Occupation · SOC 51-2011
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
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.
Median wage
$61,680
$46,040–$94,950
Projected growth
-14.6%
Declining
Annual openings
-490
per year
Employed (US)
32,890
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
254 mapped
Core skills
Quality Control AnalysisMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceComplex Problem SolvingTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisRepairingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlInstructingInstallationEquipment SelectionCoordinationActive LearningWritingSocial PerceptivenessLearning StrategiesMathematicsService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesTechnology DesignManagement of Financial ResourcesOperations AnalysisScienceProgramming
Knowledge areas
MathematicsEducation and TrainingMechanicalEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingDesignComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceChemistryLaw and GovernmentTransportationPhysicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesGeographyCommunications and MediaAdministrativeBuilding and ConstructionEconomics and AccountingPsychologyTelecommunicationsSales and MarketingTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyBiologyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareElectrical power management system softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSpreadsheet softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Controlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsDocumenting/Recording InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAnalyzing Data or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentScheduling Work and ActivitiesWorking with ComputersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDeveloping and Building TeamsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hand tools and basic fasteners — apply under direct supervision to secure parts and subassemblies on an aircraft assembly line.Blueprints and illustrated work instructions — read and interpret with guidance to identify part relationships and assembly sequences on the shop floor.Bolts, screws, and rivets — install following standard torque and fastening procedures under close technician oversight in a production environment.Brackets and support clips — attach to designated mounting points using provided hardware under supervisor direction during initial assembly tasks.Measuring instruments and go/no-go gauges — use to check basic fit and alignment of installed parts while following documented inspection checklists.Parts with minor dimensional discrepancies — file, trim, or deburr under supervision to achieve proper fit and clearance during bench assembly.Reference points and layout lines — mark on aircraft structure components using templates and scribes following supervisor-provided instructions.Safety protocols and personal protective equipment — follow consistently in a manufacturing hangar environment while learning assembly station procedures.Shop machinery such as drill presses and rivet guns — operate under direct guidance to fabricate or prepare basic parts for installation.Assembly work orders and traveler documents — read and track with guidance to locate correct parts and materials for assigned daily tasks.
developing
Subassemblies and structural components — assemble routinely with reduced oversight using hand tools, power tools, and approved fasteners on a production aircraft line.Blueprint specifications and engineering drawings — interpret independently to determine correct layouts and operational sequences for assigned assembly stations.Hinges, brackets, and attachment hardware — install and torque to specification using chemical bonding or mechanical fastening methods with minimal supervision.Installed units and systems — inspect and test for fit, alignment, and performance using calibrated measuring instruments and test equipment per quality standards.Out-of-tolerance or defective parts — identify and adjust, rework, or replace within familiar repair limits to restore proper assembly function.Parts requiring profile or contour modifications — cut, bend, and smooth using hand and power tools to achieve correct clearances in familiar assembly contexts.Jigs, fixtures, and measuring instruments — use to lay out and mark accurate reference locations for structural components across multiple aircraft assemblies.ERP and production tracking software — enter work completion data and parts consumption information accurately following established shop procedures.Time and workflow priorities — manage across concurrent assembly tasks at a single workstation to meet daily production schedule targets.Fabricated detail parts — produce using shop machinery according to routing sheets and dimensional tolerances within the scope of a standard assembly role.
proficient
Complex aircraft structural assemblies and rigging systems — complete autonomously across the full assembly sequence, resolving non-routine fit and interference issues without supervisory input.Engineering drawings, change orders, and revision-level specifications — interpret and apply independently to execute accurate assemblies on advanced or modified aircraft configurations.Multi-material attachment methods including riveting, bolting, and structural adhesive bonding — select and apply based on design requirements and material compatibility in varied assembly conditions.System-level functional testing and inspection — conduct using specialized test equipment to verify performance compliance and document results against certification standards.Root cause analysis for recurring assembly defects — perform by applying critical thinking and quality control methods to reduce rework and non-conformance rates on the line.Non-standard part fits and structural discrepancies — evaluate and resolve through calculated trimming, shimming, or engineering liaison coordination in a production hangar environment.CAD and design visualization tools — use to interpret three-dimensional part relationships and support installation planning for complex structural or systems components.Rigging adjustments for flight control surfaces — perform and verify to manufacturer tolerances using precision measurement instruments and documented rigging procedures.Equipment maintenance and calibration schedules — manage for assigned tools and test instruments to ensure measurement accuracy and production readiness.Mentorship of newer assemblers — provide on-the-job guidance covering blueprint reading, fastener practices, and inspection methods at the assembly workstation.
advanced
Assembly process standards and best-practice procedures — develop and implement across an entire production line to improve quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.Cross-functional teams of assemblers, inspectors, and engineers — lead in resolving systemic fit, tolerance, or rigging issues affecting multiple aircraft in a production program.Training curricula and skills certification pathways — design for Job Zone 2 assemblers covering tools, fastening systems, blueprint literacy, and quality control methods.Production workflow and station layout — optimize by applying industrial process knowledge to reduce cycle time and non-conformance across the assembly floor.Quality management systems and audit processes — oversee to ensure all structural assembly and systems installation work meets FAA, customer, and internal certification requirements.Engineering change authority and liaison processes — navigate and influence on behalf of the assembly team to resolve design-producibility conflicts in active aircraft programs.ERP and production control systems — leverage at a program level to monitor parts availability, labor utilization, and schedule adherence across multiple assembly teams.Safety culture and hazard mitigation initiatives — champion across the production department, setting behavioral standards for tool handling, chemical use, and fall protection.Senior assembler performance and career development — evaluate and guide through structured feedback, cross-training assignments, and skills progression planning.Continuous improvement projects targeting structural assembly defects — sponsor and direct using quality control analysis data to achieve measurable reductions in rework cost and schedule impact.
Also known as
73 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)Aerospace AssemblerAircraft De-Icer InstallerAircraft Fuselage FramerAircraft Layout WorkerAircraft Line AssemblerAircraft Part AssemblerAircraft Parts AssemblerAircraft Powerplant RepairerAircraft RiveterAircraft Sheet Metal MechanicAircraft Structure AssemblerAircraft Structures and Surfaces AssemblerArmament Aircraft MechanicAssemblerAssembler AssociateAssembler TechnicianAssembly RiveterAutomatic Riveting Machine OperatorAuxiliary Powerplant OperatorBody JoinerBody LinerBody WorkerCable Assembler and SwagerCleanroom AssemblerConduit BenderDe-Icer InstallerDepot Product AssemblerEnvironmental Control System Aircraft MechanicErco Machine OperatorExperimental AssemblerFuel-Efficient Aircraft Construction WorkerFuselage FramerGeneral AssemblerGeneral InstallerHarness BuilderHarness InstallerHelicopter TechnicianHoneycomb Blanket MakerHydraulic Assembler