IMMEDIATE HIRING- Sheet Metal Assembly

Aerotek; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

PTO

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Aircraft Structures Assembly Technician for 1st and 2nd shift in Wichita, KS. This contract-to-hire role focuses on assembling, drilling, and installing aircraft structures with close-tolerance precision in a climate-controlled shop environment.

Candidates must read blueprints, perform riveting, and manage documentation while adhering to safety and quality standards. The position offers two shifts and overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience with sheet metal fabrication and riveting.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and work orders.
• Experience with composite materials and aerospace applications is preferred.
• Must be able to stand, lift up to 25 pounds, and work in a loud production environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, specs, and work orders to assemble sheet metal and composite structures.
• Perform close-tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins and composites.
• Assemble, modify, and install aircraft components and sub-assemblies.
• Document progress and process compliance.

Skills

Sheet metal fabrication

Riveting

Aircraft assembly methods

Close-tolerance drilling

Blueprints interpretation

Hand tools

Shop equipment operation

Time management

Verbal communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational/mechanical training

Tools

Drill motors

Countersink cutters

Drill press

Rivet press

Forklift

Overhead crane

Job description

Job Title: Aircraft Structures Assembly Technician (1st & 2nd Shift)

Job Description

This role focuses on assembling, modifying, and installing aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies for a major aerospace program, with a strong emphasis on close-tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins and composite frames. You apply established assembly methods and common shop practices, interpret blueprints and specifications, and ensure all work meets stringent quality and customer requirements. The position offers contract-to-permanent opportunities on both first and second shifts in a climate-controlled production environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, specifications, and work orders to assemble sheet metal and composite structures in accordance with quality and customer requirements.

• Perform close-tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins and composite assemblies using appropriate tools and equipment.

• Assemble, modify, and install aircraft components, sub-assemblies, structural assemblies, and spares for complex aerospace structures.

• Complete required data gathering and documentation to track and facilitate assembly progress and process compliance.

• Set up and operate various shop equipment, including drill motors, countersink cutters, squeezes, forklift, drill press, floor-mounted rivet press, and overhead crane as needed.

• Use precision measuring tools to verify dimensions, tolerances, and alignment of assembled structures.

• Perform riveting operations and complex assembly tasks, including compound unique shimming and structures mechanics work.

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

• Troubleshoot problems that arise during assembly and actively look for process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Perform required rework, adjustments, and changes incorporated during the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity and quality standards.

• Assemble major components of sub-assemblies and major assemblies, as well as smaller bench work assemblies with high attention to detail.

• Move, stage, and obtain correct parts, materials, tools, and assemblies to support continuous workflow.

• Record and communicate process information clearly, including written documentation of work performed and changes made.

• Collaborate with team members and communicate verbally regarding work processes, priorities, and production status.

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

• Maintain an organized work area and comply with shop practices and company policies at all times.

Essential Skills

• Experience with basic sheet metal fabrication, riveting, and aircraft assembly methods.

• 25 years of complex assembly experience, including work on structural assemblies and sub-assemblies.

• 25 years of aircraft structures mechanic or structures experience, preferably in an aerospace production environment.

• Ability to perform close-tolerance drilling on sheet metal skins and composite materials.

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

• Ability to use hand tools and precision measuring tools accurately and safely.

• Capability to set up and run shop equipment such as drill motors, countersink cutters, drill press, floor-mounted rivet press, forklift, and overhead crane.

• Strong time management skills to meet production schedules and support overtime as needed.

• Ability to communicate verbally regarding work processes and collaborate effectively with team members.

• Ability to write and record process information and maintain accurate documentation.

• Physical ability to regularly stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands while performing assembly tasks.

• Ability to occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by the work.

• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Approximately six months of vocational training in a relevant mechanical, manufacturing, or technical field is preferred.

• Experience with composite fabrication and working with composite materials, particularly in aerospace applications.

• Hands-on experience with complex assembly, complex compound unique shimming, and spares assembly.

• Working on 787 frames or similar composite aircraft structures is highly beneficial.

• Previous experience with major aerospace manufacturers or suppliers (such as large OEM or tier-1 environments) is preferred.

• Comfort working in a loud production environment with exposure to vibration, moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals, following all safety guidelines.

• Demonstrated ability to identify nonconforming parts and processes and support corrective actions.

Why Work Here?

You join a team dedicated to high-quality aerospace manufacturing in a climate-controlled facility that values safety, precision, and continuous improvement. The role offers a clear path from contract to permanent employment, providing long-term stability for those who perform well and enjoy hands-on technical work. You benefit from structured shifts with opportunities for overtime, allowing you to maximize earnings while working on cutting-edge aircraft programs. The environment encourages skill development in complex assembly, composite structures, and advanced tooling, giving you the chance to grow your expertise and advance your career in the aerospace industry.

Work Environment

You work in a climate-controlled production area focused on aircraft structures and composite assembly, including 787 frames. The position is full-time, with openings on both first and second shifts. First shift typically runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with overtime commonly available on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Second shift generally runs Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with additional work on Friday and Saturday as needed, targeting up to approximately 60 hours per week; second shift does not typically work on Sundays. You operate and work around equipment such as forklifts, drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, overhead cranes, drill motors, and countersink cutters in a loud manufacturing environment. You may frequently experience vibration and occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals, with safety procedures and reasonable accommodations available where appropriate. The role requires wearing steel toe boots and adhering to all safety and personal protective equipment guidelines while performing the essential functions of the job.

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 & 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)

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 19, 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.

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.