Aircraft Structures Technician – Low Observable (LO) / Sheet Metal Repair Technician

Position Type: Contract
Industry: Aerospace / Defense
Work Environment: Aircraft Maintenance, Modification & Repair
Experience Level: Experienced Aerospace Technician

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Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Aircraft Structures Technicians with strong 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft sheet metal, structural repair, and/or Low Observable (LO) coating experience to support aircraft restoration, repair, and modification programs.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience interpreting aircraft engineering drawings, performing structural repairs, fabricating aircraft components, applying bonding processes, and working within strict aerospace quality and safety standards.

This role requires technicians who are comfortable working on complex military aircraft structures where procedures may require advanced problem-solving, precision workmanship, and the ability to operate independently using technical documentation, engineering drawings, and repair manuals.

Candidates with experience supporting F-22, F-35, LO coatings, stealth technology, or military aircraft structural maintenance are highly preferred.

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Key Responsibilities

Aircraft Structural Repair & Fabrication

• Perform aircraft structural repairs, modifications, and restoration activities.
• Interpret and apply information from:
  • Aircraft engineering drawings
  • Technical manuals
  • Structural Repair Manuals (SRM)
  • Engineering specifications
  • Technical orders
• Identify aircraft locations using:
  • Station numbers
  • Butt lines
  • Water lines
• Fabricate and install aircraft structural components including:
  • Shims
  • Splices
  • Gussets
  • Angles
  • Brackets
  • Doublers
  • Stiffeners
  • Patches

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Aircraft Sheet Metal Operations

Perform precision aircraft sheet metal fabrication including:

• Layout and fit-up of aircraft components.
• Cutting, trimming, drilling, and forming sheet metal parts.
• Removing burrs and surface imperfections.
• Installing aircraft structures using:
  • Riveting
  • Drilling
  • Fastening
  • Fitting operations
• Maintain critical dimensions, edge distances, and aircraft contours.

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Low Observable (LO) / Composite Bonding Operations

• Perform bonding operations on aircraft components and assemblies.
• Apply LO coatings and materials according to aerospace specifications.
• Work with advanced aircraft materials and repair processes.
• Determine proper repair methods when:
  • Procedures are incomplete
  • Tooling is unavailable
  • Engineering guidance requires interpretation
• Perform bonding repairs while maintaining:
  • Surface contour requirements
  • Material specifications
  • Structural integrity
  • Stealth performance requirements

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Tools & Equipment

Operate a variety of aerospace fabrication and repair equipment including:

• Pneumatic riveters
• Drills
• Angle drills/motors
• Drill presses
• Shears
• Precision measuring tools:
  • Micrometers
  • Calipers
  • Tape measures
  • Standard scales

Additional experience with:

• Material testers
• Mixing equipment
• Bonding application tools
• Aircraft shop aids and fixtures

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Documentation & Quality

• Record repair data and procedural information for future reference.
• Maintain accurate documentation of:
  • Repairs performed
  • Materials used
  • Processes completed
  • Inspection requirements
• Verify completed work meets:
  • Engineering requirements
  • Technical specifications
  • Quality standards

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Safety Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Maintain a strict FOD-free workspace.
• Follow all aerospace safety procedures.
• Properly utilize required PPE, including:
  • Full-face respirators
  • Tyvek suits
  • Gloves
  • Protective equipment required for LO/coating applications

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Required Qualifications

Candidates should have one or more of the following:

Military Aircraft Experience

• 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft structural experience preferred.
• Military aircraft maintenance background including:
  • USAF AFSC 5- or 7-level
  • Navy NEC
  • Marine MOS structural discipline rating

OR

Civilian Aerospace Experience

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certification

OR

• Equivalent aerospace aircraft structures experience:
  • Minimum 5 years aircraft sheet metal/structures experience

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Preferred Qualifications

Highly preferred experience includes:

• F-22 aircraft experience
• F-35 aircraft experience
• Low Observable (LO) coating application
• Stealth aircraft repair
• Composite bonding
• Military fighter aircraft modifications
• Aircraft structural restoration

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Ideal Candidate Backgrounds

Strong candidates may come from:

• Aircraft Structures Mechanic
• Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic
• Aircraft Structural Repair Technician
• LO Technician
• Stealth Coatings Technician
• F-35/F-22 Structural Technician
• Military Aircraft Maintenance Technician
• Aerospace Fabrication Technician
• A&P Mechanic with structures experience

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Recruiter Search Keywords

Aircraft Structures

• Aircraft Structures Technician
• Aircraft Structural Mechanic
• Sheet Metal Mechanic
• Aircraft Sheet Metal
• Structural Repair Technician
• Aircraft Modification Technician

Military / Defense

• F-35
• F-22
• Fighter Aircraft
• 5th Generation Aircraft
• USAF
• Navy NEC
• Marine MOS
• Military Aircraft Maintenance

LO / Stealth

• Low Observable
• LO Coatings
• Stealth Coatings
• Radar Absorbent Material
• RAM
• Composite Bonding
• Aircraft Bonding

Technical Skills

• Structural Repair Manual (SRM)
• Engineering Drawings
• Blueprint Reading
• Riveting
• Aircraft Fabrication
• Sheet Metal
• Composite Repair
• Bonding
• A&P
• Aircraft Modification

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Candidate Profile Summary

The ideal candidate is an experienced aerospace structures professional with hands-on experience repairing and modifying advanced military aircraft. They must be comfortable working from technical drawings, performing precision fabrication, applying bonding processes, and supporting LO/stealth aircraft requirements while maintaining strict aerospace quality and safety standards.

This role is best suited for technicians with fighter aircraft, F-35/F-22, military maintenance, or advanced aerospace structural repair backgrounds.

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.