Aircraft assemblers fit and assemble structural parts of an aircraft. They read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings. Then, by operating machinery and power tools, they attach components and subassemblies by drilling holes and securing them using bolts, rivets, and screws. Aircraft assemblers may also perform repairs, fabricate sheet metal, and test flight control systems. Aircraft assemblers work outdoors at aviation facilities and must be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures, as well as exposure to dust and fumes. A high school education is required, and college or trade school level education is preferred, and additional certifications may be required.
Job openings for aircraft assemblers can be found through typical online channels like online job boards such as Indeed, Monster, and Snagajob. Vacancies can also be found on the careers sites of aviation companies. The interview will assess you on key qualities that will be essential to your success as an aircraft assembler. Due to the precision required in the work, attention to detail and the ability to perform repetitive mechanical tasks is important. Technical knowledge is also important. You'll be expected to know how to operate certain machines and tools like cranes, forklifts, handsaws, and lathes, in order to fabricate and attach assemblies to exacting tolerances.
To prepare for an interview for an aircraft assembler, take an inventory of your mechanical skill set. What tools and machines are you able to operate? At what level of proficiency can you operate them? Be prepared to speak about your previous work experience. Think about examples in which you worked on something that had extremely precise requirements and identify the level of precision that was required (e.g. quarters of an inch, millimeters, etc.). Assembling parts according to standards without error is critical to the efficiency of business operations; to give the interviewer confidence in you, be prepared to talk about your work ethic, as well as specific details about your understanding of why precision is important.