Aviation Structures Mechanic

Structures Mechanic

Our client is seeking an experienced Structures Mechanic to perform heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft as part of a high-visibility Navy program. You will work at the depot level on complex airframe structures, using advanced drilling and sheet-metal techniques on composite, titanium, and aluminum components to support service life extension and modernization of Super Hornet fighter jets.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy structural repairs, depot-level maintenance, and major checks on F/A-18 aircraft, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications.
• Carry out aircraft modifications and service life extension work, including block 3 modifications that upgrade aircraft toward 5th generation fighter capabilities.
• Execute structural repairs and sheet-metal modifications on airframe components, including composite, titanium, and aluminum structures.
• Use carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling, ensuring precision and adherence to engineering specifications.
• Use high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling, following prescribed diameters and tolerances.
• Inspect, identify, and repair structural discrepancies and corrosion on F/A-18 aircraft structures in accordance with technical data and maintenance manuals.
• Perform depot-level and heavy maintenance checks, ensuring all work meets quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Support aircraft heavy maintenance activities, including disassembly, repair, reassembly, and functional checks of structural components.
• Work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical publications to complete structural repairs and modifications accurately.
• Collaborate with other technicians and teams in an open-bay maintenance environment to meet production schedules and program milestones.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working with power tools, drills, and reamers on aircraft structures.
• Adapt to assigned shift schedules and overtime requirements to support program and operational needs.

Essential Skills

• 38+ years of recent experience performing depot-level or heavy checks on aircraft, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications.
• Proven experience as a structures mechanic or sheet-metal technician working on military, jet, or fighter aircraft.
• Hands-on experience performing aircraft heavy maintenance and depot-level maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to perform structural repairs, sheet-metal modifications, and corrosion repair on aircraft.
• Proficiency using carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling.
• Proficiency using high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling with specified diameters and tolerances.
• Experience working on aircraft modifications and structural upgrades in a maintenance or depot environment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail when working on critical aircraft structures.
• Ability to work safely in an open-bay, non-climate-controlled hangar environment.
• Willingness to work any shift, including first or second shift, and to perform overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on F/A-18, F/A-18F, F-18, or Super Hornet fighter jets.
• Experience in military aviation maintenance, including experience with Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps aircraft.
• Prior experience with aircraft corrosion detection and repair.
• Exposure to aircraft heavy maintenance for major aerospace platforms.
• Familiarity with depot-level aircraft maintenance processes and documentation.
• Previous experience working with or around major aerospace organizations or defense programs.

Why Work Here?

Our client offers the opportunity to contribute directly to a premier Navy fighter program in a location that is becoming a central hub for F-18 service life modification. You will work on advanced block 3 modifications that enhance aircraft toward 5th generation capabilities, giving you exposure to some of the most tactical aircraft in the U.S. Navy inventory. The role provides the chance to deepen your expertise in complex structural work, collaborate with experienced aviation professionals, and build a long-term career on a high-impact defense program.

Work Environment

You will work for our client in an open-bay, non-climate-controlled hangar environment focused on F/A-18 aircraft maintenance and modification. The facility operates multiple shifts, with a first shift from Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and a second shift from Monday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with optional overtime available. You must be open to working any assigned shift. Work involves extensive use of drills, reamers, and other sheet-metal and structural tools on composite, titanium, and aluminum aircraft components. The environment is hands-on and production-focused, with aircraft in various stages of heavy maintenance and modification. Steel-toed shoes are required, and you may expense up to $100 per year toward steel-toed footwear.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Antonio, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026.