Structures Lead

Ascent Aviation Services; Marana (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

PTO – 4 Weeks in Year 1 + 7 Holidays

Disability & Life Insurance

Career Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Ascent Aviation Services is seeking a Structures Lead to guide the sheet metal group in an on‑site aviation hangar in Marana, AZ. You will interpret manuals, FAA documents, and blueprints, and drive efficient fabrication, installation, and repair of aircraft sheet metal.

You will ensure compliance with FAA standards, manage task planning, and maintain accurate documentation while fostering a safe, productive shop environment in a 24/7 operation.

Qualifications

• Lead and guide the structures team in interpreting manuals, service bulletins, and FAA documents.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee interpretation of technical manuals, service bulletins, and FAA documents.
• Direct and support inspection, repair, and replacement of aircraft sheet metal in compliance with manuals, FAA regulations, and procedures.
• Provide guidance on reading blueprints and specs to determine fabrication and installation methods.
• Plan and assign sheet metal fabrication, assembly, installation, and repair tasks with efficient material use.
• Review and approve material selections to meet specs and requirements.
• Ensure accurate layout, measurement, and marking of dimensions and reference lines.
• Oversee equipment care and shop maintenance for safety and efficiency.
• Verify proper documentation of removals, identifications, and routing tags.
• Ensure preventative maintenance and routine servicing meet FAA standards.
• Monitor and audit all work documentation for accuracy and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

FAA requirements

Blueprint interpretation

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License or Repairman’s Certificate

High school Diploma preferred

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Rivet guns

Drills

Slip rollers

Grinders

Job description

Overview

Ascent Aviation Services is one of the largest aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul, storage and reclamation operations in the world. Our strength comes from talented and professional employees who excel through teamwork and enthusiasm. We continue to grow and are continually looking for motivated, career‑oriented aviation professionals who will support our vision and goals.

Job Title

Structures Lead

Shift Availability

As a 24/7 operation, we have openings across all shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and 12-hour schedules. Candidates must be flexible and willing to work any shift based on operational needs. Preference is given to those available between 2:30 PM and 7:00 AM, including overnights and weekends. Some schedules may qualify for shift differential. Overtime—both scheduled and unscheduled, including holidays—may also be required.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the interpretation and application of technical manuals, service bulletins, and FAA documents by the structures team.
• Direct and support the inspection, repair, and replacement of aircraft sheet metal in compliance with manuals, FAA regulations, and company procedures.
• Provide guidance on reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications to determine fabrication and installation methods.
• Plan and assign sheet metal fabrication, assembly, installation, and repair tasks, ensuring efficient use of materials and machining processes.
• Review and approve material selections to meet specifications and operational requirements.
• Ensure accurate layout, measurement, and marking of dimensions and reference lines by team members.
• Oversee equipment care, repairs, and general shop maintenance to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
• Verify proper documentation of component removals, identification, and routing tags.
• Ensure preventative maintenance and routine servicing are performed to company and FAA standards.
• Monitor and audit documentation of all work performed, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and completeness.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• PTO – Eligible for 4 Weeks in your First Year, in Addition to 7 Paid Company Holidays
• Company‑Provided Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership ability with proven experience guiding and motivating a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to interpret and follow technical instructions, blueprints, and FAA requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across teams.
• Willingness to work independently as well as in a team‑oriented environment.

Education and Experience

• Valid driver’s license.
• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License or Repairman’s Certificate.
• 3–5 years of aircraft sheet metal or related structures experience (leadership experience strongly preferred).
• High school Diploma preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, balancing, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Occasional crawling, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Requires eye‑hand coordination and manual dexterity.
• Corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

Equipment Operated

• Rivet guns, drills, slip rollers & rollers, grinders & sanders, work benches & sheet metal tables.

Working Conditions

• Work Location: Aircraft maintenance hangar, flightline, and Avionics Shop.
• Potential Hazards: Exposure to high intensity noise levels, extreme temperature changes, electrical charges and radar waves, materials identified on Safety Data Sheets, working around moving machinery.
• Protective Equipment Required: Goggles, safety glasses, face shields, ear protection, aprons, gloves, safety harnesses, breathing equipment.

Other Duties

• May be required to work at both Marana, AZ and Tucson, AZ locations as business needs dictate.
• Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of department management.

Safety Management System (SMS) Requirements

• Employees must perform duties in accordance with company policies and government regulations, preserving employee lives and resources.
• Must participate in safety education programs, identify hazards, and report them promptly.
• Must report errors, incidents, and accidents honestly and must bring unsafe actions or conditions to supervisor attention.

EEO Statement

Ascent Aviation Services is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to making reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require any accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. EEO/AA/F/M/VET/DIS