Careers · Explore one path
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.
Other titles employers use
A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician) · Aircraft Line Assembler · Assembler · Assembly Riveter · Helicopter Technician · Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR) · Sheet Metal Mechanic · Structures Mechanic
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Production and Processing
Useful strengths
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Visualization
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.4 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.7 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.9 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 58%
- A certificate or some college 16%
- A four-year degree 16%
- A two-year degree 10%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Word processing software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Industrial control software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 10,100
- Job openings each year
- 1,180
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 6.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 10,100 | 1,180 | 6.8% |
| Kansas | 5,520 | 560 | −9.1% |
| Texas | 2,860 | 280 | −12.3% |
| Georgia | 2,370 | 240 | −12.2% |
| Florida | 1,850 | 200 | 1.1% |
| California | 1,600 | 160 | −15.8% |
| Arizona | 690 | 70 | −8.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 600 | 60 | −15.5% |
| Alabama | 590 | 60 | −9.2% |
| North Carolina | 590 | 60 | −3.3% |
| Arkansas | 540 | 60 | — |
| Oklahoma | 440 | 40 | −12.0% |
| New York | 300 | 0 | −11.8% |
| Connecticut | 280 | 30 | −15.2% |
| Nebraska | 250 | 30 | 8.7% |
| Colorado | 230 | 20 | −8.0% |
| Oregon | 230 | 30 | — |
| Ohio | 220 | 20 | −15.4% |
| Michigan | 150 | 20 | −6.3% |
| Idaho | 120 | 10 | — |
| Utah | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Mississippi | 70 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 40 | 0 | — |
| New Mexico | 30 | 0 | −25.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Compare every college offering vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians