Structural Assembler – 3rd Shift

Saab Aeronautics Indiana LLC; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Saab Aeronautics Indiana LLC in West Lafayette, IN is seeking 3rd shift Structural Assemblers to build the aft fuselage for the U.S. Air Force T-7A Red Hawk. You will read and interpret engineering drawings, use hand and power tools, and adhere to standardized procedures to ensure quality and safety.

Training provided at our aerospace structures academy. You'll join a team focused on precision, continuous improvement, and supporting a growing defense manufacturing capability with an emphasis on

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant assembly or hand tool experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Ability to select and safely use appropriate hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and maintain consistent quality.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive physical tasks, including bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching, and gripping.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Execute standardized working procedures to deliver 100% quality according to requirements to install systems and final assembly on the aircraft fuselage.
• Deliver work according to quality requirements and work instructions; implement the requirements in daily ways of working in a team-based environment.
• Support daily, incremental continuous improvement highlighting advancement opportunities in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and morale.
• Ability to complete functional testing of assemblies and systems.
• Handling of “Class A” surfaces which includes touch-up painting.
• Sign off when work is complete according to specification.
• Support the training and transfer of knowledge to new employees.
• Contribute to a positive and productive work environment, aligned with our Company values: Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support.
• Other tasks as assigned and authorized

Skills

Assembly experience

Reading drawings

Tool use

Teamwork

Quality focus

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Job Description: As Saab continues to grow its advanced manufacturing facility in West Lafayette, IN, we are seeking 3rd shift Structural Assemblers to build the aft fuselage for the U.S. Air Force new military trainer, the T-7A Red Hawk. These positions are responsible for assembling the aircraft structure, training new team members and taking an active role in defining our state-of-the-art production system. Assemblers selected will receive paid, on-site job training through our Aerospace structures training academy. The anticipated start date for Assemblers is early December 2026.

Responsibilities include:

• Execute standardized working procedures to deliver 100% quality according to requirements to install systems and final assembly on the aircraft fuselage
• Deliver work according to quality requirements and work instructions; implement the requirements in daily ways of working in a team-based environment
• Support daily, incremental continuous improvement highlighting advancement opportunities in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and morale
• Ability to complete functional testing of assemblies and systems
• Handling of “Class A” surfaces which includes touch-up painting
• Sign off when work is complete according to specification
• Support the training and transfer of knowledge to new employees
• Contribute to a positive and productive work environment, aligned with our Company values: Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support
• Other tasks as assigned and authorized

Compensation:

• Starting hourly rate $23-$25, depending on relevant experience
• 3rd Shift Premium: extra $2.00 per hour

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant assembly or hand tool experience
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Ability to select and safely use appropriate hand and power tools
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and maintain consistent quality
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive physical tasks, including bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching, and gripping
• Ability to frequently lift up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aircraft or aerostructure assembly
• Technical degree or certification in aviation assembly, mechanics, maintenance, or a related field
• Experience working in an ISO/AS9100‑compliant environment
• Experience working in an advanced manufacturing environment with a focus on quality and repeatability

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Drug‑Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations. Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

Be Part of Something Bigger

When you take a job at Saab, you become a part of something bigger. You’ll work on exciting, meaningful projects right from the start. Learn more about careers in the U.S. Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab, Inc. serves the U.S. government, industry, and commercial customers with world‑leading products, services and solutions including military and civil security. We provide solutions and technologies that are central to U.S. defense and homeland security. We develop, modify and deliver Saab's portfolio to U.S. customers, blending Swedish quality and reliability with American ambition and cost efficiency. Learn more about us.