Career as an Aircraft Engine Technician in India: Salary, Courses and How to Begin

Aviation & Aerospace Engineering

Updated

At a glance

An aircraft engine technician inspects, repairs, overhauls and tests aircraft engines to keep them safe; in India many start with a Class 12 PCM diploma or an ITI course, then earn a DGCA licence.

An aircraft engine technician inspects, repairs, overhauls and tests the engines that power aircraft, making sure they are safe before and after every flight. It is a hands-on career for students who want to work in aviation without training as a pilot.

Demand is steady. Airlines and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities keep hiring, and recent news points to more engine work in India, including a global engine MRO facility inaugurated in Hyderabad in November 2025 and a GE contract with the Indian Air Force to set up an engine repair facility in India for the Tejas aircraft.

The work is shift-based and demanding. A 2024 ET Infra report noted that Indian aircraft technicians still face career challenges despite the sector's growth, so this path suits students who are careful, patient and willing to keep learning. Licensing and training rules matter, so plan the qualification route early.

Minimum Qualification
Class 10 with ITI, or Class 12 with PCM
Typical Degree
Diploma or B.Sc/B.Tech in Aircraft Maintenance
Expected Entry Salary
To be verified (see editor notes)
Entry-level to Senior
Rises with licence and experience (figures TBC)
Job Demand Growth
Steady demand from airlines and MRO facilities
Work Hours
Shift-based, may include nights and weekends
Places of Work
Airline hangars, MRO facilities, airports, defence

What Does an Aircraft Engine Technician Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Inspect engine components for wear, cracks, corrosion and leaks, using visual checks and borescope tools

  • Carry out scheduled maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, and fix defects found during checks

  • Remove, install and replace engine parts and modules by following the maintenance manual

  • Check torque, clearances and settings with precision tools, and record every task in the logbook

  • Diagnose faults reported by pilots or ground crew and help decide whether an engine is fit to fly

  • Test engines on the ground after work, and certify completed tasks as per regulatory rules

Where They Work

Most aircraft engine technicians in India work for airlines' engineering departments and their subsidiaries, such as Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL), which has recruited technicians in drives of around 100 posts. Line maintenance teams work at major airports across the country, often on night shifts when aircraft are on the ground.

MRO facilities, engine overhaul shops and defence establishments are the other major employers. Recent openings include the Hyderabad engine MRO facility and the GE and Indian Air Force engine repair work, and HAL advertised technician vacancies in 2025. Many Indian technicians also work for Gulf and other foreign airlines, which have run large hiring drives.

How to Become an Aircraft Engine Technician in India?

After Class 10

You can join an ITI course in Aircraft Maintenance, usually a 2-year trade course, or a polytechnic diploma in aircraft maintenance at some institutes. Both build hands-on skills early (verify current intake rules with each institute).

After Class 12

Choose Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). This opens diploma and degree programmes in aircraft maintenance or aerospace engineering, which are the most common routes for engineering-led careers.

Undergraduate or Diploma

Complete a diploma (about 3 years) or a B.Sc or B.Tech programme with practical training in engine labs and workshops. Choose courses approved for aircraft maintenance training, as these are needed for the licence.

Licence / Certification

Complete DGCA-approved training and exams to earn the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence. Trainees generally work under supervision until they are licensed (verify current DGCA rules before publishing).

First Job

Apply to airlines, MRO facilities and HAL for trainee or technician roles. Early work on engine inspections and minor repairs builds the experience needed for senior and supervisory roles.

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Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) for most diploma, degree and AME courses

  • ITI route generally accepts Class 10 pass, usually in aircraft maintenance or a related trade (verify with each institute)

  • Commerce or arts students usually need a bridge course or an ITI route; check each institute's rules

Minimum Qualification

  • Class 12 pass with PCM for diploma and degree programmes, or Class 10 pass for ITI

  • Typically around 50% aggregate marks, but this varies by institute (verify)

  • Medical fitness, including vision and hearing checks, is usually required before licensing (verify)

  • Licence: DGCA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence after approved training and examinations

Courses and Degrees for Aircraft Engine Technician

  • Diplomas
    • Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (about 3 years)
    • Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (about 3 years)
    Undergraduate Degrees
    • B.Sc in Aviation Maintenance (3 years)
    • B.Tech in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (4 years)
    • B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering (4 years)
    Vocational and ITI
    • ITI Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic (about 2 years, after Class 10)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • DGCA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineer training (duration varies by programme)
    • Engine-specific type training from manufacturers or airlines (duration varies)

Skills Required to Become an Aircraft Engine Technician

Technical Skills

  • Aircraft engine systems and components
  • Reading maintenance manuals, drawings and technical documents
  • Borescope and visual inspection techniques
  • Precision measurement and torque tools
  • Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting
  • Maintenance documentation and logbook entries
  • Safety and regulatory compliance procedures

Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork across shifts
  • Discipline with safety procedures
  • Clear communication with crew and supervisors
  • Stamina for shift and night work
  • Calm problem-solving under time pressure

Aircraft Engine Technician Salary in India

0-2 years (typical)

Entry Level

To be verified

  • Typical job titles: Trainee Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Technician, Engine Technician Trainee
  • Work: assists senior engineers with inspections, borescope checks and minor engine repairs under supervision

3-7 years (typical)

Mid Level

To be verified

  • Typical job titles: Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Engine Technician, Line Maintenance Engineer
  • Work: signs off routine tasks, troubleshoots engine faults and supervises small teams

8+ years (typical)

Senior Level

To be verified

  • Typical job titles: Lead Engine Technician, Shift In-charge, Maintenance Supervisor
  • Work: manages an engine shop or line maintenance team, approves work, trains juniors and plans overhauls

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Certifies that aircraft and engines are fit to fly after maintenance work.

Engine Shop Technician

Strips, repairs and reassembles engine modules in an overhaul facility.

Line Maintenance Technician

Carries out turnaround checks and quick fixes on aircraft at airports between flights.

Borescope Inspector

Uses specialist cameras to inspect the inside of engines without taking them apart.

Engine Test Cell Technician

Runs and monitors engines on test beds after overhaul or repair.

Maintenance Trainer

Teaches apprentices and new technicians on engine systems and safety rules.

Scope and Future of Aircraft Engine Technician in India

Demand for engine technicians is steady. Airlines keep hiring for line and base maintenance, and a 2026 report on airline pay said airlines were struggling to find enough skilled technicians, a trend that is visible in Indian and Gulf hiring drives. Growth is strongest where engine work is being localised, such as the new engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, which was inaugurated in November 2025, and the GE and Indian Air Force agreement for engine repair for the Tejas aircraft.

Technicians with a licence and experience in engine overhaul, borescope inspection or engine testing are best placed to move into supervisory, quality and training roles. Women are also entering the field: news reports from Karnataka and Kochi-based teams show women working on the tarmac and in aviation maintenance, which widens the pool of talent the industry needs.

Foreign options are also open. Gulf carriers such as Emirates have run large hiring drives across Asia, Europe and the UAE in 2026. Working abroad usually needs a licence recognised in that country, so students should plan their licensing route with that in mind.

Is Aircraft Engine Technician
the Right Career for You?

Aircraft Engine Technician can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

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Aircraft Engine Technician: Frequently Asked Questions

Is aircraft engine technician a good career in India?

It can be a good career for students who like hands-on technical work and do not want to become pilots. Demand from airlines and maintenance facilities is steady, and new engine repair work in India adds opportunities. The job involves shift work and strict safety rules, and a 2024 ET Infra report noted that technicians still face career challenges, so think about the working conditions as well as the pay.

Can I become an aircraft engine technician after Class 12 with Commerce?

Most aircraft maintenance diplomas and degrees expect Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Commerce or arts students usually need a bridge course or should check whether an institute accepts their subjects. The ITI route is another option after Class 10. Confirm each institute's subject rules before you apply.

Do I need a DGCA licence to work on aircraft engines?

In India, certifying work on aircraft generally requires a DGCA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence, which follows approved training and examinations. Trainees usually work under a licensed engineer's supervision until they are licensed. Rules change, so check the current DGCA requirements before you plan your course.

Is an ITI or a diploma better for this career?

An ITI course is shorter and gives early hands-on skills after Class 10. A diploma or degree after Class 12 gives a broader technical base and can lead to supervisory and licensed roles more easily. Many students choose the diploma or degree route if they want long-term growth. Choose based on your marks, budget and career goals.

What is the salary of an aircraft engine technician in India?

Pay depends on the employer, location, licence and experience. Entry-level technicians usually earn less than licensed engineers, and senior supervisors earn the most. Current salary figures from airline job listings and salary reports are the best guide, so check recent postings from airlines such as Air India or AIESL before you decide.

Are there jobs for women as aircraft engine technicians?

Yes. Women are working as aircraft maintenance staff in India, including on airport tarmacs and in aviation engineering roles in Karnataka and elsewhere. The field is still male-dominated, but employers and news reports show that women are entering it, and skills in precision work and safety are valued across the sector.

Can I work abroad as an aircraft engine technician?

Yes, Gulf and other foreign airlines hire aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians, and 2026 hiring drives have covered Asia, Europe and the UAE. Each country has its own licensing rules, so a DGCA licence may need to be validated or re-examined. Check the specific requirements of the country and employer before you apply.

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