Aviation Structures Mechanic

Structures Mechanic

Our Client is seeking an experienced Structures Mechanic to perform heavy structural repairs, maintenance, and modifications on F/A-18 aircraft as part of a high-visibility Navy program. You will work at the depot level on complex airframe structures, using advanced drilling and sheet‑metal techniques on composite, titanium, and aluminum components to support service life extension and modernization of Super Hornet fighter jets.

• Perform heavy structural repairs, depot‑level maintenance, and major checks on F/A-18 aircraft, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications.
• Carry out aircraft modifications and service life extension work, including block 3 modifications that upgrade aircraft toward 5th generation fighter capabilities.
• Execute structural repairs and sheet‑metal modifications on airframe components, including composite, titanium, and aluminum structures.
• Use carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling, ensuring precision and adherence to engineering specifications.
• Use high‑speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling, following prescribed diameters and tolerances (for example 1/8 - #30 - .128, 5/32 - #20 - .160, 3/16 - #10 - .189, 1/4 - .240-.255, 5/16 - .305-.312).
• Inspect, identify, and repair structural discrepancies and corrosion on F/A-18 aircraft structures in accordance with technical data and maintenance manuals.
• Perform depot‑level and heavy maintenance checks, ensuring all work meets quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Support aircraft heavy maintenance activities, including disassembly, repair, reassembly, and functional checks of structural components.
• Work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical publications to complete structural repairs and modifications accurately.
• Collaborate with other technicians and teams in an open‑bay maintenance environment to meet production schedules and program milestones.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working with power tools, drills, and reamers on aircraft structures.
• Adapt to assigned shift schedules and overtime requirements to support program and operational needs.

• 3–8+ years of recent experience performing depot‑level or heavy checks on aircraft, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications.
• Proven experience as a structures mechanic or sheet‑metal technician working on military, jet, or fighter aircraft.
• Hands‑on experience performing aircraft heavy maintenance and depot‑level maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to perform structural repairs, sheet‑metal modifications, and corrosion repair on aircraft.
• Proficiency using carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling.
• Proficiency using high‑speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling with specified diameters and tolerances.
• Experience working on aircraft modifications and structural upgrades in a maintenance or depot environment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail when working on critical aircraft structures.
• Ability to work safely in an open‑bay, non‑climate‑controlled hangar environment.
• Willingness to work any shift, including first or second shift, and to perform overtime as needed.

• Experience working on F/A-18, F/A-18F, F-18, or Super Hornet fighter jets.
• Experience in military aviation maintenance, including Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps aircraft.
• Prior experience with aircraft corrosion detection and repair.
• Exposure to aircraft heavy maintenance for major aerospace platforms.
• Familiarity with depot‑level aircraft maintenance processes and documentation.
• Previous experience working with or around major aerospace organizations or defense programs.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term…