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Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

What you’d do

  • Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
  • Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
  • Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
  • Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
  • Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
  • Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions.

Skills that matter

  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Equipment Maintenance

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Aircraft Assembler
  • Assembler
  • Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
  • Sheet Metal Mechanic
  • Aircraft Line Assembler
  • Assembly Riveter

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