Job Title: Structural Assembler

Job Description

The Structural Assembler performs precision aircraft sheet metal assembly and structural repair, using a wide range of pneumatic and drilling tools to install and remove fasteners, perform complex sealing processes, and support hydraulic systems testing in a large aerospace manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Use drilling devices such as pistol grip drill motors, 90-degree and 45-degree angle motors, countersink cages (including setup), and power-feed equipment to prepare and finish holes in aircraft structures.
• Acquire and apply the ability to operate specialized tools including reverse pancake motors, snatch block/steamboat tools, Winslow guns, and Spacematic (power feed) systems.
• Drill holes true and round while maintaining required 2-degree angularity, correct edge distance, pitch distance, and equal spacing, and differentiate hole requirements for interference, transition, and clearance fasteners.
• Install and remove a variety of fasteners, both wet and dry, including button head and flush Hilok/Hilite fasteners, castellated nuts, button head and flush rivets, blind rivets, and jo-bolts, while accurately distinguishing between shear and tension fasteners.
• Perform the complete sealing process, including fay surface sealing, fillet sealing, pack sealing, aero sealing, brush coat sealing, and dome sealing to meet structural and environmental requirements.
• Use pneumatic tools, electrical bonding equipment, measuring devices, and torquing equipment to assemble and secure structural components to specification.
• Work from manufacturing drawings and blueprints to build assemblies, ensuring accuracy, structural integrity, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Use precision measuring tools such as scales, protrusion gauges, fastener grip gauges, calipers, micrometers, Trulok gauges, go/no-go gauges, ball gauges, fastener height gauges, and torque wrenches, and follow all calibration requirements.
• Use torque screw guns and related tooling to correctly install and torque fasteners to specified values.
• Perform entire sealing and fastening operations in accordance with established aerospace structural and composite assembly standards.
• Support and, when required, perform hydraulic systems testing in accordance with procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to pass a plate test on the first day to validate structural assembly and drilling skills.
• Apply knowledge of aircraft structures, heavy structures, and sheet metal repair techniques to support both new assembly and structural repair tasks.
• Use appropriate tools and techniques such as bucking bars and rivet guns to install solid rivets safely and effectively.
• Follow all safety, quality, and documentation procedures while working on aircraft assemblies and components.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of experience performing aircraft sheet metal assembly or structural repair.
• Ability to successfully complete a plate test on the first day of employment.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Experience using manufacturing drawings and blueprints to build structural assemblies.
• Proficiency in drilling and countersinking metal surfaces for aircraft or structural applications.
• Ability to master the use of pneumatic tools, electrical bonding equipment, measuring devices, and torquing equipment.
• Proficiency with tools such as scales, protrusion gauges, fastener grip gauges, calipers, micrometers, Trulok gauges, go-no-go gauges, ball gauges, fastener height gauges, torque wrenches, and torque screw guns, with a clear understanding of calibration requirements.
• Ability to use drilling devices including pistol grip drill motors, 90-degree and 45-degree angle motors, and power-feed drilling systems, and to set up and use countersink cages.
• Capability to drill holes true and round while maintaining required angularity, edge distance, pitch distance, and equal spacing, and to differentiate between interference, transition, and clearance fasteners.
• Ability to install fasteners wet or dry, including button head and flush Hilok/Hilite fasteners, castellated nuts, button head and flush rivets, blind rivets, and jo-bolts, and to distinguish between shear and tension fasteners.
• Ability to perform sealing processes including fay surface sealing, fillet sealing, pack sealing, aero sealing, brush coat sealing, and dome sealing.
• Understanding of core aircraft assembly concepts such as the use and purpose of grip gauges, Clecos, bucking bars, and the tools used to install solid rivets.
• Knowledge of basic measurement systems and the ability to read and use a 6-inch scale accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• aviation, aerospace structural assembly, or aircraft assembly environments.
• Experience with aircraft sheet metal, sheet metal repair, and airframe structures.
• Familiarity with heavy structures, aircraft repair, and airframe fabrication processes.
• Experience working with composite and aerospace structural components.
• Ability to clearly explain practical concepts such as the difference between Hilok/Hilite fasteners and rivets.
• Comfort answering technical screening questions related to drilling, countersinking, fastener selection, and measurement tools during the hiring process.
• Strong attention to detail and quality focus when working with structural assemblies.
• Ability to work effectively in a large-scale manufacturing environment and follow standardized work instructions and procedures.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package aligned with local practices, including medical and dental insurance, supporting both health and financial well-being. You do not need to provide your own tools, which reduces out-of-pocket costs and ensures you work with properly maintained equipment. Hiring decisions move quickly, with resumes reviewed promptly and offers extended to enable you to start work without unnecessary delays. Start dates occur on a regular bi-weekly schedule, and additional start classes may be created when demand is high, providing flexibility and consistent onboarding opportunities. You will work in a modern aerospace facility focused on quality, safety, and continuous production, contributing to high-profile aircraft programs and gaining valuable experience in a stable, growth-oriented environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, approximately 250,000-square-foot aerospace manufacturing facility that produces wings for a major long-range business aircraft program. The environment is a structured production setting where teams work with aircraft structures, sheet metal, and composite components using pneumatic tools, drilling devices, precision measuring equipment, torque tools, and sealing materials. Work follows detailed manufacturing drawings and standardized procedures, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and proper tool calibration. No personal tools are required, as the facility provides the necessary equipment for assembly and repair tasks. The large-scale plant environment supports high-volume, complex structural work and offers exposure to advanced aerospace manufacturing practices.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Red Oak, TX.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/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 Red Oak,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 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.