Aircraft Mechanic I (Sheetmetal)

About the role

Fabricates, installs, and maintains sheet-metal equipment and fixtures such as machine guards, grease pans, shelves, lockers, tanks, ventilators, chutes, ducts, and metal roofing. Plans and lays out sheet-metal work from blueprints, models, or other specifications. Operates sheet-metal working machines and uses hand tools to cut, bend, form, shape, fit, and assemble sheet-metal articles.

Manufactures and fabricates aircraft sheet-metal parts, panels, doors, and other components from various serviced aircraft. Works with materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, corrugated aluminum, titanium, iron, brass, copper, magnesium, rubber, plastic, plexiglass, and fiberglass. Determines repair or replacement needs, materials, and methods. Develops parts and templates from prints, drawings, or original parts to produce repair parts not readily available.

Uses developed patterns, prefabricated templates, or old parts as samples to scribe outlines on sheet metal and cut parts using shears, Do-All saws, and turret punches. Forms metal using cornice brakes, punch presses, drill presses, and similar tools. Assembles components with rivets, screws, nuts, and bolts, aligning, drilling, and reaming materials while protecting dissimilar metals. Applies protective compounds, insulating tape, plastic cement, fiberglass resins, and other materials as needed.

Independently lays out templates and manufactures double-contour parts with configurations in several planes. Ensures finished parts meet quality standards for soundness, strength, and appearance. May work inside fuel tanks or other confined spaces. Follows all safety procedures, uses appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintains a safe, clean work environment.

Responsibilities

• Read and analyze work requests and applicable specifications.
• Develop and draw working sketches showing views, sections, or profiles.
• Fabricate aircraft sheet-metal parts, panels, doors, and assemblies with straight, curved, or irregular edges (e.g., fuselage, door assemblies, windshield panels, firewalls).
• Determine type and extent of repair or replacement, materials, and methods.
• Lay out, cut, form, join, assemble, and install sheet-metal items.
• Develop parts and templates from prints, drawings, or original parts for unavailable repair parts.
• Use patterns, templates, or samples to scribe and cut sheet metal.
• Form metal using brakes, punch presses, drill presses, and similar tools.
• Assemble and fasten parts with rivets, bolts, screws, or seaming.
• Apply protective compounds, insulating materials, and resins.
• Ensure finished parts meet quality standards for soundness, strength, and appearance.
• Work in confined spaces, such as fuel tanks, when required.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.

Requirements

• Valid up-to-date A&P license or three (3) years aviation maintenance experience, two (2) years rotary-wing aircraft experience, and two (2) years on the assigned CH-47 (MDS). All experience must be within the last six (6) years.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance (NAC-I Public Trust).
• Must possess and maintain own shadowed/etched tools and toolbox.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in repair, modification, maintenance, and overhaul of aircraft preferred.

Skills

• Good communication skills.
• Adaptable, diversified, and capable of troubleshooting entire aircraft systems.
• Working knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical, and associated systems principles.
• Knowledge of Quality Control, Production, and Supply procedures.
• Ability to use hand tools, measuring devices (gauges, torque wrenches, scales), and test/measurement equipment.
• Skill in reading, applying, and interpreting technical data.
• Ability to determine when faulty systems can be corrected through repair or replacement.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to climb, stand, stoop, bend, stretch, crouch, and work in tiring or uncomfortable positions.
• Frequently lift parts and equipment up to 20 pounds; occasionally lift up to 50 pounds (most heavy lifting is done with mechanical devices).

Pay

Hourly rate. The compensation range is a good-faith estimate and may vary based on job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching).
• Educational reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tax-saving options.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.

Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions.