A person who fabricates parts or installs those parts onto a production aircraft is known as an aircraft assembler. There are several types of jobs that fall under the umbrella of aircraft assembler, and employees are frequently assigned to a specific task in the assembly process based on their training, skills, and education. Assemblers do not typically require a high level of education, and many positions can be filled with just a high school diploma. However, basic math and communication skills are required, and the assembler will be required to complete job training in order to work in this field.
Fabrication of parts is a part of the aircraft assembly process. To create the parts needed to properly assemble various aircraft, an aircraft assembler may use a variety of fabrication machines. Fabrication will almost certainly be done with computer numeric control (CNC) machines, and the aircraft assembler will need to be trained to use them. The assembler may also need to be trained in computer-aided design (CAD), as well as blueprint or schematic reading. These skills can be learned on the job through a training program or an apprenticeship, which allows a new employee to gain experience while earning a wage.
Other aircraft assembler jobs may have nothing to do with fabrication and everything to do with installation. Aircraft mechanics, for example, may focus solely on aircraft engines in order to create a functional propulsion system that will get the plane off the ground. Assemblers may be in charge of constructing the aircraft’s shell, which usually entails welding, riveting, or otherwise securing metal panels or fiberglass parts that were custom-fabricated for a specific aircraft.
All job candidates for aircraft assembler positions will be required to complete safety training. This training is intended to ensure the employee’s safety, as well as the safety of any other employees or bystanders who may be present during the assembly process. The assembler must wear all necessary safety gear, such as eye and ear protection, as well as, in many cases, a hard hat. Any machinists must be trained in the proper use and maintenance of assembly or fabrication machines, and almost every employee will be taught how to shut down the machines in the event of an emergency. To ensure that all employees are up to date, the assembler’s safety training will most likely be repeated several times throughout his or her career.