Sheet Metal / Structures Technician
Also posted as Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic; Structures Mechanic; Airframe Structures Technician; Rivet Technician
A sheet metal / structures technician fabricates, repairs, fits, and inspects aircraft sheet-metal and structural parts using drawings, fasteners, and precision layout methods. It's hands-on work in aerospace structures shops, MRO hangars, fabrication cells, and repair stations, where technical instructions, safety procedures, troubleshooting, and accurate documentation all matter.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Lay out structural repairs
Read drawings, templates, and repair instructions to mark, cut, drill, and fit sheet-metal parts.
Install fasteners and panels
Rivet, countersink, deburr, seal, and install structural parts while protecting aircraft surfaces.
Inspect corrosion and damage
Check structures for corrosion, cracks, distortion, fastener issues, and repair quality.
Maintain repair traceability
Record drawings, materials, repair steps, inspections, and quality signoffs.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Sheet Metal Repair
Forming, fitting, drilling, riveting, and repairing aircraft sheet-metal and structural parts.
Riveting / Fasteners
Selecting, installing, and inspecting rivets, fasteners, sealants, and attachment points.
Layout & Fabrication
Using drawings, measurements, templates, and tools to produce accurate aircraft structural repairs.
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