces of metal together by melting and fusing them. (Eg: Joining wiring harnesses)
Drill Press. A tool used to drill precise holes in a variety of materials. (Eg: Drilling holes in sheet metal)
Heat Gun. A tool used to heat and bend plastic components. (Eg: Forming plastic fairings)
Measuring Tape. A tool used to measure length and distance. (Eg: Verifying dimensions of parts)
Digital Calipers. A tool used to measure small dimensions accurately. (Eg: Measuring gap in riveted joints)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
National Institute of Aerospace (NIA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)

We also have Aerospace Program Administrator, Aerospace Logistics Analyst, and Aerospace Design Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aircraft Structures. Refers to the metal and composite frames, components, and materials that make up an aircraft's body.
Stress Analysis. A type of analysis used to determine how a given structure will react when exposed to certain forces or stresses.
Fatigue Analysis. A type of analysis used to determine how a given structure will behave over time when exposed to cyclic loading.
Composite Materials. Materials made up of two or more distinct components that are combined to form a single material with different properties than the individual components. Examples include carbon fiber, glass fiber, and Kevlar.
Structural Analysis. A type of analysis used to determine how a given structure will react when exposed to certain external loads or stresses.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A computer-aided engineering technique used to calculate the response of a structure to external loads.
Welding. The process of joining two pieces of material together using heat or pressure.
Bolting. A mechanical fastening technique used to connect two pieces of material together using threaded fasteners.
Riveting. A mechanical fastening technique used to join two pieces of material together using rivets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Aerospace Structures Technician?

An Aerospace Structures Technician is responsible for constructing, repairing, and inspecting aircraft structural components and assemblies.

What qualifications are needed to become an Aerospace Structures Technician?

To become an Aerospace Structures Technician, individuals should have a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to obtain a certification from an FAA-approved program.

What kind of tools and equipment do Aerospace Structures Technicians use?

Aerospace Structures Technicians typically use hand tools, power tools, and computer-controlled machines to construct and inspect aircraft components.

What are the typical working conditions for an Aerospace Structures Technician?

Aerospace Structures Technicians typically work in hangars, warehouses, and other workshop-style environments with limited exposure to weather and temperature changes.