Structures Mechanic

Aerotek; Texas; On-site; USD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek currently seeks a Structures Mechanic to perform heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft in a depot setting. You will work on titanium, composite, and aluminum components, supporting modernization programs for advanced fighter aircraft.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in depot-level maintenance, strong experience with structural modifications and drilling/reaming techniques, and the ability to read technical orders and drawings.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in depot-level or heavy check maintenance on aircraft.
• Experience with aircraft equipment overhauls and structural modifications.
• Hands-on structural repair and sheet-metal modification experience on aircraft.
• Ability to drill/ream composite, titanium, and aluminum structures with carbide, piloted reamers, HSS, and cobalt drills.
• Experience in heavy maintenance/depot environments with fighter jets or military aircraft.
• Ability to read and follow technical orders, blueprints, and engineering drawings.
• Comfort in open-bay, non-climate-controlled environments and physically demanding tasks.
• Willingness to work both first and second shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft (F/A-18F, F-18, Super Hornet).
• Carry out depot-level and heavy maintenance checks, including equipment overhauls and modifications.
• Execute structural repairs and sheet-metal modifications on aircraft structures.
• Use carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite/titanium drilling to precise tolerances.
• Inspect and repair corrosion on structural components per procedures.
• Support service life modification programs (block 3 and upgrades).
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory standards, with proper documentation of actions.
• Collaborate with technicians and support personnel to complete tasks efficiently.
• Interpret and follow engineering drawings, orders, and work instructions.
• Maintain organized work area and proper handling of tools and materials.
• Adapt to multiple aircraft projects as maintenance needs evolve.

Skills

Depot maintenance

Heavy repairs

Sheet-metal mods

Drilling & reaming

F/A-18 experience

Blueprints & ORDs reading

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Open-bay environment

Shift flexibility

Military aircraft maintenance

Documentation accuracy

Tools

Carbide drills

Piloted reamers

High-speed steel & cobalt drills

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Structures Mechanic

Pay Rate: $37.00 - $44.00 an hour

Location: San Antonio, TX

Job Description

This role focuses on performing heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft at a depot-level environment. You will work on complex structural components, including composite, titanium, and aluminum materials, supporting major service life extension and modernization programs for advanced fighter aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft, including F/A-18F, F-18, and Super Hornet platforms.


• Carry out depot-level and heavy maintenance checks, including equipment overhauls and aircraft modifications in accordance with technical data and maintenance manuals.


• Execute structural repairs and sheet-metal modifications on aircraft structures, including frames, skins, and panels.


• Use carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling to precise tolerances.


• Use high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling in specified diameters (including 1/8 - #30 - .128, 5/32 - #20 - .160, 3/16 - #10 - .189, 1/4 - .240-.255, and 5/16 - .305-.312).


• Inspect, identify, and repair corrosion on aircraft structural components in accordance with approved procedures.


• Support aircraft service life modification programs, including block 3 and other major upgrade packages.


• Ensure all work complies with safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including proper documentation of maintenance actions.


• Collaborate with other technicians and support personnel to complete heavy maintenance and modification tasks efficiently.


• Interpret and follow engineering drawings, technical orders, and work instructions to complete structural tasks accurately.


• Use hand tools, power tools, and precision drilling and fastening equipment safely and effectively.


• Maintain an organized work area and properly handle, store, and account for tools, equipment, and materials.


• Adapt to working on multiple aircraft projects and configurations as maintenance and modification requirements evolve.

Essential Skills

• 3 to 8+ years of recent experience performing depot-level or heavy check maintenance on aircraft.


• Proven experience with aircraft equipment overhauls and structural modifications.


• Hands-on experience performing structural repairs and sheet-metal modifications on aircraft.


• Ability to perform drilling and reaming operations on composite, titanium, and aluminum structures using carbide drills, piloted reamers, high-speed steel, and cobalt drills.


• Demonstrated capability working in an aircraft heavy maintenance or depot environment.


• Experience with fighter jets or military aircraft such as F/A-18F, F-18, Super Hornet, or similar platforms.


• Strong understanding of aircraft structural repair practices, including corrosion inspection and repair.


• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical orders, blueprints, and engineering drawings.


• Comfort working in an open-bay, non-climate-controlled environment and performing physically demanding tasks.


• Willingness and ability to work any shift as required, including first and second shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in military aviation maintenance, such as experience with the Air Force, Navy, Marines, or similar organizations.


• Experience supporting major OEM or defense contractor aircraft programs.


• Previous work on aircraft service life extension or service life modification programs.


• Familiarity with fighter jet systems and tactical aircraft maintenance practices.


• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a maintenance or depot setting.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to a high-profile F-18 program that plays a critical role in supporting advanced tactical aircraft for the U.S. Navy. The location is becoming a central hub for F-18 service life modification, offering exposure to cutting-edge block 3 upgrades and the evolution toward 5th generation fighter capabilities. This environment provides the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced aircraft in the Navy inventory, build highly specialized structural skills, and gain long-term career experience in complex, mission-critical aviation programs.

Work Environment

The role is based in an open-bay, non-climate-controlled hangar environment where aircraft are undergoing depot-level maintenance and modifications. Two primary shifts are available: first shift operates Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30