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Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, & Systems Assemblers

Also called: Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR), Structures Technician, Helicopter Mechanic, Aircraft Line Assembler

What they 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.
On the job, you would:
  • Align and fit structural assemblies manually, or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.
  • Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
  • Assemble, install, and connect parts, fittings, and assemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, and fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills
  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use
  • hold or move items with your hands
  • put together small parts with your fingers
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Achievement/Effort

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
Word processing software
Computer aided design CAD software

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$45,950
per year, on average
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Green
This work is part of the green economy.

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See more details at O*NET OnLine about aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers.