AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION
A curated set of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer job descriptions covering airworthiness standards, AME licence categories, fleet-type experience, field operations, and inspection documentation.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Job Description Template
1. About the Role
A licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer who lets paperwork slip, misses a rigging check, or releases a component without proper certification puts an airworthiness directive breach, and an aircraft at risk. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer prevents that failure by owning the technical sign-off chain from inspection through documentation release. Transport Canada AME licensing requirements and the Maintenance Control Manual define the regulatory floor every action must clear. Within a civil aviation operator or approved maintenance organization, this role reports to maintenance management and keeps line, structural, and field maintenance running to schedule.
2. Position Summary
As the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, you perform licensed maintenance on civil aircraft ranging from DHC-series turboprops to large commercial jets, certifying work in compliance with Transport Canada regulations and the applicable Maintenance Control Manual. You operate within an approved maintenance organization, coordinating with stores, dispatch, and maintenance management to keep the fleet airworthy and documentation audit-ready.
3. Why Join Us
Career Impact: Holding a Transport Canada AME licence endorsed across multiple aircraft types, from float-equipped DHC-6 variants to Boeing-series jets, makes you competitive for senior AME, quality assurance, and Director of Maintenance roles within the Canadian and international civil aviation market.
Business Impact: Passengers and cargo operators depend on release-to-service certification being accurate; a single missed Airworthiness Directive or uncertified component can ground a fleet, making the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's sign-off the last line of operational continuity.
Growth Opportunity: Exposure to structural repairs under the Structural Repair Manual, line maintenance on turboprop and jet types, and field operations at remote bases builds a breadth of endorsements that accelerates progression toward Lead AME or Quality Assurance Inspector.
4. Key Responsibilities
- Conduct scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on civil aircraft in compliance with the applicable Maintenance Control Manual and manufacturer manuals.
- Inspect aircraft structures and systems for corrosion, damage, and defects, implementing corrective action in line with Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins.
- Remove, install, and functionally test aircraft components, including control systems, to confirm airworthiness before release.
- Complete all required maintenance records, journey log entries, and airworthiness certifications accurately and on time.
- Coordinate parts requirements with stores and maintenance management to ensure serviceable components and calibrated tooling are available for scheduled work.
- Monitor and maintain the spares package, documenting unserviceable items and requesting replacements through the appropriate supply channel.
- Supervise and guide unlicensed maintenance personnel and apprentices during assigned tasks, ensuring all work meets regulatory standards.
- Report hazards, incidents, near misses, and Service Difficulty Reports to the Director of Maintenance or maintenance management as required.
5. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance, aerospace technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent licensed trade experience.
- 2 or more years of licensed AME experience, with hands-on exposure to line, structural, or field maintenance on civil aircraft.
- Valid Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence, with M1, M2, or S endorsement appropriate to the fleet type.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, Airworthiness Directives, and Service Bulletins accurately.
- Proven troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across aircraft systems, including mechanical, structural, and flight control domains.
- Strong recordkeeping discipline, with experience completing journey logs, work orders, and airworthiness certifications to regulatory standards.
- Ability to obtain a Transport Canada restricted area pass and meet pre-employment background, drug, and alcohol screening requirements.
6. Preferred Qualifications
- Endorsement on one or more specific fleet types commonly operated by Canadian regional carriers, such as DHC-6, DHC-8, or Boeing 737/787 series.
- Experience performing structural repairs under the Structural Repair Manual, including sheet metal fabrication and composite bonding.
- Familiarity with computerized maintenance tracking systems used in an approved maintenance organization environment.
- Radio operator licence or willingness to obtain one for field and remote operations.
7. Success Metrics & Environment
- Percentage of work orders completed with zero documentation errors, reflecting certification accuracy on release-to-service records.
- On-time aircraft delivery rate against the scheduled maintenance plan, measuring how reliably the fleet returns to service.
- Number of Airworthiness Directives overruns within the managed fleet, tracking compliance with mandatory inspection intervals.
- Audit finding recurrence rate, indicating whether corrective action plans issued to this engineer are effectively closed.
- Apprentice task-sign-off accuracy rate, reflecting the standard of supervision provided during unlicensed personnel work.
- Typical tools: maintenance tracking software (commonly CAMM2 or equivalent computerized maintenance management system); ERP platform for parts and inventory management.
8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)
- Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on endorsements and fleet type experience
- Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 3 to 8 percent, common in airline and MRO environments
- Equity: Rare at this level; stock options occasionally offered by larger publicly traded operators
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by operator size
- PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus statutory holidays; some operators add shift differential for overnight work
- Common Perks: Uniform and PPE allowance, licence and endorsement training support, travel reimbursement for field deployments
Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.
9. EEO & Legal
Background checks and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening are a condition of employment for all positions in safety-sensitive aviation operations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Job Description Examples
1. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (ARH Tiger Rotary Wing)
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer owns the execution of aviation maintenance activities on the ARH Tiger for Airbus Australia Pacific and its customers, ensuring aircraft are delivered on schedule in compliance with the applicable Maintenance Organisation Exposition. Working closely with a team of technical experts, this role shapes maintenance quality outcomes that directly support AAP's airworthiness obligations and customer commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct maintenance in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Undertake aircraft maintenance activities within quality authorisations as directed by a supervisor to ensure delivery of aircraft to meet the specified delivery schedule.
- Ensure all aircraft and aeronautical product maintenance activities are conducted effectively, efficiently, performed, supervised, inspected, and certified in compliance with the applicable Maintenance Organisation Exposition.
- Identify new opportunities for enhancement of maintenance services.
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Required Qualifications
- High-level aviation airworthiness regulatory knowledge.
- Understanding of relevant aircraft maintenance documentation and practices.
- Knowledge of and experience using Interactive Electronic Technical Publications.
- Knowledge of and experience using CAMM2 is an advantage.
- Negative Vet 1 Defence level security clearance required.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Dash 8 Fixed Wing)
Embedded within the base maintenance team, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer carries out and coordinates inspection, maintenance, and repair of aircraft and related systems on Dash 8 aircraft. Working closely with the Base Engineer and Maintenance Management, this role delivers the documentation, parts coordination, and safety compliance that keep the fleet fully serviceable.
Core Functions
- Report to the Base Engineer and Maintenance Management on issues affecting the serviceability of aircraft.
- Ensure aircraft are maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Control Manual and applicable regulations.
- Coordinate parts requirements with Maintenance Management and ensure sufficient tools and equipment are available to accomplish maintenance and inspection functions.
- Comply with all safety practices and procedures.
- Complete all required documentation and certification of journey log entries for work accomplished.
Qualifications & Experience
- A.M.E. License Cat. "M" and/or "E" required.
- Minimum of three years of experience.
- Experience on Dash 8 required.
- Thorough knowledge of aircraft and their related systems.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills.
- Strong interpersonal, decision-making, organisational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (General Aviation Field Operations)
Reporting to the Director of Maintenance, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer shapes the delivery of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and modifications at both the Ottawa main base and field locations, ensuring all operations conform to the Maintenance Control Manual and Maintenance Policy Manual. Partnering with the Store Coordinator, Dispatch, and field operations teams, this role enables airworthiness compliance and logistical continuity across a general aviation product line.
Primary Duties
- Perform all duties and responsibilities assigned in the Maintenance Policy Manual and Maintenance Control Manual.
- Perform maintenance activities at all field locations and maintenance duties at the main base as established by the Director of Maintenance.
- Carry out maintenance operations in accordance with the Maintenance Control Manual, Maintenance Policy Manual, and manufacturers' maintenance manuals, with due regard to health and safety standards.
- Complete inspection sheets and all log entries and airworthiness certifications in accordance with the Maintenance Control Manual and Maintenance Policy Manual.
- Report any Service Difficulty Reports to the Director of Maintenance.
- Verify that all components or parts to be installed on an aircraft are properly certified and in a serviceable condition.
- Coordinate contract help to assist with maintenance and supervise unlicensed maintenance personnel as required.
- Maintain the level of aircraft spares issued by requesting replacements from the Store Coordinator or Director of Maintenance when used, and document and return unserviceable or repairable items to stores.
- Communicate and order part requirements to the maintenance department, and maintain tools in good working order and manuals up to date.
- Forward all inspection sheets, flight times, additional work sheets, and other applicable maintenance information to the main base daily.
