About this role
Job Title: Assembly AssociateJob DescriptionThe Assembly Associate completes sheet metal assemblies according to process specifications, planning documents, blueprints, and customer requirements. This role focuses on precision riveting, sealing, and close tolerance work on thin skins and other aircraft-related components, ensuring all parts meet quality and safety standards in a production assembly environment. Responsibilities • Complete sheet metal assemblies in accordance with process specifications, resident planning, blueprints, shop aids, graphic work instructions (GWIs), and customer requirements. • Verify that all tooling is correct before starting work and ensure proper setup for each job. • Load details into tools, drill bars for drilling, load details into jigs for drilling, and remove completed parts according to the work order. • Drill and countersink holes, including close tolerance holes, following specified dimensions and locations. • Perform close tolerance reaming and inspect close tolerance work to ensure it meets required standards. • Shoot and buck skin rivets, install hi-locks, and work with various fasteners used in sheet metal assembly. • Remove and replace non-conforming fasteners without causing additional rework, especially on thin skins and thinner materials. • Clean and prepare assemblies for the application of sealant; apply appropriate sealant, seal assemblies together, install fasteners, and remove and clean excess sealant from assemblies. • Call for and coordinate final inspection of completed assemblies to verify compliance with all requirements. • Use and read close tolerance measuring devices to confirm dimensions and tolerances. • Evaluate assemblies and components during initial inspection to determine if they meet assembly requirements. • Read and follow verbal and written instructions, including safety rules, operating instructions, job orders, blueprints, process specifications, and manuals. • Fill out paperwork accurately in accordance with the work order for each completed process or operation. • Maintain the work area in a neat, clean, and orderly manner throughout the shift. • Seek guidance and direction as needed and communicate with the next-level supervisor about the status of work being performed. • Identify and report problems or potential problems to the next-level supervisor as soon as they arise. • Report on time for each shift and after each break, and work the full scheduled shift. • Respect the confidentiality of all personnel, customer, and company information. • Assist and train other employees as needed to support team performance and knowledge sharing. • Perform other duties and tasks as may be assigned within the spirit assembly and production environment. Essential Skills • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred. • 1+ year of rivet and sheet metal assembly experience preferred. • 1+ year of sealing experience highly preferred. • Previous manufacturing experience preferred, particularly in aviation. • Manufacturing background in aviation required, with experience working on thin skins and thinner materials. • Ability to drill, countersink, shoot skin rivets, and preferably buck rivets. • Ability to drill close tolerance holes and perform close tolerance reaming. • Ability to install hi-locks and work with a variety of fasteners used in sheet metal assembly. • Ability to remove and replace non-conforming fasteners without causing additional rework. • Blueprint reading class or equivalent experience required, including reading shop aids and graphic work instructions (GWIs). • Understanding and utilization of sealing techniques, riveting and sheet metal assembly, and close tolerance reaming. • Ability to use and read close tolerance measuring devices accurately. • Ability to stand and/or walk constantly for 7–10 hours daily. • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. • Ability to pinch and grip various tools with fingers and hands using pushing and pulling motions for 7–10 hours daily. • Ability to frequently bend and stoop for 2–3 hours daily. • Ability to reach for 5–6 hours daily. • Ability to use a vibrating rivet gun for 5–8 hours daily. • Ability to consistently communicate clearly and professionally with team members and supervisors. • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, including safety rules, operating instructions, job orders, blueprints, process specifications, and manuals. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Experience in production, assembly, and assembly line environments. • Mechanical aptitude and mechanical assembly experience. • Experience with sheet metal, power tools, and small assembly work. • background working on aviation programs such as Cessna and Honda programs is beneficial. • Experience in backshop or seat track work involving sheet metal, power tools, small assembly, and sealing. • Experience in tail assembly work involving bucking, riveting, drilling, and precise hole location. • Ability to adapt quickly to working with thinner materials and thin skins. • Strong attention to detail and commitment to minimizing rework. • Ability to assist in training and mentoring other employees as needed. Why Work Here?This is an opportunity to join a stable, family-owned organization known for its strong culture, long-standing employees, and high tenure. You will work in a supportive environment that values craftsmanship, safety, and quality, with the chance to develop specialized skills in aviation assembly and grow your expertise over time. Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a production and assembly facility that supplies windows and sub-assemblies for other areas, including spirit assembly operations. The plant is air conditioned and heated, providing a comfortable and controlled environment throughout the year. Safety glasses are required at all times, and protective gloves, including anti-vibration and cut-resistant gloves as needed, are provided and required when working with tools and materials. Work is hands-on and physically active, involving extended periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and using power tools such as vibrating rivet guns. The schedule follows a first-shift pattern of four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with Friday designated as an overtime day and minimal Saturday work. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with expectations for maintaining a neat work area and following all safety rules and operating instructions. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $17.00 - $20.00/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) Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.
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.