Job Title: Aircraft Structures Assembler (Contract-to-Hire, Multiple Shifts)

Job Description

This contract-to-hire 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 structures, perform complex assemblies and riveting, and ensure all work meets customer and quality requirements while identifying and addressing nonconforming parts, conditions, and processes.

Responsibilities

• Assemble aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and work orders to meet quality and customer requirements.
• Interpret and work from engineering blueprints, specifications, and written work instructions to perform accurate and repeatable assembly operations.
• Complete required data gathering and documentation to facilitate and track assembly progress and process compliance.
• Set up and operate various shop equipment, including drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, squeezes, overhead cranes, and precision measuring tools such as drill motors and countersink cutters.
• Perform complex assemblies, including complex compound unique shimming, 787 frames composite assembly, and structures work involving sheet metal and composite materials.
• Use hand tools and equipment to perform riveting, composite fabrication, and other structural assembly tasks on spares and primary structures.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise during assembly, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions while continuously seeking process improvements.
• Perform required rework, modifications, and changes incorporated during the assembly process, ensuring all updates comply with specifications and quality standards.
• Assemble major components of sub-assemblies and major assemblies, as well as smaller bench work assemblies, ensuring proper fit, finish, and function.
• Move, stage, and obtain correct parts, materials, tools, and assemblies to support efficient workflow and minimize downtime.
• Record process information accurately and clearly, including any deviations, rework, or nonconformances, in accordance with company procedures.
• Communicate verbally with supervisors, engineers, and team members regarding work processes, issues, and status updates.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures while working near moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Meet production schedules by working assigned shifts and required overtime, including weekends, as needed to support operational demands.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two to five years of complex assembly experience in an aerospace or closely related manufacturing environment.
• Two to five years of aircraft structures experience, including sheet metal and structural assembly work.
• Demonstrated experience with sheet metal fabrication and assembly processes.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, specifications, and work orders.
• Hands-on experience with complex assembly tasks, including complex compound unique shimming and structures mechanics work.
• Experience working with composite materials and composite fabrication in an aerospace or structural assembly context.
• Proficiency with riveting operations, including use of floor-mounted rivet presses and related tools.
• Ability to operate shop equipment such as forklifts, drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, and overhead cranes safely and effectively.
• Skilled use of hand tools, drill motors, countersink cutters, and precision measuring tools for structural assembly.
• Strong time management skills to meet production schedules and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Ability to communicate verbally regarding work processes and coordinate with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to write and record process information clearly and accurately in production and quality documentation.
• Capability to identify nonconforming parts, conditions, and manufacturing processes and escalate or address them appropriately.
• Physical ability to regularly use hands, talk, and hear; frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; and occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Six months of vocational training in a relevant technical or mechanical field.
• Previous experience with 787 frames composite assembly or similar large aircraft composite structures.
• Experience working with spares and complex assemblies in an aerospace production environment.
• Experience in composite materials and composite fabrication processes.
• Prior experience in an aerospace environment with major OEMs or large-tier suppliers (such as major airframe or structures manufacturers).
• Familiarity with complex structural mechanics and unique shimming techniques.
• Comfort working in a loud production environment with exposure to vibration, moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Why Work Here?

You will join a high-performing aerospace production team that values craftsmanship, precision, and continuous improvement. The contract-to-hire structure provides a clear pathway to long-term employment for those who perform well and demonstrate reliability. You will work in a climate-controlled facility with modern equipment and structured processes that support both safety and quality. The role offers consistent full-time hours, regular overtime opportunities for additional earnings, and the chance to deepen your experience in advanced aircraft structures and composite assembly. You will gain exposure to complex assemblies and industry-leading practices, helping you build a strong and marketable skill set in the aerospace manufacturing sector.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, contract-to-hire position in a climate-controlled aerospace manufacturing facility. Multiple shifts are available: first shift typically runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime commonly on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; second shift typically runs from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with additional work on Fridays and Saturdays as needed, targeting approximately 60 hours per week. Overtime may also occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays depending on production demands. The work environment involves frequent exposure to vibration and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level is usually loud, and employees must follow all safety protocols and use appropriate equipment when operating forklifts, drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, overhead cranes, and other shop tools. The role is physically active, requiring regular standing, walking, reaching, and handling of parts and tools, with occasional lifting and moving of up to 25 pounds. A steel toe boot dress code applies for safety while working on the shop floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• 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 disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.