Structures Lead

It’s your career, give it wings! 

Who we are and where we are going: 

Ascent Aviation Services is one of the largest aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul, storage and reclamation operations in the world. Our strength comes from our talented and professional employees who excel through teamwork and enthusiasm. Ascent Aviation Services continues to grow and are continually looking for motivated and career minded aviation professionals who will support our vision and goals.

We are seeking a Structures Lead to join our team. The Structures Lead will embody our core values of Respect, Safety, Quality, and Results in all aspects of the role—guiding and supporting structures technicians while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and company standards. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with a strong technical background in aircraft structures and a commitment to fostering teamwork and operational excellence.

As a 24/7 operation, we have openings across all shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and 12-hour schedules. Candidates must be flexible and willing to work any shift based on operational needs. Preference is given to those available between 2:30 PM and 7:00 AM, including overnights and weekends. Some schedules may qualify for shift differential. Overtime—both scheduled and unscheduled, including holidays—may also be required.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead and oversee the interpretation and application of technical manuals, service bulletins, and FAA documents by the structures team.
• Direct and support the inspection, repair, and replacement of aircraft sheet metal in compliance with manuals, FAA regulations, and company procedures.
• Provide guidance on reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications to determine fabrication and installation methods.
• Plan and assign sheet metal fabrication, assembly, installation, and repair tasks, ensuring efficient use of materials and machining processes.
• Review and approve material selections to meet specifications and operational requirements.
• Ensure accurate layout, measurement, and marking of dimensions and reference lines by team members.
• Oversee equipment care, repairs, and general shop maintenance to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
• Verify proper documentation of component removals, identification, and routing tags.
• Ensure preventative maintenance and routine servicing are performed to company and FAA standards.
• Monitor and audit documentation of all work performed, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and completeness.

YOU WILL GET MORE THAN JUST COMPENSATION:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• PTO - Eligible for 4 Weeks in your First Year, in Addition to 7 Paid Company Holidays
• Company-Provided Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:  

• Strong leadership ability with proven experience guiding and motivating a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interpret and follow technical instructions, blueprints, and FAA requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across teams.
• Willingness to work independently as well as in a team-oriented environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Valid driver’s license.
• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License or Repairman’s Certificate.
• 3–5 years of aircraft sheet metal or related structures experience (leadership experience strongly preferred).
• High school Diploma preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, balancing, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Occasional crawling, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.
• Corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: 

• Rivet guns, Drills, Slip rollers & rollers, Grinders & sanders. Work benches & sheet metal tables. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Location: Aircraft maintenance hangar, flightline, and Avionics Shop. 
• Potential Hazards: Exposure to high intensity noise levels, extreme changes in temperature, electrical charges and radar waves, materials identified on Safety Data Sheets, working around moving machinery. 
• Protective Equipment Required: Goggles, safety glasses, face shields, ear protection, aprons, gloves, safety harnesses, breathing equipment. 

OTHER DUTIES: 

• May be required to work at both Marana, AZ and Tucson, AZ locations as business needs dictate. 
• Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of department management. 

SMS REQUIREMENTS:  

• Employees are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with company policies and government regulations. These rules are written in the interest of preserving the lives and the resources entrusted to each employee, and when the rules are violated, the risk of a mishap is usually increased.
• Employees shall participate in safety education programs and train to recognize hazards on the job and how to report them promptly. As a condition of employment, each member of Ascent Aviation agrees to report errors, incidents, and accidents honestly.
• An employee who observes an unsafe action or condition should bring it to the attention of supervisors and managers. Certain conditions may allow the employee to easily correct or condition a situation. 

Ascent Aviation Services is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to making reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. 

If you require any accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. EEO/AA/F/M/VET/DIS