Metal Work Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Aircraft Structures Assembler (Contract-to-Perm, 1st & 2nd Shift)

Job Description

This contract-to-permanent role focuses on assembling, modifying, and installing aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in a climate-controlled production environment. You will work with sheet metal and composite materials, perform complex structural assembly and riveting, and identify nonconforming parts and processes while following detailed blueprints, specifications, and work orders. The position offers structured shifts with regular overtime opportunities and the chance to grow into a long-term role in aircraft manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Assemble aircraft components, sub-assemblies, and structural assemblies in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and work orders to meet quality and customer requirements.
• Interpret blueprints and technical drawings to determine assembly methods, sequence of operations, and required materials, tools, and equipment.
• Perform basic and complex sheet metal work, including drilling, riveting, shimming, and fitting of structures and frames.
• Work with composite materials and perform composite assembly and fabrication tasks as required, including complex assembly of 787 frames and related structures.
• Set up and operate a variety of shop equipment such as drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, squeezes, and precision measuring tools, including drill motors and countersink cutters.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, tolerances, and alignment of assembled parts and structures.
• Complete required data gathering and documentation to track assembly progress, record process information, and support production and quality requirements.
• Identify nonconforming parts, conditions, and manufacturing processes, and escalate issues appropriately to maintain product quality and compliance.
• Perform rework, repairs, and changes incorporated during the assembly process, ensuring all modifications meet specifications and quality standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to assemble major components, large sub-assemblies, major assemblies, and smaller bench assemblies with a high level of accuracy and consistency.
• Troubleshoot assembly and process issues as they arise, and actively look for and suggest process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Move, stage, and obtain correct parts, materials, tools, and assemblies to support continuous workflow and minimize downtime.
• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes safely to move parts and assemblies as needed.
• Communicate verbally with team members and supervisors regarding work status, issues, and process changes, ensuring clear and timely information sharing.
• Accurately write and record process information, including work performed, measurements, and any deviations or rework completed.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines when working near moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and care for tools and equipment to support a safe and efficient production environment.
• Meet production schedules and support overtime requirements, including weekend work, as needed to achieve output and delivery goals.

Essential Skills

• Experience with basic sheet metal work, including drilling, riveting, and structural assembly.
• 2–5 years of complex assembly experience in an aerospace or closely related manufacturing environment.
• 2–5 years of aircraft structures experience, including structural assembly and repair.
• Proficiency in interpreting and working from blueprints, specifications, and work orders.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex assembly, including complex compound unique shimming and structural fit-up.
• Hands-on experience with riveting operations and the use of hand tools for structural assembly.
• Familiarity with composite materials and composite fabrication or composite assembly processes.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools and equipment to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Competence in operating shop equipment such as drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, squeezes, and related tools.
• Ability to identify nonconforming parts, conditions, and manufacturing processes and take appropriate action.
• Effective time management skills to meet production schedules and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally regarding work processes and issues within a production team.
• Ability to write and record process information accurately for production and quality documentation.
• Capability to perform the physical demands of the role, including regular use of hands, frequent standing, walking, reaching, and occasional sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as lifting and moving up to 25 pounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six months of vocational training, preferably in manufacturing, aerospace, or a related technical field.
• Experience with complex aircraft assembly, including spares and structural components.
• 787 frames composite assembly or similar large composite structural programs.
• Sheet metal qualification or demonstrated proficiency in sheet metal fabrication and assembly.
• Previous experience with major aerospace manufacturers or suppliers (for example, large airframe or structures programs) is preferred.
• Experience using forklifts, overhead cranes, and other material handling equipment in a production environment.
• Comfort working in a loud, high-activity production environment with exposure to vibration and moving mechanical parts.
• Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, growth-oriented aerospace manufacturing environment that offers a clear path from contract to permanent employment and consistent overtime opportunities for those who want to increase their earnings. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork, with support for continuous improvement and skill development in both metal and composite structures. You will work with modern equipment in a climate-controlled facility, gaining valuable experience on high-profile aircraft programs while building a long-term career in a specialized and in-demand trade.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, contract-to-permanent position in a climate-controlled aircraft manufacturing facility. First shift typically runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with regular overtime opportunities on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Second shift typically runs from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with additional work on Fridays and Saturdays as needed; second shift does not typically work on Sundays, but total weekly hours may reach approximately 60 when overtime is required. The role involves frequent exposure to vibration and occasional work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals, with the noise level usually loud. You will use equipment such as forklifts, drill presses, floor-mounted rivet presses, overhead cranes, squeezes, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments. The position requires regular standing, walking, and reaching, with occasional sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Steel toe boots are required as part of the dress code, and all work is performed under established safety procedures with reasonable accommodations available to support individuals with disabilities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.