Ground Mechanical Engineer Fitters (GMEFITT) can be equated to civilian Fitter and Turners; but that’s where the similarity ends. As a GME Fitter you are not just involved in workshop maintenance activities but also in the maintenance of motor vehicles, materials handling equipment, refuelling equipment and installations, diagnosis and rectification of faults in mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems and the testing and servicing of Ground Support Equipment, workshop plant and machinery. This includes the manufacture of GSE, tools, jigs, dies, fixtures, and gauges and the repair and modification of selected motor transport components. GMEFITTs are also employed on duties that include the on-going maintenance, repair, modification and refurbishment of Aircraft Arrestor Systems and Small Arms Weapons. Advanced training may be available in the manufacture, modification and refurbishment of selected aircraft components using conventional and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines.

Working Conditions.

The working environment for GME personnel varies according to the equipment being used and the area of operations. Areas of operations may include workshops (MEOMS) Force Element Groups (FEGS) supporting Squadron activities, Headquarter (HQ) Units, training establishments, and field deployments within Australia and overseas. Generally, work is performed in fully equipped workshops that offer protection from adverse environmental conditions and provide the relevant support equipment necessary to accomplish a particular task (hoists, power/air tools, etc). However, due to the inherent nature of the mustering, combined with the unique nature of the Defence role, GME personnel may, on occasion, find themselves exposed to various uncomfortable working situations. Such situations can include working outdoors, inclement weather, working at heights, cramped or awkward working positions, confined working spaces, poor light conditions, dirt, grease, noise, vibration, and fumes emitted from aircraft and vehicles.

Hazards.

Inherent hazards exist associated with employment in the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) environment that are a potential source for personal injury. Such injuries could range from minor cuts to serious injuries inflicted by machinery, plant and equipment, skin and/or eye damage from chemicals, fuels and lubricants, electrical shocks and burning or scalding.

Training in Safe Working Practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are provided to afford protection and guidance for personnel working in hazardous areas.

Physical Effort.

The use of tools normally associated with the trade will usually be encountered on a daily basis. On occasions, heavy and awkward objects must be manoeuvred in and around confined spaces; therefore, a high level of physical co-ordination and manual dexterity is essential. Overall, a high level of accuracy and speed of movement is required in most tasks, particularly when operating machinery or machine tools.

Contact with Others.

Continual contact with Service and civilian personnel is encountered in this trade. Normal communication and co-operation skills are required to avoid workplace friction and to maintain effective working relations. Additionally, Defence maintains a defined rank structure in order to maintain discipline and provide managerial oversight. Therefore, protocols are in-place that need to be understood and respected.

Trade Criticality.

The duties of a Ground Mechanical Engineering tradesperson are critical to the operational effectiveness of the RAAF. The trade performs a critical role in exercising judgement to ensure continued integrity of selected aircraft, motor vehicle components, and ground support equipment.

Handling of Classified Documents and Equipment.

Engineering tradespeople may be required to handle classified documents and equipment.