- Provide logistical support to product line field operations as necessary and maintain good housekeeping standards.
- Promote a positive HSE culture, set a personal example on all HSE matters, and report any incidents, near misses, or hazards.
- Read, understand, and work safely in accordance with HSE policies, processes, procedures, and rules, and actively participate in the HSE management system.
- Maintain training and licence currency, and understand that responsibility for HSE resides with every individual.
Skills & Qualifications
- Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence, suitably endorsed.
- Experience with similar aircraft types is an asset.
- General aviation experience is an asset.
- Ability to read and write English.
- A radio licence is an asset.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Teamwork and cooperation skills, including building trust, influencing, and interpersonal and intercultural awareness.
4. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (DHC-8 Northern Operations)
Sitting at the intersection of licensed AME practice and remote fleet operations, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer conducts maintenance on DHC-8 aircraft and components in accordance with applicable standards of airworthiness for Summit Air's growing fleet in Central and Northern Canada. Operating across maintenance tracking, parts coordination, and Dispatch scheduling, this role builds the recordkeeping accuracy and technical reliability that sustain airworthiness across challenging northern routes.
Duties
- Conduct maintenance on fleet aircraft or aircraft components in accordance with applicable standards of airworthiness.
- Troubleshoot faulty systems.
- Track and plan maintenance activities and coordinate with Dispatch as required.
- Maintain spares package through communication with the stores department.
- Maintain aircraft records using a computerised maintenance tracking system.
- Ensure the completeness and accuracy of all required paperwork.
Requirements
- Transport Canada AME Licence M2 required.
- Endorsement on the DHC 100/200/300 series aircraft is required.
- Minimum one year of licensed AME experience, preferably working with larger aircraft.
- Previous experience with DHC-8.
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing requirements.
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Proven observational, decision-making, and time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven leadership skills.
5. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Commercial Aircraft Structures)
A key member of the structures maintenance team, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer leads the inspection, repair, and modification of aircraft structures on large commercial aircraft, including Boeing types, in accordance with Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives, and the Structural Repair Manual. Collaborating across technical and shift-lead levels, this role enables compliant, on-time structural maintenance outcomes that protect airworthiness and operational continuity.
Functions
- Inspect and complete repairs of aircraft structures in accordance with Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives, aircraft manuals, and engineering drawings.
- Inspect and assess corrosion and damage to aircraft structures.
- Design and lay out repairs according to the Structural Repair Manual.
- Fabricate sheet metal parts, construct and set up jigs and fixtures, and install fasteners.
- Repair, replace, and modify metal alloy and composite structures, and treat metals and corrosion.
- Source and use correct composite materials for bonding a fastener or simple repair, and source appropriate calibrated tooling for the job.
- Assemble and fit parts, and complete ERP processes and procedures correctly.
- Ensure appropriate documentation is completed accurately and on time, and submit to a senior technician or shift lead for approval.
- Source required technical information in maintenance manuals.
- Understand and apply the Risk Management System, Health and Safety Policies, and safe handling practices with the aircraft.
- Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment and maintain good housekeeping and cleanliness standards.
Education & Experience
- Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) Licence.
- Minimum five years of experience performing maintenance and/or modifications on commercial aircraft, including large Boeing aircraft; or equivalent foreign licence with minimum seven years of experience.
- Minimum ten years of experience without a licence.
- Demonstrated organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with intranet systems.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Able to effectively train apprentices.
- Ability to accept constructive criticism, learn organisational systems and workflow, and meet the physical demands of the position.
- Flexibility to work any type of shift rotation.
- Work is conducted in English.
6. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (DHC-6 Float Plane Line Maintenance)
Strong fleet reliability for DHC-6, DHC-2, C182, and B300C aircraft depends on the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, who removes, installs, and functionally tests aircraft components while maintaining accurate work orders and inventory across AMO parts stores in compliance with Transport Canada regulations. Based within an AMO environment and reporting through maintenance management, this role builds the audit-ready recordkeeping and parts tracking discipline that sustains operational airworthiness across a specialist fleet.
Accountabilities
- Observe all Transport Canada Civil Aviation regulations and applicable AMO policy and procedures when performing any job duty.
- Ensure all maintenance activities are controlled per AMO procedures and performed in accordance with the manufacturer's latest instructions.
- Remove, install, and functionally test aircraft components, and dismantle and assemble aircraft systems for repair and overhaul.
- Remove aircraft control systems, check rigging, reassemble, diagnose and troubleshoot aircraft defects, and implement corrective action.
- Complete records of work performed to sustain an accurate work order system, ensuring technical records are originated and retained in alignment with all inspection and maintenance requirements.
- Update maintenance tracking applications and provide up-to-date maintenance summaries to relevant personnel.
- Implement corrective action plans related to audit findings as assigned.
- Utilise the parts tracking and inventory control system for first-line aircraft parts stores, AMO consumable stores, and the quarantine store to ensure adequate tracking and inventory of all required products.
- Perform work in a productive, diligent, careful, and safe manner, and work in compliance with all administrative, health, and safety policies and procedures.
- Support and contribute to strategic and operational business objectives and the positive culture and growth of the organisation.
Technical Qualifications
- Valid Transport Canada M1 or M1/M2 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence required.
- Experience performing line maintenance on DHC-6, DHC-2, and C182 types.
- Experience performing line maintenance on PT6A-34 and PT6A-60 engines and Wipline Amphibious floats.
- Experience performing line maintenance on B300C is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting blueprints and written technical instructions.
- Experience with the full Microsoft Office suite.
7. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Boeing 737/787 Line Maintenance)
As the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, this role owns line maintenance across furnishings, mechanical, avionics, and structures on Boeing 737, 787, and Q400 aircraft, requiring proficient use of maintenance programs and Microsoft Office applications to meet operational demands. The line maintenance team relies on this work to sustain safe, schedule-driven operations through sound decision-making, effective communication, and a commitment to teamwork and safety.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Carry out daily tasks and duties as assigned, including working on furnishings, mechanical, avionics, and structures as needed.
- Troubleshoot aircraft systems effectively and manage time to meet operational demands.
- Make safe and sound decisions while following documented policies and procedures.
- Communicate effectively with others and maintain excellent organisational skills.
- Multitask and handle changing priorities under extreme pressure.
- Take ownership and responsibility when stressful situations arise, and recognise and learn from mistakes.
- Commit to teamwork and a safety-oriented atmosphere.
- Use various maintenance programs and Microsoft Office applications proficiently.
Position Requirements
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence with M2 rating required.
- Minimum two years of experience, with endorsement on Boeing 737 and/or 787 and/or Q400 or equivalent aircraft type preferred.
- Broad range of experience, including electrical, navigation, and flight controls required.
- Ability to obtain an Airport Restricted Area Pass issued by Transport Canada and an AVOP.
- Medical fitness to wear all safety equipment, including respirator apparatus.
- Flexibility to work shift work and overtime, and the ability to travel when required.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment alcohol and drug screening.
8. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (C208 Structures & Field Repair)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer delivers structural and field repair work on C208 and DHC-6 aircraft, performing sheet metal, composite, and other structural tasks at domestic and international locations in accordance with the Maintenance Policy Manual and applicable regulations. The work directly supports the maintenance group's operational continuity by ensuring apprentices are supervised and mentored, hazards are reported, and fleet issues are identified through regular coordination with maintenance managers.
Key Deliverables
- Maintain aircraft as directed within the scope of licence, capabilities, and authority granted in accordance with the Maintenance Policy Manual and applicable regulations.
- Perform sheet metal, composite, or other structural work on various aircraft and components as required.
- Record all work done on appropriate forms and provide an ACA release as required.
- Supervise, mentor, and train apprentices as required.
- Confer with maintenance manager(s) to identify aircraft, shop, and field issues and discuss maintenance requirements and solutions.
- Understand, comply with, and promote all company policies and procedures, including the reporting of hazards and incidents encountered during daily operations.
- Assist in activities carried out by the maintenance group and maintain a positive attitude toward personal and professional growth.
- Travel to domestic and international locations to perform repairs in the field as required.
Professional Experience
- Valid Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence type "S" required.
- Experience on C208 and DHC-6 aircraft is a definite asset.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Aility to multitask, meet deadlines, and work after hours occasionally as required.
- Valid passport and driver's licence required.
- Ability to obtain a Transport Canada restricted area pass.
Editorial Process and Content Quality
This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.
Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.
Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.
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