Aircraft Structures Mechanic Assembler

Aircraft Structures Mechanic (Multiple Shifts)

This role focuses on assembling and maintaining complex aircraft sheet metal structures and subassemblies for various aviation programs. You will build new assemblies, prepare and install fasteners, perform detailed inspections, and support structural repairs and modifications in a fast-paced, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.

Shifts:

• 1st Shift: Monday Thursday | 5:00 AM 3:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: Monday Thursday | 3:30 PM 2:00 AM
• 3rd Shift: Friday Sunday | 5:00 AM 5:30 PM

Pay: $22 - $32/hr (DOE and shift)

Responsibilities:

• Assemble aircraft sheet metal assemblies and subassemblies, including mating stress-critical joints in accordance with engineering requirements.
• Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, sketches, operation station sheets, and engineering drawings to determine the correct sequence of operations, fastener types, sizes, and hole patterns.
• Align and build large and complex assemblies and subassemblies using manufacturing jigs and fixtures to maintain precise alignment and structural integrity.
• Prepare holes for fastener installation by drilling, countersinking, dimpling, reaming, and chamfering on complex structural assemblies while minimizing quality defects.
• Install rivets using rivet guns and bucking bars, ensuring rivet sets are perpendicular to the fastener and bucking bars are parallel to the shop-formed tail, with no set or bar marks.
• Remove rivets using appropriate methods, including drilling through the rivet head and punching out the remaining shank, or using step-up drilling techniques to avoid damaging the structure.
• Maintain designed tolerances, edge distance, and pitch in accordance with engineering specifications and process requirements.
• Measure parts with micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions, and use check gauges to inspect holes and fastener tolerances.
• Apply structural sealants, including fillet and fay seals, in accordance with engineering and process specifications.
• Perform inspections and assessments of structural components, including analysis of scrap damage, corrosion, and wear, and document findings as required.
• Troubleshoot and rework major discrepancies, performing structural repairs and modifications as needed to meet design and customer requirements.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for repairs and modifications resulting from customer requests or design changes, collaborating with cross-functional teams as needed.
• Collaborate closely with Production Supervisors and engineering teams to implement modifications and upgrades that improve performance, manufacturability, and safety.
• Follow process specifications provided by engineering for sealing, fastener installation, torque, and other specialized operations.
• Use Clecos and other temporary fasteners in appropriate sizes and colors to secure parts during assembly.
• Work with thin aircraft materials, including approximately 0.300-inch sheet metal thickness, in both new build and maintenance environments.
• Support aircraft assembly and maintenance activities in alignment with military standards and aviation maintenance practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and adhere to all safety, quality, and production procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production schedules and program requirements.

Essential Skills:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Hands-on experience with aircraft sheet metal assembly and new build aircraft assembly.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, sketches, and operation station sheets.
• Proficiency in building new assemblies and subassemblies using jigs and fixtures.
• Demonstrated skill in drilling, countersinking, dimpling, reaming, chamfering, and hole preparation for a variety of aircraft fasteners.
• Knowledge of proper hole preparation standards, including clean, round holes within tolerance and free of angularity.
• Proficiency in installing rivets using rivet guns and bucking bars while maintaining correct alignment and avoiding tool marks.
• Ability to remove rivets using multiple methods, including direct drilling and step-up drilling techniques.
• Familiarity with common drill bit sizes and corresponding rivet sizes, such as #40 drill bit for #3 rivet, #30 for #4 rivet, #21 for #5 rivet, and 3/16 drill bit for #6 rivet.
• Knowledge of common Cleco sizes and colors, including #40 (silver), #30 (bronze), #21 (black), and #10 (gold).
• Ability to identify and interpret different drawing line types, such as visible lines, hidden lines, leader lines, extension lines, dimension lines, cutting plane lines, and viewing plane lines.
• Understanding of the purpose and content of engineering drawings, including geometry, dimensions, materials, and tolerances.
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools, including portable riveting guns, pneumatic guns, pneumatic drills, countersinks, rivet shavers, files, reamers, C-squeezes, ratchet wrenches, nut runners, torque wrenches, crimpers, cable tools, and other related hand tools.
• Experience measuring parts with micrometers, calipers, and using check gauges to verify hole and fastener tolerances.
• Ability to apply structural sealants, including fillet and fay seals, in accordance with engineering instructions.
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance, inspection practices, and military aircraft or military maintenance standards.
• Ability to follow process specifications for sealing, fastener installation, torque, and related operations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for identifying, assessing, and correcting structural discrepancies, damage, corrosion, and wear.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience working on programs such as F-16, A-10, Bell AH-1Z, or 767 aircraft is highly beneficial.
• Experience in new build aircraft assembly and structural repair in a production or maintenance environment.
• Experience working with thin aircraft materials and complex structural assemblies.
• Familiarity with engineering-driven process specifications and adherence to detailed procedural documentation.
• Comfort working in a deadline-driven, high-output manufacturing environment with frequent overtime.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with production, engineering, and quality teams.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship and safety.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, customer requirements, and design changes.

Why Work Here?

You will join a rapidly growing aerospace organization that offers long-term opportunities and clear paths for growth once you convert to a permanent role. The facility is highly organized, clean, and well-lit, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The company provides all necessary tools and measuring equipment, along with a climate-controlled environment that supports comfort and productivity. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a setting that values craftsmanship, technical excellence, and career development.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a modern, climate-controlled aerospace manufacturing facility that supports multiple aircraft programs. Multiple shifts are available, including 1st shift (MondayThursday, 5:00 a.m.3:30 p.m.), 2nd shift (MondayThursday, 3:30 p.m.2:00 a.m.), and a 3rd weekend shift (FridaySunday, 5:00 a.m.5:30 p.m., paid for 40 hours). The environment is deadline-intensive, and overtime is required in most positions to meet production and customer demands. The facility is very organized, clean, and well-lit, and the company provides all tools and measuring instruments needed to perform the work. Safety requirements include steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and hearing protection where required. The dress code includes closed-toe shoes, long pants, and t-shirts that are appropriate and non-vulgar.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Jacksonville, FL.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $24.0