Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical)

ANZSCO ID 323112

Overview

Snapshot

Employed
1,800
Future Growth
N/A
Weekly Earnings
N/A
Full-Time Share
96%
Female Share
5%
Average age
33

Summary

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) inspect, test, repair and install aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, subassemblies and components.

Specialisations: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airframes), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Engines), Aircraft Technician (Air Force, Army), Aviation Technician Aircraft (Navy), Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airframes), Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Engines).

A certificate IV in aeroskills (mechanical) is needed to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical). This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Tasks

  • Dismantles, inspects, tests, repairs and reassembles aircraft engines, ancillary motors and engine accessories, electrical systems and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames.

  • Installs electrical circuits and equipment.

  • Tests aircraft communication equipment, aircraft instrumentation and electronic systems using electronic testing equipment and specialised apparatus.

  • Replaces and tests aircraft oxygen system components.

  • Assembles parts and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames.

  • Conducts routine pre-flight inspections of engines, aircraft frames and mechanical systems.

  • Maintains records of action taken.

  • May manufacture aircraft electrical, instrument and radio hardware components.

Characteristics

Job Type
Technicians And Trades Workers
Skill Level
Medium skill
ANZSCO Occupation group
Unemployment Rate
n/a
Industries
Pathway(s)
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Interests
  • Practical
  • Administrative
Physical Demand
  • Medium

Outlook

Employment Outlook

JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, under the outlook section.


Earnings and hours

Working arrangements

  • Around 96% of people employed as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 30 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).

    Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).

    Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.


Industries

Main industries

1
Public Administration and Safety
73.1%
2
Manufacturing
14.7%
3
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
9.1%
4
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
1.7%
5
Other industries
0.7%

Regions

Employment across Australia

NSW

46.4% All occupations: 31.6%

VIC

5.3% All occupations: 25.6%

QLD

28.7% All occupations: 20.0%

SA

9.6% All occupations: 7.0%

WA

2.5% All occupations: 10.8%

TAS

0.0% All occupations: 2.0%

NT

6.7% All occupations: 1.0%

ACT

0.8% All occupations: 1.9%

Employment by State and Territory (% Share)

State Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) All Jobs Average
NSW 46.4 31.6
VIC 5.3 25.6
QLD 28.7 20.0
SA 9.6 7.0
WA 2.5 10.8
TAS 0.0 2.0
NT 6.7 1.0
ACT 0.8 1.9


  • Around 61% of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.

    New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory have a large share of employment relative to their population size.

    The regions with the largest share of workers are:

    Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.


Worker profile

Age and gender

Age In Years
33
All Jobs Average is 40
Female Share
5%
All Jobs Average is 48%
  • The median age of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) is 33 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.

    A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.

    Females make up 5% of the workforce. This is 43 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.

    Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.

Age Profile (% Share)

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Bracket Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) All Jobs Average
15-19 1.8 5.0
20-24 14.9 9.3
25-34 38.8 22.9
35-44 21.0 22.0
45-54 15.6 21.6
55-59 4.4 9.0
60-64 2.3 6.0
65 and Over 1.2 4.2
Median Age 33 40

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.


Employment Pathways

Education, training and experience

A certificate IV in aeroskills (mechanical) is needed to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical). This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Visit

  • My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
  • AAPathways website to explore Aeroskills Industry and Aviation Industry VET training pathways.

Highest Level of Education (% Share)

Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Type of Qualification Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) All Jobs Average
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate 0.8 10.1
Bachelor degree 4.6 21.8
Advanced Diploma/Diploma 14.2 11.6
Certificate III/IV 68.9 21.1
Year 12 9.5 18.1
Year 11 0.8 4.8
Year 10 and below 1.2 12.5

Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.


Skills and Knowledge

Employers look for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.

Skills

Skills can be improved through training or experience.

  • 68%

    Equipment maintenance

    Maintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.

  • 61%

    Repairing

    Fixing machines or systems.

  • 57%

    Critical thinking

    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

  • 57%

    Operation monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • 57%

    Reading comprehension

    Reading work related information.

  • 57%

    Troubleshooting

    Figuring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.

  • 55%

    Complex problem solving

    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

  • 55%

    Quality control analysis

    Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.

  • 48%

    Active listening

    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

  • 48%

    Judgment and decision making

    Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.

  • 46%

    Operation and control

    Controlling equipment or systems.

  • 46%

    Speaking

    Talking to others.

  • 46%

    Systems analysis

    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.

  • 45%

    Monitoring

    Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.

  • 45%

    Active learning

    Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.

  • 43%

    Equipment selection

    Deciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • 43%

    Coordination with others

    Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.

  • 43%

    Instructing

    Teaching people how to do something.

  • 43%

    Social perceptiveness

    Understanding why people react the way they do.

  • 41%

    Serving others

    Looking for ways to help people.


Knowledge

These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.

  • 98%

    Mechanical

    Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • 57%

    Engineering and technology

    Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.

  • 53%

    Mathematics

    Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.

  • 52%

    Chemistry

    Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.

