aircraft engineer.

An aircraft engineer performs the following tasks:

• inspecting aircraft: an aircraft engineer's primary role is to conduct inspections before departure and after landing. You carefully check an aeroplane's internal and external parts to identify potential problems. When conducting routine inspections before a flight, you fill out a report stating the condition of each part. You also authorise flights or ground the aircraft and perform minor repairs before departure if you find any problems.
• diagnosing operational issues: when you spot a problem during an inspection, you conduct additional tests to determine the cause. As an aircraft engineer, you perform diagnostic tests using precision tools on aircraft engines, electrical systems and hydraulic systems.
• reading blueprints and measuring aircraft parts: during an inspection, you use various methods to identify problems in the aircraft. For instance, you measure aircraft parts using gauges and technical instruments. Deviations from the normal measurements often indicate wear and tear. You also use blueprints to locate aircraft components during an inspection and troubleshoot issues using the instruction manuals.
• performing repairs: as an aircraft engineer, you repair damaged parts of the plane or replace broken components. Repairs usually involve the use of precision equipment and heavy machinery. You should be an expert in modifying the aircraft's body and repairing internal components.
• cleaning mechanical parts: as an aircraft engineer, you are in charge of cleaning and maintaining an aircraft's interior and exterior components. You also ensure the aircraft components are not exposed to corrosion, chemical build-up or rusting.
• writing maintenance reports: part of your job is documenting every aspect of maintenance and repairs done on the aeroplane. You also explain the impact of each repair on the functions of the aircraft and recommend whether the plane is ready for flight or needs additional repairs.

Most aircraft engineers are employed in the aviation industry. Some work for private or commercial airlines, while others serve in the military. As an aircraft engineer, you work near airports. That means you work on the airfield during inspection or in climate-controlled hangars performing repairs on helicopters and planes. When working, you wear a uniform or overalls, as well as other protective equipment to prevent accidents and injuries. Noise pollution is a significant problem in airports, so you need earplugs to protect your ears.

As an aircraft engineer, you work alongside professionals in the aviation industry, including pilots, baggage handlers, flight attendants and air traffic controllers. In your maintenance and design duties, you work alongside engineers like mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and aircraft maintenance technicians. Other professionals you are likely to interact with include airport managers, maintenance engineers and technical leads.

The work schedule of an aircraft engineer involves repairing aeroplanes before departure and working on grounded aircraft to prepare them for use. You work between 40 and 42 hours a week, and since all planes are inspected before departure, you sometimes work at night. In some companies, you work on a shift basis since an aircraft engineer should always be at the airport. You can work part-time, but you cannot work from home since the role is hands-on.

As an aircraft engineer, you can grow your skills and become the lead aeroplane engineer or take up other managerial roles in the aviation industry. If you enjoy hands-on work, you should specialise in your favourite area of interest, such as aerodynamics, avionics or electronic systems. Specialisation leads to opportunities like aerodynamics engineering, communications engineering or composite engineering. When you have expert-level knowledge and experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer.

Finding your aircraft engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid on a monthly basis
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an aircraft engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

As an aircraft engineer, you are responsible for the design and construction of aircraft. You also perform inspections and maintenance tasks to ensure the aircraft operates safely. Aside from maintenance, you perform repairs and upgrades to aircraft as needed.

The average salary of an aircraft engineer is ₹800,000 per year. The earnings depend on experience, level of qualifications and area of expertise. At an entry-level position, you take home ₹275,000 per year, while with experience, you earn over ₹1 million annually.

As an aircraft engineer, you design, develop and test aircraft. You also perform maintenance tasks on various planes. However, aircraft engineers do not have a licence to fly aircraft. You only assist pilots in monitoring the performance of aeroplanes.

To become an aircraft engineer, complete a course in aircraft engineering. You can join the course after completing a three-year engineering degree. The course usually combines training and work experience.

There is a high demand for aircraft engineers in India due to the growing aviation industry. The demand for the role is expected to increase by 6% between 2016 and 2026.

Applying for an aircraft engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!