Aircraft Structures Technician

Draken International; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

First-day medical coverage

401(k) match after 60 days

PTO from day one

Job summary

Draken International in Lakeland, Florida seeks an experienced Aircraft Structures Technician to maintain and repair the largest fleet of tactical military fighter jets. Read drawings, fabricate and install structural components, and ensure integrity and balance of aircraft.

The role requires 10+ years of related experience, precision fabrication skills, and the ability to work with engineering documentation. FAA license preferred; security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 10+ years of directly related aircraft sheet metal/structures experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and manuals.
• Ability to fabricate parts without drawings (ribs, stringers, skins).
• Ability to identify locations by station, butt-line, waterline per docs and orders.
• Ability to solve problems and install modifications per orders.
• Must maintain/obtain security clearance; FAA license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, manuals and notes.
• Perform structural pick-up, removal, replacement, or realignment of parts.
• Use drills, angle motors, shears, brakes, drill presses, riveters.
• Install and fit clamps, brackets, longerons, bulkheads, and components.
• Fabricate ribs, stringers, and skins; form and alter parts as needed.
• Assess structural parts to preserve integrity and balance aircraft.
• Advise on repairs, corrosion protection, and modifications.
• Document maintenance in automated systems.

Skills

Sheet metal experience

Precision measuring

Fabrication from drawings

Engineering docs interpretation

Problem solving

Shift flexibility

Security clearance readiness

Education

High School Diploma/GED

FAA Airframe/Powerplant License (preferred)

Tools

Metalworking equipment

Inspection tools (micrometers, calipers)

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: LAL - Lakeland, FL 33811At Draken, we have created a new standard in aviation service capabilities for all branches of the United States Military, Department of Defense and allied militaries globally. We are looking for a skilled, dedicated Aircraft Structures Technician to maintain and operate the largest fleet of commercial tactical military fighter jets as we challenge today’s warriors for tomorrow’s fight. If you’re looking to join a team with Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Teamwork at the core of its values,

We offer:

• First-day medical coverage;
• 401(k) match after 60 days, PTO available to use immediately

JOB OVERVIEW

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical manuals, structure repair manuals, and understanding of general notes.
• Perform difficult structural pick-up and rework such as removing, replacing or realigning ribs, longerons, bulkheads, stringers, or fittings in completed skinned assemblies.
• Perform tasks utilizing tools to include but not limited to drills, angle motors, shears, brake, drill press, and pneumatic riveter.
• Complete installation of and fit such items as clamps, brackets, angles, longerons, supports, bulkheads, and component parts.
• Perform forming, reforming, trimming, and altering of parts and structures as required. Fabricate detailed parts such as ribs, stringers, longerons, contoured skins, and combination repairs of skins and sub structures.
• Utilized knowledge of metal strength characteristics (annealing, tempering, and normalizing) to select proper materials for repair.
• Assess/assembles structural parts and components to meet requirements for preserving structural integrity.
• Advise on structural repair, modification, and corrosion protection treatment with respect to original strength, weight, and contour to maintain structural integrity.
• Ensure aircraft component balance is maintained.
• Assemble repairs using special fasteners and adhesives. Checks repairs for serviceability according to specifications and technical publications.
• Use metalworking equipment and tools to form, cut, bend, and fasten replacement or repair parts to damaged structures and components.
• Fabricates, repairs, and assembles tubing and cable assemblies
• Inspects structures and components and determines operational status. Interprets inspection findings and determines corrective action adequacy. Posts entries and maintains maintenance and inspection records.
• Uses automated maintenance systems. Inputs, validates, and analyzes data processed to automated systems. Clears and closes out completed maintenance discrepancies in automated maintenance systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED
• 10+ years of directly related aircraft sheet metal/structures experience
• Ability to work with precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and standard scales
• Ability to re-manufacture parts from scratch without drawings such as ribs, stringers and skins on aircraft flight controls
• Ability to identify aircraft locations by station, butt-line, and waterline as shown or engineering documentation and technical orders
• Ability to solve practical problems and work with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to install new modifications through engineering documentation and technical orders
• Ability to facilitate corrosion control through application and removal of protective coatings, treatments, markings, and decals on aircraft and support equipment using conventional spray‑painting equipment, brushes, rollers, and special applicators
• FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant License preferred
• Must be able to work various shifts
• Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Draken participates in E-Verify and applicants selected for employment will be required to provide proof of citizenship and identification.

https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/proof-us-citizenship-and-identification-when-applying-a-job

https://www.e-verify.gov

• Background Check required
• Drug Screening Required
• Security clearance may be required

EEO STATEMENT

Draken International is a drug‑free workplace committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

PAY TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise, have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information.

ACCESSIBILITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Draken International LLC. complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Draken International LLC. via email [e-mail] or in writing at 3330 Flightline Drive Lakeland, Florida 33811.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

Please note that Draken International LLC. does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Draken International LLC will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Draken International LLC explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Draken International LLC.