  • 51%

    Customer and personal service

    Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.

  • 49%

    Physics

    The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.

  • 46%

    Transportation

    Moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.

  • 46%

    Technical design

    Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • 46%

    Public safety and security

    Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.

  • 43%

    English language

    English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • 43%

    Production and processing

    Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.

  • 41%

    Computers and electronics

    Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • 41%

    Education and training

    Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • 37%

    Administration and management

    Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.

  • 36%

    Clerical

    Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.

  • 33%

    Law and government

    How our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.

  • 30%

    Psychology

    Human behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.

  • 26%

    Building and construction

    Materials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.

  • 22%

    Telecommunications

    Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • 14%

    Communications and media

    Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.


Abilities

Workers use these physical and mental abilities..

  • 59%

    Finger dexterity

    Put together small parts with your fingers.

  • 59%

    Manual dexterity

    Quickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • 59%

    Near vision

    See details that are up-close (within a few feet).

  • 59%

    Written comprehension

    Read and understand written information.

  • 57%

    Control precision

    Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.

  • 57%

    Problem spotting

    Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.

  • 57%

    Sorting or ordering

    Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • 57%

    Visualization

    Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.

  • 55%

    Colour discrimination

    Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.

  • 55%

    Deductive reasoning

    Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.

  • 55%

    Inductive reasoning

    Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.

  • 55%

    Multilimb coordination

    Use your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.

  • 55%

    Oral comprehension

    Listen to and understand what people say.

  • 54%

    Arm-hand steadiness

    Keep your hand or arm steady.

  • 54%

    Oral expression

    Communicate by speaking.

  • 52%

    Flexibility of closure

    See a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.

  • 52%

    Perceptual speed

    Use your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.

  • 48%

    Hearing sensitivity

    Tell the difference between sounds.

  • 45%

    Written expression

    Write in a way that people can understand.

  • 43%

    Speech recognition

    Identify and understand the speech of another person.


Activities

These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.

  • 81%

    Working with mechanical equipment

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.

  • 78%

    Keeping your knowledge up-to-date

    Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.

  • 77%

    Handling and moving objects

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.

  • 75%

    Documenting or recording information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • 75%

    Monitoring people, processes and things

    Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.

  • 71%

    Controlling equipment or machines

    Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).

  • 71%

    Checking for errors or defects

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.

  • 71%

    Looking for changes over time

    Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.

  • 70%

    Working with electronic equipment

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.

  • 70%

    Checking compliance with standards

    Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • 68%

    Making decisions and solving problems

    Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.

  • 67%

    Communicating within a team

    Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.

  • 63%

    Assessing and evaluating things

    Working out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.

  • 63%

    Planning and prioritising work

    Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.

  • 63%

    Driving vehicles or equipment

    Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

  • 61%

    Researching and investigating

    Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.

  • 60%

    Making sense of information and ideas

    Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.

  • 58%

    Explaining things to people

    Helping people to understand and use information.

  • 57%

    Working with computers

    Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • 57%

    Collecting and organising information

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.


Interests and demands

Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.

Interests

Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.

  • 100%

    Practical

    Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

  • 67%

    Administrative

    Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.

  • 52%

    Analytical

    Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.

  • 29%

    Enterprising

    Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.

  • 19%

    Creative

    Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.

  • 14%

    Helping

    Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.


Values

Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
  • 86%

    Support

    Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.

  • 67%

    Working conditions

    Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.

  • 62%

    Relationships

    Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.

  • 57%

    Achievement

    Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

  • 52%

    Independence

    Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.

  • 48%

    Recognition

    Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.


Demands

The physical and social demands that workers face most often are shown below:
  • 91%

    Loud or uncomfortable sounds

    Be exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.

  • 91%

    Wear common protective or safety equipment

    Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.

  • 90%

    Being exact or accurate

    Be very exact or highly accurate.

  • 90%

    Frequent decision making

    Frequently make decisions that impact other people.

  • 89%

    Impact of decisions

    Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.

  • 88%

    Consequence of error

    Work where mistakes have serious consequences.

  • 85%

    Exposure to contaminants

    Be exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.

  • 85%

    Face-to-face discussions

    Talk with people face-to-face.

  • 84%

    Time pressure

    Work to strict deadlines.

  • 84%

    Indoors, not heat controlled

    Work indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).

  • 82%

    Unstructured work

    Have freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.

  • 81%

    Freedom to make decisions

    Have freedom to make decision on your own.

  • 77%

    Using your hands to handle, control, or feel

    Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.

  • 76%

    Spend time standing

    Spend time standing at work.

  • 76%

    Cramped work space

    Work in an awkward position or in cramped work spaces.

  • 76%

    Dangerous equipment

    Work near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.

  • 75%

    Very hot or cold temperatures

    Work in very hot or cold temperatures.

  • 74%

    Repeating same tasks

    Repeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.

  • 73%

    Bright or inadequate lighting

    Work in extremely bright or dark lighting conditions.

  • 72%

    Telephone

    Talk on the telephone.

Occupational Information Network
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-3011.00 - Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians.


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