Sheet Metal Assembly

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:
Aircraft Structures Assembler (Contract-to-Perm, 1st & 2nd Shift)

Job Description

This contract-to-permanent role focuses on assembling, modifying, and installing aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in a climate-controlled production environment. You will work with sheet metal and composite materials, perform complex structural assembly and riveting, and identify nonconforming parts and processes while following detailed blueprints, specifications, and work orders. The position offers structured shifts with regular overtime opportunities and the chance to grow into a long-term role in aircraft manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Assemble aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and work orders to meet quality and customer requirements.
• Interpret blueprints and technical drawings to determine assembly methods, sequence of operations, and required materials, tools, and equipment.
• Perform basic and complex sheet metal work, including drilling, riveting, shimming, and fitting of structures and frames.
• Work with composite materials and perform composite assembly and fabrication tasks as required, including complex assembly of 787 frames and related structures.
• Set up and operate a variety of shop equipment such as drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, squeezes, and precision measuring tools, including drill motors and countersink cutters.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, tolerances, and alignment of assembled parts and structures.
• Complete required data gathering and documentation to track assembly progress, record process information, and support production and quality requirements.
• Identify nonconforming parts, conditions, and manufacturing processes, and escalated issues appropriately to maintain product quality and compliance.
• Perform rework, repairs, and changes incorporated during the assembly process, ensuring all modifications meet specifications and quality standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to assemble major components, large sub-assemblies, major assemblies, and smaller bench assemblies with a high level of accuracy and consistency.
• Troubleshoot assembly and process issues as they arise, and actively look for and suggest process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Move, stage, and obtain correct parts, materials, tools, and assemblies to support continuous workflow and minimize downtime.
• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes safely to move parts and assemblies as needed.
• Communicate verbally with team members and supervisors regarding work status, issues, and process changes, ensuring clear and timely information sharing.
• Accurately write and record process information, including work performed, measurements, and any deviations or rework completed.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines when working near moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and care for tools and equipment to support a safe and efficient production environment.
• Meet production schedules and support overtime requirements, including weekend work, as needed to achieve output and delivery goals.

Essential Skills

• Experience with basic sheet metal work, including drilling, riveting, and structural assembly.
• 2–5 years of complex assembly experience in an aerospace or closely related manufacturing environment.
• 2–5 years of aircraft structures experience, including structural assembly and repair.
• Proficiency in interpreting and working from blueprints, specifications, and work orders.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex assembly, including complex compound unique shimming and structural fit-up.
• Hands‑on experience with riveting operations and the use of hand tools for structural assembly.
• Familiarity with composite materials and composite fabrication or composite assembly processes.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools and equipment to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Competence in operating shop equipment such as drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, squeezes, and related tools.
• Ability to identify nonconforming parts, conditions, and manufacturing processes and take appropriate action.
• Effective time management skills to meet production schedules and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally regarding work processes and issues within a production team.
• Ability to write and record process information accurately for production and quality documenta