Aircraft Engineer: Description and the best paid jobs

Aircraft Engineer

Description… and where to find the best paid jobs

Aircraft Engineering

An Aircraft Engineer, also known as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer tests, repairs and maintains aircraft and their components. This includes airframes, airframe systems, engines, electrical and electronic systems including instrument and communication systems, aircraft structures and surface systems.

An avionics engineer or technician is primarily concerned with the electrical and electronic components of an aircraft.

An Aeronautical Engineer, sometimes called an Aerospace Engineer or Astronautical Engineer specialises in the development of aircraft and spacecraft.

Aircraft Engineer job description and duties (general)

Tasks include

Inspecting, dismantling, repairing and reassembling aircraft engines, engine accessories, ancillary motors and subassemblies of aircraft frames
Manufacture engine, electrical or electronic components when required
Test equipment
Replace and maintain aircraft safety systems as required, including oxygen system components
Install electrical circuits, systems, components and instrumentation using specialised test equipment
Conduct routine pre-flight inspections of mechanical systems, engines and aircraft frames
Keep and update records of maintenance performed

Requirements:

Attention to detail
Ability to work as part of a team
Technically minded
Enjoy finding engineering and mechanical solutions
Good eyesight and hearing
Comfortable working in confined spaces when required
Ability to work quickly
Reliability and honesty

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Specialisations

Avionics – Aircraft Mechanic

Test, repair, and modify electrical systems, electronic instruments, communications systems and navigation systems
Includes the test, repair and modification of autopilot and integrated flight systems, environmental control systems, radar, generators and power distribution systems
Flight simulator maintenance
Work usually done on components after they have been removed from the aircraft

Avionics – Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Test, maintain and modify electrical and electronic systems including fault diagnosis of instrument and radio systems and aircraft components and accessories
Test, maintain and modify generator and power distribution systems, navigation, radar and integrated flight systems, recording and indicating systems, aircraft information systems, lighting, autopilot and aircraft information systems
Test, maintain and modify digital engine systems, in-flight entertainment and cabin systems, communications and fly by wire flight control systems

Mechanical – Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Test, repair, modify and run fault diagnosis of engines, propellers and rotors
Test, repair, modify and run fault diagnosis of aircraft airframe, electrical systems, components and accessories
Test, repair and modify landing gear including wheels, brakes and pneumatic and hydraulic systems
Test, repair and modify fuel systems, flight control systems, cabin and environmental control and pressurisation systems, fire detection and control systems, life support systems, containerised cargo handling systems, doors, windows, lighting and ice and rain protection systems

Mechanical – Aircraft Mechanic

Test, repair and modify engine and airframe components
Test, repair and modify landing gear including wheels, brakes, pneumatic and hydraulic devices
Test, repair and modify pressurisation, fuel systems including piston and gas turbines, propellers and rotor blades, transmissions and associated engine components
Test, repair and modify flight control surfaces and power control packages and environmental control components

Structures – Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Understanding of the airframe, engine and electrical components of aircraft
Fabricate, maintain and repair sheet metal, bonded and non-metallic composites
Work on pressurised and non pressurised aircraft
Carry out a wide range of metal forming and joining processes using hand tools
Ability to work with various fibre-reinforced plastics
Flight simulator maintenance
Work usually done on components after they have been removed from the aircraft

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Go here for aircraft engine overhaul technician jobs

Aircraft maintenance engineer education - Training and Qualifications

Basic qualifications:

Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Mechanical
Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Avionics
Bachelor of aircraft engineering technology

Aircraft maintenance engineering colleges are located in all states. You can also apply for an aircraft maintenance engineer apprenticeship. The defence forces (Airforce, Navy and Army) also provide training.