Aircraft Structures Mechanic (F/A-18 Aircraft)

Job Title: Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic - F/A-18 Heavy Maintenance & Modifications

Pay Rate: $35.00 - $45.00 an hour (per diem split for eligible candidates)

Location: San Antonio, TX

Tools provided

Job Description

This role focuses on performing heavy structural repairs, depot-level maintenance, and complex modifications on F/A-18 fighter aircraft, including Super Hornet platforms. You will work on advanced service life extension and block 3 modification programs, contributing directly to the upgrade of aircraft to 5th generation tactical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform heavy structural repairs on F/A-18 aircraft, including Super Hornet variants, in a depot-level maintenance environment.
• Carry out aircraft heavy maintenance checks, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications on jet and military aircraft.
• Execute sheet metal and structural modifications, including layout, drilling, reaming, fitting, and installation of structural components.
• Use carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling, ensuring precision and adherence to specified diameters.
• Use high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum structures, following required sizes such as 1/8 (#30/.128), 5/32 (#20/.160), 3/16 (#10/.189), 1/4 (.240.255), and 5/16 (.305.312).
• Identify, assess, and repair structural corrosion on aircraft components and assemblies.
• Perform depot-level inspections and checks to verify structural integrity and compliance with maintenance standards.
• Support aircraft modifications related to block 3 upgrades and service life extension programs.
• Collaborate with other technicians and structures mechanics to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality maintenance operations.
• Follow established maintenance manuals, technical data, and work instructions to complete tasks accurately and safely.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and serviceable condition.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and quality standards while working in an open-bay maintenance environment.
• Remain flexible to support operations across different shifts as required by the maintenance schedule.

Essential Skills

• 38+ years of recent experience performing depot-level or heavy checks on aircraft, including equipment overhauls and structural modifications.
• Proven experience with aircraft heavy maintenance in a military, jet, or fighter aircraft environment.
• Hands-on in structural repairs and sheet metal work on aircraft.
• Ability to perform depot-level maintenance, including complex structural and sheet-metal modifications.
• Proficiency in using carbide drills and piloted reamers for composite and titanium drilling.
• Proficiency in using high-speed steel and cobalt drills for aluminum drilling, including standard aviation drill sizes.
• Strong understanding of aircraft structures, corrosion repair, and structural integrity requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• military aviation maintenance, such as experience with Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps aircraft.
• Experience working as a structures mechanic, sheet metal technician, or aircraft structural technician.
• Prior exposure to depot-level maintenance programs and aircraft modification lines.
• Experience with corrosion inspection and repair on aircraft structures.
• Familiarity with fighter jet platforms and heavy maintenance operations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary maintenance teams in a fast-paced environment.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to a high-profile F-18 program that plays a critical role in extending the service life and enhancing the capabilities of frontline tactical aircraft. The work offers the chance to participate in block 3 modifications, supporting upgrades toward 5th generation fighter capabilities within the U.S. Navy inventory. This environment provides exposure to advanced military aviation technology, opportunities to build specialized structural expertise, and the satisfaction of supporting mission-critical aircraft that operate at the forefront of defense aviation.

Work Environment

The role is based in an open-bay, non-climate-controlled aircraft maintenance facility focused on F/A-18 service life modification and heavy checks. Work is performed around large fighter jets and structural assemblies using drills, reamers, and other sheet metal tools. Standard shifts include 1st shift (MondayFriday, 5:30 a.m.2:30 p.m.) and 2nd shift (MondayFriday, 2:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.), with optional overtime available. Candidates must be open to working any shift based on operational needs. Steel-toed shoes are required, and you may expense up to $100 per year toward approved footwear. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and teamwork while operating in a busy, production-oriented hangar setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.