Spirit Defense - Mid-Level Sealer

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit’s Defense Business Unit (“Spirit Defense”). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace, providing capabilities, technologies, and support customers need through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence.

Responsibilities

• Seal, fillet, fay, cap seal, brush coat, and perform other sealing tasks for major assemblies, sub-assemblies, precision bench, and integral fuel cells.
• Apply scotchcast, leveling compound, aerodynamic seal, and conduct pressure tests using drawings, documents, process specifications, quality control requirements, and established procedures.
• Complete required data gathering transactions to facilitate sealer progression.
• Perform pickup, rework, fabrication, change incorporation, functional testing, or checks during or after final seal and seal progression.
• Use measuring instruments as required to accomplish work assignments.
• Report and investigate job handicaps such as errors, assembly procedures, tools, or sequences.
• Support continuous product flow within the manufacturing process by training, coaching, and assisting employees of all classification levels.
• Document discrepancies according to specification, process, and procedure.
• Temporarily attach parts and assemblies, install collars, and other hardware not related to drilling or countersinking.
• Level B: Perform integral fuel cell sealing—apply sealing compounds to seal fuel cell and related wing section components. Additionally, demonstrate skill in one or more of the following:
  • Major assembly or large structure sealing.
  • Aerodynamic sealing.

Requirements

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required). A clearance active in the past 24 months is considered active.
• Eligibility to apply for, obtain, and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance and customer program clearance.
• Willing and able to work 1st and 2nd shifts, including alternative work weeks and some weekends.
• Ability to work on concrete floors, uneven surfaces, and in confined spaces, as well as walk on open floor beams, climb stairs/scaffolding, crawl/kneel in workstations, and lift/move parts and tools.

Qualifications

Basic

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
• Eligibility for DoD security clearance and customer program clearance.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including weekends.
• Physical ability to work in challenging environments (e.g., confined spaces, heights).

Preferred

• Experience working with blueprints, specifications, and work orders to meet quality sealing requirements.
• Proficiency in data gathering for sealer progression.
• Ability to perform rework, fabrication, and functional testing during or after sealing.
• Experience using measuring instruments for work assignments.
• Skill in reporting and investigating job handicaps (e.g., errors, assembly procedures).
• Supporting product flow by training and assisting employees.
• Documenting discrepancies according to specifications and procedures.
• Temporarily attaching parts or assemblies and installing hardware.

Skills

Transferable Skills

• Use of seal guns, surface cleaning, and adhesive application.
• Precise caulking, surface preparation, and reading technical plans.
• Following strict safety procedures, including working with hazardous chemicals.

Technical & Hands-On Skills

• Surface Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, and preparing surfaces for coating or adhesion.
• Application Precision: Proficiency with applicators, caulking guns, and smoothing tools (fairing tools) for smooth sealant application.
• Experience with Coatings: Prior work with paints, sealants, adhesives, or primers in industrial or trade settings.
• Fastener Sealing: Applying sealant to fasteners and bolts.
• Interpreting Technical Data: Ability to read and follow work instructions, blueprints, or technical drawings.

Attention to Detail

• Quality inspection to identify gaps, defects, or potential leak paths.
• FOD (Foreign Object Debris) awareness and adherence to protocols.
• Consistent, uniform sealant application.

Physical Stamina and Dexterity

• Ability to work in confined spaces (e.g., inside fuel tanks).
• Strong hand-eye coordination for detailed work.
• Comfort working at heights with fall protection, including repetitive tasks like bending, twisting, and reaching.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
• Eligibility to enroll in health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work programs.
• Benefits vary by eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and collective bargaining agreements.

Pay

Pay is based on candidate experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations. Summary pay range for Level B: $23.66/hour, with potential to earn up to $39.32/hour in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

This is a union-represented position. The workplace is drug-free, with post-offer applicants and employees subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met.

This position must meet export control compliance requirements, requiring a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee). Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.