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Career Exploration

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

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

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:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • read and understand what is written

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $58,430

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.