Structures Mechanic

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Aircraft Structures Mechanic F/A-18 Heavy Maintenance and Modifications

Job Description

This role focuses on performing heavy structural repairs, depot-level maintenance, and complex modifications on F/A-18 fighter aircraft. You will work on advanced service life extension and block 3 modification programs, contributing directly to the modernization of some of the most tactical aircraft in the U.S. Navy inventory.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft in a depot-level environment.
• Execute aircraft heavy maintenance and depot-level checks, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications on various aircraft platforms.
• Carry out structural repairs and sheet-metal modifications in accordance with technical data, engineering drawings, and maintenance manuals.
• Use carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling, ensuring precision and structural integrity.
• Use high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum structures, following specified drill sizes and tolerances.
• Work with a range of drill sizes, including 1/8 (#30, .128), 5/32 (#20, .160), 3/16 (#10, .189), 1/4 (.240.255 diameter), and 5/16 (.305.312 diameter), to support structural assembly and repair tasks.
• Perform corrosion removal, treatment, and structural restoration on aircraft components as required.
• Support aircraft modifications and service life extension programs, including work on F/A-18F, F-18, and Super Hornet platforms.
• Collaborate with other structures mechanics, technicians, and maintenance personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work.
• Follow all safety procedures, quality standards, and maintenance documentation requirements while working in an open-bay maintenance environment.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support multiple tasks related to aircraft heavy maintenance and structural projects.

Essential Skills

• 38+ years of recent experience performing depot-level or heavy checks on aircraft, including equipment overhauls and modifications.
• Proven experience in aircraft heavy maintenance and depot-level maintenance.
• Hands-on experience with structural repairs, sheet-metal modifications, and structures mechanic work on military or commercial aircraft.
• Ability to perform structural work on fighter jets such as F/A-18F, F-18, and Super Hornet platforms.
• Proficiency using carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling.
• Proficiency using high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling.
• Ability to work accurately with specified drill sizes, including 1/8 (#30, .128), 5/32 (#20, .160), 3/16 (#10, .189), 1/4 (.240.255 diameter), and 5/16 (.305.312 diameter).
• Experience with aircraft structural corrosion work, including inspection, removal, and repair.
• Experienced in military, jet, structural, sheet metal, or aircraft technician roles, including experience supporting Air Force, Navy, Marines, or similar aviation operations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical drawings, work instructions, and maintenance documentation.
• Willingness and ability to work any assigned shift in a maintenance hangar environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on F/A-18F, F-18, Super Hornet, or similar fighter jet platforms.
• Prior exposure to aircraft modifications and service life extension programs.
• Experience with major aerospace or defense aircraft programs.
• Experience performing depot-level maintenance for military or defense-related aircraft fleets.
• Familiarity with aircraft corrosion control practices and structural restoration.
• Previous experience in environments such as Air Force, Navy, Marines, or other military aviation maintenance organizations.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to a flagship F-18 program that supports critical U.S. Navy operations, working in a location that is becoming a central hub for F-18 service life modification. This opportunity allows you to participate in cutting-edge block 3 modifications, helping to upgrade aircraft to 5th generation capabilities within one of the most advanced tactical fleets. You gain exposure to complex structural and modification work, expand your technical expertise, and build a career in a high-impact, mission-focused aviation environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in an open-bay, non-climate-controlled maintenance environment where you will work hands-on with F/A-18 aircraft and associated structural components. Two primary shifts are available: 1st shift runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 2nd shift runs Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with overtime available on an optional basis. You must be open to working any shift as operational needs require. The environment involves working around aircraft structures, drilling operations, and heavy maintenance equipment. Steel-toed shoes are required, and you may expense up to $100 per year for steel-toed footwear, supporting safety and compliance in the hangar.

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

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

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 San Antonio,TX.

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

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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

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.