Structural Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Drone Technician

Job Description

The Structural Technician builds and assembles composite, plywood, and metallic structures by following engineering drawings and detailed work instructions. This role focuses on precision drilling, countersinking, hole preparation, surface preparation, adhesive bonding, and installation of structural fasteners to exact tolerances and specifications. The technician contributes directly to high-quality aerospace and defense products by performing mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly, inspection, and troubleshooting in a structured, quality-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and detailed work instructions to perform structural assembly tasks.
• Perform precision drilling, countersinking, and hole preparation on composite, plywood, and metallic structures to specified drawing tolerances.
• Prepare surfaces for structural adhesive bonds, including cleaning, abrading, and masking as required, and apply structural adhesives according to procedures.
• Install structural fasteners such as rivets, blind fasteners, and threaded inserts, ensuring correct torque, spacing, and alignment in accordance with specifications.
• Trim composite and plywood parts, edges, and bond lines to net dimensions while maintaining tight tolerances and high-quality finishes.
• Use hand tools, torque tools, calipers, micrometers, and other measurement devices to assemble components and verify dimensional accuracy.
• Perform mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly tasks, including fitting, aligning, and securing components into subassemblies and final assemblies.
• Conduct quality inspection activities to confirm that parts, assemblies, and processes meet engineering and quality standards.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to ensure consistent, repeatable, and compliant assembly and inspection processes.
• Perform testing and basic troubleshooting on assemblies to identify issues and verify proper function.
• Apply root cause analysis methods to identify the source of defects or process issues and support corrective actions.
• Support preventive maintenance activities on tools and equipment to maintain reliability and accuracy.
• Work within ISO 9001, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma environments to support continuous improvement and high-quality production.
• Document work performed, inspection results, and any nonconformances in accordance with quality and engineering requirements.
• Collaborate with team members and experienced technicians to share knowledge, resolve technical issues, and improve processes.

Essential Skills

• Ability to work to engineering drawings and detailed work instructions with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in precision drilling, countersinking, and hole preparation on composite, plywood, and metallic structures to drawing tolerances.
• Ability to prepare surfaces for and apply structural adhesive bonds following specified procedures.
• Ability to install structural fasteners, including rivets, blind fasteners, and threaded inserts, to defined torque and spacing specifications.
• Capability to trim composite and plywood parts, edges, and bond lines to net dimensions while maintaining tight tolerances.
• Mechanical assembly experience, including fitting and aligning structural components.
• Electro-mechanical assembly experience, working with mechanical and basic electrical components.
• Strong blueprint reading skills and ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
• Experience using hand tools, torque tools, calipers, and micrometers for assembly and measurement.
• Quality inspection skills, including visual inspection and dimensional verification against specifications.
• Ability to follow SOPs and work instructions in a structured manufacturing or assembly environment.
• Troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve issues in assemblies and processes.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis techniques to support problem solving.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 quality systems and requirements.
• Experience working in or familiarity with lean manufacturing environments.
• Basic knowledge of Six Sigma principles.
• Ability to perform testing on assemblies to verify performance and functionality.
• Ability to support preventive maintenance activities on tools and equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced drone technology environments is beneficial.
• Comfort working with composite materials, plywood, and metallic structures in a production setting.
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies such as lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to participate in root cause analysis and process improvement initiatives.
• Ability to learn from experienced teams and adapt to evolving engineering and quality requirements.
• Interest in contributing to products that support real-world defense applications.

Work Environment

This role is based fully onsite in a structured manufacturing and assembly environment in Madison, AL. The technician works hands-on with advanced drone technology and aerospace-related composite, plywood, and metallic structures, using hand tools, torque tools, calipers, micrometers, and other precision equipment. The environment follows ISO 9001 standards and emphasizes lean manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, and continuous improvement. Team members collaborate closely with experienced technicians and engineers, gaining exposure to real-world defense products and modern production practices. Work is performed in a shop or production floor setting, following established safety procedures and standard operating practices.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, AL.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.