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Navy NEC · Aviation

I03A Test Cell Operator/Maintainer

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

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Overview

A Test Cell Operator/Maintainer operates aircraft engine test cells and portable test facilities to test and evaluate engine performance. They conduct pre-run-up inspections and powerplant tests, record and evaluate data, and perform periodic maintenance, corrosion control, and minor repairs on aircraft engine test systems.

Core Skills

  • Portable aircraft engine test facility operation
  • Pre-run-up inspection and powerplant testing
  • Engine performance data recording and evaluation
  • Test system corrosion control and minor repair

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Aircraft powerplant testing, pre-run-up inspection, and engine test-system maintenance provide a foundation for engine-focused aircraft maintenance work.

How to prepare: Compile your military experience records for FAA review toward the Powerplant rating. Certification requires age 18 or older, English proficiency, 18 months of appropriate practical experience or an accepted training route, and knowledge, oral, and practical tests; air carriers often require certification even though it is not required for every mechanic job.

What the civilian work involves
  • Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
  • Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Operating engine tests and evaluating performance data transfer directly to verifying the functioning of completed engines and machines.

How to prepare: Practice interpreting assembly blueprints and measuring component clearances to build the assembly skills that complement your engine-testing experience.

What the civilian work involves
  • Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
  • Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
  • Set and verify parts clearances.

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (4 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC I03A

    [1] NEC entry "I03A - Test Cell Operator/Maintainer"; cached text line 6565; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Portable aircraft engine test facility operation, Pre-run-up inspection and powerplant testing, Engine performance data recording and evaluation, Test system corrosion control and minor repair, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00), Engine and Other Machine Assemblers (O*NET 51-2031.00)

  2. O*NET: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00)

  3. FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic

    [3] Requirements and mechanic experience requirements

    Supports: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00)

  4. O*NET: Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

    [4] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Engine and Other Machine Assemblers (O*NET 51-2031.00)

Defense contractor jobs for I03A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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