📱 Install Findmino as an app for the best experience!

What skills should I start building now for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?

Back to all jobs
Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Operational-level

Also known as: A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician), Aerospace Assembler, Aircraft De-Icer Installer, Aircraft Fuselage Framer

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Aircraft AssemblyAerospace ManufacturingAviation TechnologyStructural AssemblyManufacturingEngineeringProductionTechnicalAerospaceSkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

Your shift begins as you clock in at the sprawling aerospace plant, a hub of activity in the early morning. You head to the locker room, donning your personal protective equipment: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, and gloves. Arriving at your assigned station, a massive jig holding a partial fuselage section, you consult the digital blueprints on a ruggedized tablet, reviewing the day's assembly plan. Today, you're working on internal structural components. You grab your pneumatic rivet gun and a torque wrench.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-5.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

34,400

in 2025 → 32,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This career is projected to see a decline in employment by about 5.6% through 2035, though around 3,100 job openings are expected each year. The median annual wage for this role is $65,380. With experience, you can advance your career into roles focusing on quality assurance, such as an Aerospace Quality Inspector, or move into leadership positions like an Aerospace Production Supervisor.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Manufacturing Production Technician
  • Aircraft Maintenance Helper
  • Mechanical Assembler

Where it can lead

  • Aerospace Quality Inspector
  • Aerospace Production Supervisor
  • Senior Aircraft Systems Technician

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly assist in quality control, predictive maintenance, and optimizing assembly processes through robotics and automation. While some repetitive tasks may be automated, human assemblers will focus on complex problem-solving, precision fitting, and overseeing AI-driven systems. AI tools can also enhance training and simulation for new assembly techniques.

Similar Jobs

Textile Cutting Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Operational-level

Food Processing Worker

Operational-level

Woodworking Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Operational-level

Inspector, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

Operational-level

Salary

$65,380

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Aerospace Technology

University • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Mechanics and Repairers, General

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Instrumentation Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Technical Specialist

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 1 year

Current Vacancies

IndeedLinkedIn