Stretch Form Operator; Local Aerospace Manufacturer

Job Title: Stretch Form Operator
Industry: Aerospace / Aircraft Manufacturing
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Production Supervisor

We are seeking an experienced Stretch Form Operator to join our aerospace manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating stretch forming machinery to shape aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other aerospace-grade metals into precision aircraft components.

This position requires a strong understanding of metal forming processes, blueprint interpretation, tooling setup, and dimensional inspection. The Stretch Form Operator will be responsible for producing high-quality structural and sheet metal components while maintaining strict aerospace quality and safety standards.

• Set up, operate, and maintain stretch forming machines used in the production of aerospace structural components.

• Perform stretch forming operations on aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other aerospace-grade materials according to engineering specifications.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.

• Select, install, and adjust forming dies, tooling, clamps, and fixtures to achieve required part configurations.

• Adjust machine settings, including hydraulic pressure, tension, and forming sequences, based on material properties and part requirements.

• Manufacture precision-formed components such as aircraft skins, fuselage sections, structural frames, ribs, and other contoured aerospace parts.

• Inspect finished components for dimensional accuracy, surface defects, cracks, wrinkles, and other nonconformances.

• Utilize precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, templates, and inspection fixtures.

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections to verify compliance with engineering requirements.

• Monitor forming operations to minimize material waste, prevent damage, and maintain production efficiency.

• Identify and troubleshoot machine, tooling, and forming issues.

• Maintain accurate production records, inspection documentation, and material traceability.

• Follow aerospace manufacturing quality requirements, including AS9100 procedures and applicable customer specifications.

• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

• Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and production personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience operating stretch forming equipment, preferably in aerospace manufacturing.

• Experience with hydraulic stretch forming machinery and metal forming operations.

• Ability to read and interpret aerospace blueprints, engineering drawings, and manufacturing instructions.

• Knowledge of aluminum alloys and other metals commonly used in aerospace applications.

• Understanding of metal forming principles, material elongation, spring back, and dimensional tolerances.

• Experience setting up forming dies, fixtures, and tooling.

• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments.

• Ability to work independently and maintain consistent production quality.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and attention to detail.

• Understanding of manufacturing safety procedures and quality control requirements.

• Previous experience manufacturing aircraft structural components for commercial, military, or defense aerospace programs.

• Experience operating hydraulic stretch forming machines from manufacturers such as Sheridan-Gray or equivalent equipment.

• Familiarity…