Job Title: Aircraft Structural Mechanic

**POSTION IS BASED IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO**

Job Description

This long-term opportunity is for an Aircraft Structural Mechanic performing classified heavy modifications on fixed-wing military aircraft, primarily C-130 and P-3 airframes. You will use your sheet metal and structural repair skills to install advanced technology and complete complex structural work in a climate-controlled, FAA-regulated hangar. The role offers stable, ongoing work with the potential to transition to a direct position, while supporting mission-critical aviation programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy structural modifications on various fixed-wing military aircraft, with a focus on C-130 and P-3 platforms.
• Carry out sheet metal repairs, fabrication, and light to heavy modifications in accordance with engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical data.
• Use riveting techniques, rivet guns, and other sheet metal tools to remove, repair, and install aircraft structural components.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to complete structural tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Perform depot-level and heavy aviation maintenance tasks as required by the modification program.
• Conduct aircraft structural inspections to identify damage, corrosion, or structural discrepancies and determine appropriate repair methods.

Essential Skills

• 6+ years of aviation structures (sheet metal) experience if experience is exclusively military, or at least 4+ years of total aviation structures experience when including civilian work.
• Proven experience in aircraft sheet metal repair, including structural repairs and light modification work.
• Hands-on experience with sheet metal fabrication and aircraft maintenance repair tasks.
• Proficiency using rivet guns and riveting techniques on aircraft structures.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and technical drawings.
• Experience in aviation maintenance, aviation modification, or aviation heavy maintenance.
• Experience with depot-level maintenance or heavy aircraft maintenance environments.
• Ownership of a complete set of tools with a shadowed toolbox, with tools etched or color-marked by the first day of work.
• Ability to pass a basic sheet metal test on day one to assess structural skills.
• Somewhat stable job history demonstrating reliability and commitment to prior roles.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing modifications, heavy maintenance, and/or structural repair on military or civilian aircraft.
• Prior work on C-130, P-3, or similar fixed-wing military airframes.
• Experience in a mission-driven aviation environment supporting defense or government programs.
• Interest in a long-term opportunity with the desire to build a career and grow within the organization.
• Comfort working in a classified setting and following strict security and regulatory procedures.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, shift schedules, and program demands.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship in structural repairs and modifications.

Why Work Here?

You join a rapidly growing, mission-driven aerospace organization that has experienced significant expansion and program wins for more than a decade, creating strong job security and clear career growth potential. Long-term, open-ended contract arrangements offer stability, with a defined path to transition into a direct role if desired. You receive paid time off, access to full medical benefits through the staffing partner, and on-site support from representatives dedicated to helping you navigate day-to-day needs. The work directly supports critical national defense programs, and eligible employees have the opportunity to obtain or maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance, enhancing long-term career prospects in the aerospace and defense industry. Located in Colorado, the role offers access to a highly desirable region recognized as one of the best places to live, with world-class outdoor recreation, national parks, and natural beauty nearby.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a climate-controlled, FAA-regulated aircraft hangar dedicated to modification and maintenance of military fixed-wing aircraft. The environment is structured, safety-focused, and compliant with aviation and security regulations, including classified work areas. The standard schedule consists of four 10-hour shifts per week, either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, with first shift typically running from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and second shift from 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Most of the workforce is assigned to first shift, with a smaller portion on second shift, and flexibility is required to support second shift when needed. Overtime is often available depending on program requirements but is not guaranteed. The role involves regular use of sheet metal and structural tools, including rivet guns and other hand and power tools, within a hangar environment that emphasizes organization, tool control, and adherence to a shadowed toolbox system.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $43.00/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 San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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.