Composite Mechanic Career Guide

Sample job description

A composite mechanic is needed for [Your Company Name]. We are looking for a composite mechanic to repair and maintain our aircraft during the week. You will also be required to fabricate and order replacement parts of the aircraft as needed. This position will be full-time with benefits. This position requires a strong mechanical knowledge, the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and fix problems with aircraft, and previous experience in a similar field. You must have a comprehension of common aircraft manuals and materials, as well as the ability to work and move and lift a required amount. Micro-mechanics are also a plus, as an intimate understanding of this will come in handy in this position. We look forward to your application!

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Inspect aircraft composite components for wear, warping, cracks, and leaks
• Analyze and understand aircraft blueprints, specifications, and maintenance manuals to make repairs
• Conduct maintenance operations like removing and replacing aircraft and power plant components, including wings, pylons, fuselages, and nacelles
• Fabricate replacement parts as needed
• Ensure all repairs are up to FAA and manufacturer specifications
• Order supplies, equipment, materials, and parts for repairs and general maintenance
• Keep detailed records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, and parts inventory

Education and experience

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and an Airframe and Powerplant License certificate from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some companies may require aviation engine mechanic candidates to have an associate degree.

Required skills and qualifications

• Analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand engineering documents and schematics
• Knowledge of metal, alloys, composite materials, aircraft adhesives, and sealants
• Strong hand-eye coordination and proficiency in using tools
• Sufficient physical strength and dexterity to climb on aircraft and manipulate replacement parts
• Knowledge of the use, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials
• High-level organization skills

Preferred qualifications

• Show a continued aptitude for new assigned work
• Ability to perform basic to intermediate mathematical functions
• Meet all regulatory requirements per FAR 65
• High School education or equivalent and one year experience as a service technician

Available certifications

If a company is hiring an aviation composite mechanic, they will oftentimes look for one or multiple of these certifications:

• Certificate in Aircraft Composite Materials & Manufacturing. This specialized certificate program covers materials used in aircraft manufacturing and in-depth information covering the manufacturing process behind these composite items. The program also covers micro-mechanics and fabrication assembly. This certification program is broken into three quarters, with a heavy amount of information that will be relevant to the position of a composite mechanic.

• Mechanical Inspector Certification (CMI). The Mechanical Inspector Certification is a common exam that can certify general mechanical competence and inspection methods for a composite mechanic, which may come into use depending on the specific work environment of the position. This certificate is offered by the American Society for Quality, which is a well-known certification program and offers multiple certificates for similar fields.