Assembly

Aerotek; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Aircraft Structures Assembler for a contract-to-permanent role in Wichita, KS. You will assemble, modify, and install components, work from blueprints, and perform close tolerance drilling on sheet metal and composites in a climate-controlled environment.

You will set up equipment, document progress, and identify nonconforming parts while following safety requirements. Overtime opportunities are common on both shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent.
• 1–2 years related experience in aircraft structures or similar high-precision assemblies.
• 2–5 years complex assembly experience in aircraft structures.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication and close tolerance drilling.
• Ability to read blueprints and work orders.
• Experience with riveting and structural assembly methods.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, modify, and install aircraft components per specs.
• Drill close tolerance on sheet metal skins and composites.
• Set up and operate shop equipment and fixtures.
• Document data and track assembly progress.
• Identify nonconforming parts and elevate issues.
• Troubleshoot assembly issues and propose improvements.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Close tolerance drilling

Sheet metal fabrication

Composite assembly

Riveting

Precision measuring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Vocational training in trade

Tools

Drill motors

Rivet presses

Overhead cranes

Countersink cutters

Job description

Job Title: Aircraft Structures Assembler (Sheet Metal & Composite)

Job Description

This contract-to-permanent role focuses on assembling, modifying, and installing aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in support of a major commercial aircraft program. You will work with close tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins and composite structures, using blueprints, work orders, and specialized tools to meet strict quality and safety standards. The position offers full-time hours on either first or second shift in a climate-controlled production environment with regular overtime opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, modify, and install aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in accordance with customer requirements and internal specifications.

• Work from blueprints, specifications, and work orders to perform complex assembly and ensure all work meets quality and configuration requirements.

• Perform close tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins and composite structures, using appropriate tools and fixtures to maintain dimensional accuracy.

• Set up and operate various shop equipment, including drill motors, countersink cutters, squeezes, precision measuring tools, and floor‑mounted rivet presses.

• Complete required data collection and documentation to track assembly progress and maintain accurate records of work performed.

• Identify nonconforming parts, conditions, and manufacturing processes, and elevate issues in accordance with established procedures.

• Perform riveting, complex assembly, and unique shimming tasks on structures, frames, and composite assemblies, including 787 frames composite assembly and spares.

• Demonstrate the ability to assemble major components of sub‑assemblies and major assemblies, as well as smaller bench work assemblies.

• Troubleshoot issues that arise during assembly and contribute ideas to improve processes, quality, and efficiency.

• Move and obtain correct parts, materials, tools, and assemblies as needed to maintain workflow and minimize delays.

• Perform any required rework or changes incorporated during the assembly process, ensuring all modifications are properly documented.

• Follow all safety procedures when working near moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals.

• Communicate verbally with team members and supervisors regarding work status, issues, and process changes, and record process information as required.

• Use proper material handling equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes as needed to position parts and assemblies safely.

• Maintain a clean, organized work area and support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• One to two years of related experience and/or training in aircraft structures, sheet metal, or complex assembly, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two to five years of complex assembly experience, including work with aircraft structures or similar high‑precision assemblies.

• Two to five years of structures experience, preferably involving sheet metal, composite materials, or structural repairs.

• Hands‑on experience with sheet metal fabrication and assembly, including close tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins.

• Proficiency in interpreting and working from blueprints, specifications, and work orders.

• Experience with riveting and structural assembly methods using hand tools and powered tools.

• Ability to perform complex assembly tasks, including complex compound unique shimming and structural alignment.

• Familiarity with composite fabrication and composite materials used in aircraft structures.

• Ability to use precision measuring tools and equipment to verify dimensions and ensure quality.

• Strong time management skills to meet production schedules and manage multiple tasks.

• Ability to communicate verbally regarding work processes and issues with supervisors and team members.

• Ability to write and record process information clearly and accurately.

• Capability to safely operate equipment such as forklifts, drill presses, floor‑mounted rivet presses, and overhead cranes.

• Physical ability to regularly use hands, talk, and hear; frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; and occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Physical ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Six months of vocational training in a relevant trade or technical field.

• Previous experience working on major aircraft programs, particularly with large commercial airframe structures.

• Experience with 787 frames composite assembly or similar composite structural assemblies.

• Experience in structures mechanic work, including repair, modification, and assembly of aircraft structures.

• Experience working with complex assemblies and spares in an aerospace or similar high‑precision environment.

• Familiarity with composite fabrication processes and handling of composite materials.

• Exposure to high‑volume production environments with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.

• Comfort working in a loud manufacturing environment with vibration and occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly skilled team in a climate‑controlled aerospace manufacturing environment where quality, safety, and continuous improvement are top priorities. The role offers full‑time hours with consistent overtime opportunities, allowing you to grow your skills while contributing to a major commercial aircraft program. You can develop your expertise in advanced structures, composites, and complex assembly, while working with professional tools and equipment under established processes and support. The contract‑to‑permanent structure provides a pathway to long‑term stability and career growth for individuals who perform well and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, contract‑to‑permanent position in a climate‑controlled manufacturing facility focused on aircraft structures and composite assemblies. First shift typically runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime commonly available on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Second shift generally runs from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with additional work on Fridays and Saturdays as needed, targeting approximately 60 hours per week; second shift does not typically work on Sundays. The role involves regular use of equipment such as forklifts, drill presses, floor‑mounted rivet presses, overhead cranes, drill motors, countersink cutters, squeezes, and precision measuring tools. The environment includes frequent exposure to vibration and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Noise levels are usually loud, and appropriate hearing protection and safety equipment are provided and expected to be used. Employees are expected to wear steel toe boots in accordance with facility safety and dress requirements. The position requires standing and walking for extended periods, frequent reaching with hands and arms, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, with reasonable accommodations available as needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

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.