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.

• Works predominantly indoors but may work outside. May intermittently travel to other airports to carry out emergency repairs.
• Indoor work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated. Outdoor work is likely to be carried out in all weathers.
• Worksites will often be noisy and dirty, with aviation fuel fumes common.
• May work in confined spaces or on raised mobile platforms or ladders.
• Will utilise a variety of personal protective equipment including eye and ear protection.

• The physical demand is in the medium range.
• Standing is constantly required, often on concrete floors or up on platforms. Walking is frequently required. Sitting is not required.
• Stretching up and across is frequently required. Squatting, crouching or kneeling, bending and twisting of the body or neck are occasionally required. Lifting, carrying and holding in place a range of engine parts, tools and equipment is frequently required. Climbing ladders and work at height is occasionally required.
• Repetitive movements are frequently required especially in the use of hands and arms for screwing, holding and tightening but power tools are often used and tasks are intermittent.
• Driving is not a significant component of the job.
• On a frequent to constant basis use is made of a range of general engineering hand, power and machine tools and equipment, specialised aircraft mechanical equipment.
• Mental skills needed are technical, problem-solving and decision-making.

• To gain entry into an aircraft maintenance engineering traineeship employees need a National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (NZQ Level 3). Graduates usually then work towards achieving the National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (NZQ Level 4) while completing an apprenticeship (ANZSCO Skill Level 3).
• Not all aircraft maintenance engineers have to be licensed, but CAA requires all engineering and maintenance work carried out on aircraft to be done under the supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME).

There are limited opportunities for flexibility of movement.