What You'll Do

  • Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
  • Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
  • Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
  • Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage.
  • Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
  • Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
  • Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
  • Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment.
  • Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools.

Essential Skills

Quality Control Analysis 3.38/5
Active Listening 3.12/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Active Learning 2.88/5
Coordination 2.88/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Cautiousness, Dependability, Integrity, Perseverance

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.62/5
Finger Dexterity 3.5/5
Information Ordering 3.38/5
Visualization 3.38/5
Manual Dexterity 3.38/5
Oral Comprehension 3.12/5
Written Comprehension 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Computer aided design CAD software Electrical power management system software Enterprise resource planning ERP software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word SAP software Spreadsheet software Word processing software

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.85/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.75/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.75/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.4/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 3.97/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician) Aerospace Assembler Aircraft De-Icer Installer Aircraft Fuselage Framer Aircraft Layout Worker Aircraft Line Assembler Aircraft Part Assembler Aircraft Parts Assembler Aircraft Powerplant Repairer Aircraft Riveter Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic Aircraft Structure Assembler Aircraft Structures and Surfaces Assembler Armament Aircraft Mechanic Assembler Assembler Associate Assembler Technician Assembly Riveter Automatic Riveting Machine Operator Auxiliary Powerplant Operator Body Joiner Body Liner Body Worker Cable Assembler and Swager Cleanroom Assembler Conduit Bender De-Icer Installer Depot Product Assembler Environmental Control System Aircraft Mechanic Erco Machine Operator Experimental Assembler Fuel-Efficient Aircraft Construction Worker Fuselage Framer General Assembler General Installer Harness Builder Harness Installer Helicopter Technician Honeycomb Blanket Maker Hydraulic Assembler Industrial Assembler Installer Light Assembler Manifold Builder Manufacturing Assembler Metal Bonder Metal Fitter Plumbing and Hydraulic Aircraft Mechanic Plumbing and Hydraulics Aircraft Mechanic Plumbing Assembler Precision Aircraft Structure Assembler Precision Aircraft Systems Assembler Precision Assembler Product Assembler Propeller Layout Worker Rib Builder Rigging and Controls Aircraft Mechanic Safety Glass Installer Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR) Sheet Metal Mechanic Shield Installer Shroudman Skin Fitter Skin Installer Spar Finisher Structures Mechanic Structures Technician Tab Builder Truss Assembler Tubing Assembler Warehouse Assembler Wing Coverer Wiring Assembler

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.