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Structures Mechanic Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

You will partner daily with mechanical/structures/thermal engineers, AIT, manufacturing, supply chain, and systems to deliver flight-ready mechanical assemblies for Ranger spacecraft. Where You'll ...

Mechanic A Technician, performs routine maintenance on equipment and determines when and what kind ... Inspects equipment, structures, etc., of materials to identify the cause of errors or other ...

New

Structures Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

... Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and typically 2 or more years' related work experience ... structures. -Understanding of metallic and composite materials (e.g., forming, machining ...

Packaging Mechanic

Manassas, VA · On-site

$97K/yr

Packaging Mechanic * Location : Manassas, Virginia * Duration : Full Time / Permanent * Salary up ... structure. Complete work orders to repair machinery. Read and interpret equipment manuals to ...

Mechanic B Tech will have 3-4 years experience. Must be able to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair ... Inspects equipment, structures, etc., of materials to identify the cause of errors or other ...

New

Maintenance Mechanic

Manassas, VA

$25 - $32/hr

* The Packaging Mechanic is responsible for set ups and maintenance tasks on assigned production ... structure. * Complete work orders to repair machinery. * Read and interpret equipment manuals to ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Rockville, MD · On-site

$25.50 - $32.50/hr

Weld, cut, and fabricate parts and structures as needed to repair or improve plant and equipment ... Mechanical Knowledge: Strong understanding of heavy equipment and plant systems, including crushers ...

Aircraft Mechanic I

MD · On-site

$30.25 - $39.75/hr

Experience working within structured maintenance programs * Preferred experience working on USCG ... Mechanic I personnel are foundational to our mission of delivering operational readiness ...

Aircraft Mechanic I

Andrews, MD · On-site

$30.25 - $39.75/hr

Experience working within structured maintenance programs * Preferred experience working on USCG ... Mechanic I personnel are foundational to our mission of delivering operational readiness ...

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Structures Mechanic information

See Washington salary details

$18

$38

$53

How much do structures mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for structures mechanic in Washington is $38.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $43.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Structures Mechanic might face on the job?

Structures Mechanics often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, handling complex repairs on aircraft or vehicles, and interpreting technical blueprints or manuals. You may need to use specialized tools and techniques to repair or replace structural components made from materials like aluminum, composites, or steel. Attention to detail and adherence to strict safety and quality standards are essential, as even minor errors can impact the integrity and safety of the structure. Collaboration with engineers, quality inspectors, and other mechanics is common to ensure work is completed accurately and efficiently.

What is the difference between Structures Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectStructures MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, Structures Mechanic certificationFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, general aircraft maintenance certification
Work EnvironmentAircraft structures, fuselage, wings, and related componentsEntire aircraft, including engines, systems, and structures
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, military, and commercial aviationCommercial, private, and military aviation sectors
Job FocusRepairing and maintaining aircraft structures and fuselagePerforming maintenance, inspections, and repairs on various aircraft systems

While both roles require FAA certifications and work in aviation, Structures Mechanics specialize in aircraft structures and fuselage repairs, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians handle a broader range of aircraft systems and overall maintenance tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structures Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structures Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of aircraft structures, and a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with technical manuals, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and often certifications like an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license are common requirements. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient repairs and modifications to aircraft structures, directly impacting safety and regulatory compliance.

What are Structures Mechanics?

Structures Mechanics are skilled professionals who assemble, repair, and maintain the structural components of vehicles, aircraft, or buildings. They work with materials like metal, composites, and sometimes wood to ensure the integrity and safety of the structure. Their duties often include reading blueprints, using specialized tools, and following strict safety protocols. This role is critical in industries such as aerospace, construction, and manufacturing, where structural reliability is essential.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Structures Mechanic jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Structures Mechanic job openings:
Infographic showing various Structures Mechanic job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,570 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Who We're Looking For

Quantum Space is transforming how humanity operates in space through highly maneuverable, long-duration spacecraft. We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Designer to own the detailed CAD design execution and configuration quality of flight hardware across our Spacecraft Programs.

This is a high-impact, hands-on design leadership role for someone who can take ambiguous spacecraft packaging constraints and translate them into clean, producible, testable hardware-then shepherd that design through release, build, integration, and test. You will partner daily with mechanical/structures/thermal engineers, AIT, manufacturing, supply chain, and systems to deliver flight-ready mechanical assemblies for Ranger spacecraft.

Where You'll Make an Impact

  • Own detailed mechanical CAD for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, secondary structure, brackets, harness routing accommodations, and payload mounting features
  • Build and maintain large top-level Creo assemblies with strong configuration discipline: envelopes, mass properties, interference control, motion/clearance checks, access constraints, and fastener strategy
  • Drive spacecraft packaging execution: volume optimization, keep-outs, service loops, access for torque/inspection, tool clearance, contamination control considerations, and integration sequence-friendly design
  • Create, check, and release flight drawings (and drawing packages) with correct GD&T, material callouts, finishes, treatments, and inspection requirements (ASME Y14.5 mindset)
  • Own BOM accuracy and part metadata integrity in Windchill (part lifecycle, revisioning, effectivity, serialization strategy where applicable)
  • Partner with AIT to ensure designs are buildable and testable: torque access, alignment features, witness marks, datum strategy, handling points, lifting features, GSE interfaces
  • Support on-site spacecraft integration: fit checks, rework disposition support, redlines-to-release, and fast iteration during build anomalies
  • Provide design leadership and mentorship: define "good" CAD practices, model tree hygiene, drawing standards, and release readiness checklists
  • Produce design content for PDR/CDR/production readiness reviews, including configuration views, interface snapshots, tolerance stack summaries, and assembly sequences

What It Takes

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent demonstrable work products in spacecraft/aerospace design)
  • 10+ years of professional mechanical design experience in aerospace/spacecraft or similarly high-rigor hardware environments
  • Expert proficiency in PTC Creo (top-down design, skeletons, family tables, interface control via publish geometry, large-assembly performance discipline)
  • Strong working knowledge of Windchill release workflows and configuration control best practices
  • Deep experience applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and translating intent into inspectable drawings
  • Proven ability to design for manufacturability across common aerospace processes (machining, sheet metal, additive where appropriate, bonding, inserts/Heli-Coils, surface finishes)
  • High ownership: you don't just "model parts"-you drive closure through release, build, and test
  • Work location within the Washington DC / Maryland / Virginia (DMV) area

Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Spacecraft or launch vehicle flight hardware design experience
  • Direct experience supporting AIT on the floor (MRB disposition support, as-built capture, redline control)
  • Familiarity with contamination control, torque practices, workmanship standards, and aerospace fastener conventions
  • Experience with mechanism packaging and clearance validation

What You'll Get

  • Ownership - Be the design authority driving configuration quality on flight builds
  • Impact - Your CAD decisions will ship to orbit
  • Growth - Lead design execution standards across spacecraft programs
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Help build the mechanical foundation of Quantum Space's next-generation spacecraft.