I start the day with a team meeting where I'm given an assignment for my focus for the day. I receive a work packet and drawings for that day's project. Then I'll start my work, which can be drilling holes, inserting fasteners, or locating the bulkheads, skins, and frames.
CAREER
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$49,480
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-19.4% (decline)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Do
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.
Other Job Titles Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers May Have
Assembler, Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR), Sheet Metal Mechanic, Structures Technician
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
- Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
- 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.
- Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (55%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Critical thinking skills are very important in my job. I use critical thinking every day. Problem solving and collaboration skills are also necessary for helping your team get the job done.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
You can get to my role now with a two-year degree. The main credential you need for my role now is an Airframe and Powerplant license, which you can get through school or you can test for after at least 18 months of hands-on experience. To move up and get to where I want to be, a four-year degree helps. I recommend looking at the level you want to get to and then determine the level of degree you need. If you want to be at the technician level, a two-year degree may be better and less expensive.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
