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Entry Level Aircraft Structures Jobs in California

K2 Space

Satellite Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$90K - $140K/yr

Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures ...

Solairus Aviation

IT Specialist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

This role is intended for someone who has moved beyond entry-level support and is comfortable ... Solairus is a private aviation services company that assists aircraft owners with the safe ...

General Atomics

Engineer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

... aircraft configuration decisions and technology development roadmaps. * The System Cost Engineer will: Perform cost analysis via a work breakdown structure (WBS) for active product development ...

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Entry Level Aircraft Structures information

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals working in aircraft structures, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in aircraft structures often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex engineering drawings, mastering specialized tools and materials, and adhering to strict safety and quality standards. Adapting to the fast-paced environment and collaborating effectively with experienced technicians and engineers can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, new hires should actively seek mentorship, participate in ongoing training, and communicate openly within their team to build both technical skills and confidence. Embracing feedback and staying detail-oriented will help ensure high-quality work and smooth career progression.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Aircraft Structures technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aircraft Structures technician, you need a solid understanding of mechanical principles, blueprint reading, and basic fabrication or assembly skills, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification in aviation maintenance. Familiarity with specialized tools such as riveters, torque wrenches, and aviation maintenance software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring quality and safety. These competencies are crucial for maintaining structural integrity and adhering to strict industry standards in aerospace environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aircraft Structures vs Entry Level Aircraft Maintenance Technicians?

AspectEntry Level Aircraft StructuresEntry Level Aircraft Maintenance Technicians
Required CertificationsNone or basic certifications, such as FAA Part 147FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, repair stations, assembly linesAirports, maintenance hangars, repair facilities
Job FocusBuilding, inspecting, and repairing aircraft fuselage, wings, and structural componentsPerforming inspections, repairs, and maintenance on aircraft systems and structures

Entry Level Aircraft Structures roles focus on assembling and inspecting aircraft frames and structural parts, often requiring basic certifications and working in manufacturing or assembly environments. Entry Level Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform broader maintenance tasks, including inspections and repairs, often holding FAA A&P licenses. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ in scope and certification requirements.

What are entry level aircraft structures jobs?

Entry level aircraft structures jobs involve working on the assembly, repair, and maintenance of the structural components of aircraft, such as the fuselage, wings, and tail. Individuals in these roles typically read blueprints, use various tools to assemble parts, and ensure all work meets safety and quality standards. These positions are ideal for those starting their careers in the aerospace industry and often require a high school diploma or technical training, with on-the-job training provided by employers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Structures jobs in California? The most popular types of Aircraft Structures jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Aircraft Structures jobs in California? For Entry Level Aircraft Structures jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aircraft Structures jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aircraft Structures jobs in California are:
Entry Level Aircraft Structures jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aircraft Structures job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Aircraft Structures Mechanic Entry & Level 1

Aircraft Structures Mechanic Entry & Level 1

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$30.75 - $40.25/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
If you join Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in this position, you will assist our Manufacturing Operations Organization as an Aircraft Structures Mechanic Entry Level and Level 1 supporting our Palmdale, CA site. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.
Essential Functions:
  • Read and understand blueprints

  • Translate blueprints into fabrications of structural assemblies to include precision drilling, countersinking, and the use of calibrated tools

  • Aligning parts on jigs using templates and fixtures

  • Performing part-fitting operations: filing sawing, burring, crimping, trimming, framing, riveting, drilling and reaming

  • Measures parts with precision tools such as, micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions

  • May modify incomplete and complete assemblies to incorporate changes to structure and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedure

  • Daily usage of manufacturing shop controls and systems

  • Use of appropriate PPE when working on the shop floor

  • Recommend and implement continuous improvement activities in production methods, equipment performance and team effectiveness

Basic Qualifications:
Aircraft Structures Mechanic Entry Level
  • High School diploma or GED

  • Minimum of 3 months' structures/sheet metal experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR AFAB Student must have a minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion of Aircraft Fabrication courses OR A&P certificate program.

  • This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment

  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements

  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to starting

  • The ability to work 1st "5 AM - 3:30 PM" or 2nd shift "4:12 PM - 2:42 AM" and any work schedule

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.

  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)

  • Must successfully complete and pass the "ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance" within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need

Aircraft Structures Mechanic Level 1
  • High School diploma or GED

  • Minimum of 9 months structures/sheet metal experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR AFAB Student must have a minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion of Aircraft Fabrication courses OR A&P certificate program.

  • This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment

  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements

  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to starting

  • The ability to work 1st "5 AM - 3:30 PM" or 2nd shift "4:12 PM - 2:42 AM" and any work schedule

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.

  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)

  • Must successfully complete and pass the "ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance" within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Structures/sheet metal experience in aerospace manufacturing environment

  • Completion of an A&P certificate program

  • Active Government Secret Clearance with a background investigation completed within the last six years

Primary Level Salary Range: $43,400.00 - $72,300.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $47,200.00 - $78,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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