CAREER

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$49,480

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

-19.4% (decline)

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

Structural Technician ,

Lockheed Martin

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.


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.

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.