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Career Summary:


  • Align and fit structural assemblies manually, or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.
  • Assemble and fit prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
  • Assemble, install, and connect parts, fittings, and assemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, and fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps.
  • Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
  • Cut, trim, file, bend, and smooth parts, and verify sizes and fitting tolerances in order to ensure proper fit and clearance of parts.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, illustrations, and specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities and relationships of parts.
  • Align, fit, assemble, connect, and install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, and power tools.
  • Join structural assemblies such as wings, tails, and fuselage.
  • Lay out and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts and components, using jigs, templates, and measuring and marking instruments.
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts and assemblies to eliminate malfunctions and to ensure proper operation.
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components and subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
  • Inspect and test installed units, parts, systems, and assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, and compliance with standards, using measuring instruments and test equipment.
  • Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas and other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
  • Clean, oil, and/or coat system components as necessary before assembling and attaching them.
  • Set, align, adjust, and synchronize aircraft armament and rigging and control system components to established tolerances and requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools.
  • Install and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, and related devices.
  • Fabricate parts needed for assembly and installation, using shop equipment.
  • Set up and operate machines and systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, and straighten tubing, according to specifications.
  • Weld tubing and fittings, and solder cable ends, using tack-welders, induction brazing chambers, or other equipment.
  • Install mechanical linkages and actuators, and verify tension of cables, using tensiometers.
  • Verify dimensions of cable assemblies and positions of fittings, using measuring instruments.
  • Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
  • Select and install accessories in swaging machines, using hand tools.
  • Form loops or splices in cables, using clamps and fittings, or reweave cable strands.
  • Measure and cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws.
  • Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines.
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  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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  • Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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  • Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
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  • Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
  • Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
  • Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  • Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
  • Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
  • Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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  • Moral Values - Workers on this job are never pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
  • Independence - Workers on this job do their work alone.
  • Company Policies and Practices - Workers on this job are treated fairly by the company.
  • Activity - Workers on this job are busy all the time.
  • Supervision, Human Relations - Workers on this job have supervisors who back up their workers with management.
  • Support-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Ability Utilization - Workers on this job make use of their individual abilities.
  • Compensation - Workers on this job are paid well in comparison with other workers.
  • Achievement-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Advancement - Workers on this job have opportunities for advancement.
  • Supervision, Technical - Workers on this job have supervisors who train their workers well.
  • Achievement - Workers on this job get a feeling of accomplishment.
  • Security - Workers on this job have steady employment.
  • Working Conditions-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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10%25%Median- 50%75%90%
TN Annual$20,330$27,320$40,740$49,270$57,030
US Annual$25,050$33,340$45,420$55,460$61,970

*Some salaries are listed at an hourly rate. Those that include a single dollar amount are considered hourly wage.

Wage and salary data provided by:


  • Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
  • TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
  • Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org


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