Aircraft Structural Technician

Aerotek; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transit benefits

EAP

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Aircraft Structural Technician in Colorado Springs to perform heavy modifications and structural work on fixed-wing military aircraft in a climate-controlled, FAA-regulated hangar. The role requires aircraft structures and sheet metal expertise, along with the ability to read blueprints and pass a sheet metal skills assessment on day one.

The position is contract-to-hire, onsite, with a four-10 schedule and potential for direct hire based on program needs and performance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated aircraft structures and sheet metal experience, with 6 years of aviation structures experience if only military back ground, or at least 4 years total aviation structures experience if any civilian experience is included.
• Hands‑on experience in aircraft maintenance repair, particularly focused on structural and sheet metal work.
• Proficiency in sheet metal repair and fabrication techniques for aircraft structures.
• Experience with aircraft modification, including structural changes and installation of components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings related to aircraft structures and modifications.
• Skilled in the use of rivet guns and other riveting tools for aircraft sheet metal work.
• Ownership of a complete tool set with a shadowed toolbox, with tools etched or color-marked for tool control by Day One.
• Ability to pass a basic sheet metal test on the first day as a skills assessment.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform classified heavy modifications on fixed-wing military aircraft, primarily on C-130 and P-3 airframes.
• Carry out aircraft structural repair, sheet metal repair, and light to heavy modification tasks in accordance with aviation maintenance standards.
• Use sheet metal fabrication techniques, including cutting, forming, drilling, and fitting aircraft structural components.
• Operate riveting and fastening tools, including rivet guns and related equipment, to assemble and repair aircraft structures.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, technical drawings, and modification instructions to complete structural tasks accurately.
• Conduct depot-level and heavy maintenance activities on aircraft structures as required by program needs.
• Perform aviation maintenance and aviation modification work while adhering to FAA-regulated processes and quality standards.
• Complete a basic sheet metal skills assessment on Day One to demonstrate practical capabilities.
• Maintain and use a personally owned, shadowed toolbox with clearly etched or color-marked tools, ensuring tool control and accountability.
• Collaborate with team members across first and second shift as needed, remaining flexible to shift changes based on program demands.
• Support a long-term, open-ended contract program with the potential to transition to a direct hire role, contributing to ongoing aircraft programs and organizational growth.

Skills

Aircraft structures

Sheet metal work

Blueprints / drawings

Rivet guns

Shadowed toolbox

Security clearance

Depot maintenance

Modification work

Tools & precision

Tools

Rivet guns

Sheet metal tools

Job description

Job Title: Aircraft Structural Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on performing classified heavy modifications and structural work on fixed-wing military aircraft, ensuring they are upgraded with advanced technology and maintained to the highest standards of safety and reliability. You will work in a climate-controlled, FAA-regulated hangar environment on complex airframes, contributing directly to mission-critical aviation programs while following strict compliance and quality procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform classified heavy modifications on fixed-wing military aircraft, primarily on C-130 and P-3 airframes.
• Carry out aircraft structural repair, sheet metal repair, and light to heavy modification tasks in accordance with aviation maintenance standards.
• Use sheet metal fabrication techniques, including cutting, forming, drilling, and fitting aircraft structural components.
• Operate riveting and fastening tools, including rivet guns and related equipment, to assemble and repair aircraft structures.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, technical drawings, and modification instructions to complete structural tasks accurately.
• Conduct depot-level and heavy maintenance activities on aircraft structures as required by program needs.
• Perform aviation maintenance and aviation modification work while adhering to FAA-regulated processes and quality standards.
• Complete a basic sheet metal skills assessment on Day One to demonstrate practical capabilities.
• Maintain and use a personally owned, shadowed toolbox with clearly etched or color-marked tools, ensuring tool control and accountability.
• Collaborate with team members across first and second shift as needed, remaining flexible to shift changes based on program demands.
• Support a long-term, open-ended contract program with the potential to transition to a direct hire role, contributing to ongoing aircraft programs and organizational growth.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated aircraft structures and sheet metal experience, with 6 years of aviation structures (sheet metal) experience if only military back ground, or at least 4 years total aviation structures experience if any civilian experience is included.
• Hands‑on experience in aircraft maintenance repair, particularly focused on structural and sheet metal work.
• Proficiency in sheet metal repair and fabrication techniques for aircraft structures.
• Experience with aircraft modification, including structural changes and installation of components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings related to aircraft structures and modifications.
• Skilled in the use of rivet guns and other riveting tools for aircraft sheet metal work.
• Ownership of a complete tool set with a shadowed toolbox, with tools etched or color-marked for tool control by Day One.
• Ability to pass a basic sheet metal test on the first day as a skills assessment.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in depot-level maintenance and aviation heavy maintenance on military or civilian aircraft.
• Military aviation structures back ground with sheet metal repair and light modification experience, including candidates transitioning directly from military service.
• Experience in modification, heavy maintenance, and repair programs on complex aircraft.

Why Work Here?

You join a mission-driven organization that focuses on protecting those who serve, offering a long-term, open-ended contract with the opportunity to convert to a direct role. The company has experienced major growth for over a decade, creating strong career advancement potential and job security through large, multi-year aviation programs. You gain access to full medical benefits through the staffing partner, paid time off, and onsite representation dedicated to supporting contractors. The role also provides the opportunity to obtain or maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance, while working in a region recognized as one of the best places to live in the United States, with exceptional natural beauty, outdoor activities, national parks, and world-class ski resorts nearby.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a climate-controlled, FAA-regulated hangar that supports complex military aviation programs. The schedule is based on four 10-hour shifts per week, typically Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, with first shift running approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and second shift from about 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Most of the workforce is on first (day) shift, with a smaller portion on second (swing) shift, and flexibility is required to support second shift when needed. Overtime is often available depending on program requirements but is not guaranteed. The environment emphasizes safety, tool control, regulatory compliance, and structured processes, with access to specialized aviation tools and equipment appropriate for depot-level and heavy maintenance work on military aircraft.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $43.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Colorado Springs,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

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.

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.