Discovering the role of Aeronautics Process Technicians and Production Process Validation Leaders

There are numerous steps in the aircraft assembly chain. This key part of the aeronautical sector can only function effectively with the help of the support functions. They play a vital role in ensuring that all the pieces of the industrial jigsaw fit together perfectly. These strategic positions include aeronautics process technicians and production process validation leaders, complementary professions that are part of the back office.

This month, we had the chance to meet some Derichebourg aeronautics services employees in these positions: Nona, Laurie-Anne, Laurence and Marie. Four women in a sector that is still male-dominated.

Nona works as an aeronautics process technician, a kind of translator liaising between engineering and the field.

Her job consists in preparing instruction sheets for the workers and drawing up industrial processes (assembly instructions) based on design office plans, to enable the on-site staff to assemble parts on the aircraft, in her case the A321. She tells us: "I've been fascinated by aeronautics ever since I was a child and have always wanted to work in this sector. After a Baccalaureate in science and technology (STI2D) and a BTS diploma in technical engineering assistance on a work/study course, I signed my first permanent contract with Derichebourg aeronautics services, where I was trained as an aeronautics process technician from the moment I arrived."

The job has met all her expectations, based on learning more and more about the sector, and "this is entirely true today", she tells us.

Marie, Laurence and Laurie-Anne are production process validation (PPV) leaders. This is still a very new profession that has only been around for the last couple of years.

Their role is to validate the assembly processes implemented by the workers on the aircraft. They check that the procedures applied in the field comply with the manufacturing orders given by process technicians such as Nona, and report back to them to enable changes to be made if necessary.

Marie explains: "I wasn't initially in the aeronautical industry at all. I began my higher education with a BTS diploma as a management assistant, then did a bit of temping in the aeronautical industry, but that was completely by chance. Then I had a few personal plans, including an extended trip abroad, and when I returned Derichebourg aeronautics services invited me to come and do the CQPM qualification for aeronautical process technician and work as a PPV. I've now been a temp/trainee for nine months."

As for Laurence, she moved into aeronautics slightly later in life.

With a CAP certificate in shorthand and typing, she spent the first 10 years of her working life bringing up her children, before spending 20 years as a medical-psychological assistant. "An assessment of my skills made me realise that I had to turn to a more manual profession. It also highlighted how meticulous I was, and that's how I came to take a CAP as an aircraft fitter. Then I worked for a subcontractor for 15 years. After that, a friend at Airbus told me about several job openings in the aeronautics sector, and I applied to Derichebourg aeronautics services to do the same CQPM as Marie."

Because the PPV profession is still very recent, there is not really a dedicated diploma for it at the moment. Marie and Laurence are therefore preparing to take the CQPM for aeronautical process technician (one-year work/study course), which will also qualify them to do the PPV job.

Laurie-Anne is also working in a PPV position; she has just completed her trial period and signed a permanent contract: "I've had many different jobs in my life, from entertainment to catering, and I was even manager of a watch and jewellery business for six years. But with the arrival of my daughter, I wanted a change of pace and because I like to challenge myself, I decided to change sector. I started out in the aeronautical industry on a one-and-a-half month assignment as a cabin quality inspector, then took part in the most recent aeronautical Job Dating event organised by Derichebourg aeronautics services at the Stade Toulousain, where I heard about the methods technician and PPV jobs. Following this, I asked if I could come and work for a day to find out about the careers and see a bit more behind the scenes, and I chose PPV. As I'm fairly self-taught, it didn't bother me at all to learn directly on the job without doing the CQPM". She then took the job straight away, guided by a mentor in the early stages.

All four agree that their jobs are dynamic, with new situations encountered every day: "There's never a dull moment in the back office. It's an environment we love to work in, and we're proud to see more and more women in this sector."

This immersion in the world of aeronautical process technicians and process production validation leaders at Derichebourg aeronautics services has revealed some inspiring career paths and a shared affinity for aeronautics. Nona, Laurie-Anne, Laurence and Marie are the unacknowledged but essential guardians of precision and quality in aircraft assembly.

Through their dedication and expertise, these women are shattering stereotypes in a sector that is still predominantly male. Their presence and success are proof that diversity enriches and energises the aeronautical industry. Their support helps optimise, humanise and advance the assembly line. Although it often takes place behind the scenes, their work is essential to ensure that each aircraft taking to the skies is the result of a harmonious and meticulous collaboration. Through their stories and their passion, they inspire others to pursue careers in aeronautics with fervour and determination.