This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
80% STARs in role.
Job Title: Sheet Metal Forming Fabricator
Job Description
The Sheet Metal Forming Fabricator plays a key role in the production of high-quality aerospace structures, systems, and components. In this role, you work as a productive, contributing, and responsible member of a team, supporting production by assembling parts, operating machinery, and performing a variety of metal forming tasks. You handle bending, punching, hand forming, deburring, and sawing of sheet metal products according to work instructions. This position is ideal for entry-level candidates who demonstrate a strong attitude, reliability, and aptitude to learn and grow within the aerospace manufacturing environment, while supporting a culture of quality, safety, continuous improvement, and respect for people.
Responsibilities
- Assemble sheet metal parts and components according to work instructions and production requirements.
- Operate press brake equipment (mechanical and CNC, including 4 ft and 8 ft, 80-ton machines) to form sheet metal parts to specified dimensions.
- Operate punch press, turret press, and related machinery to punch and shape sheet metal components.
- Set up machines and production lines, including loading materials, aligning parts, and preparing tooling for production runs.
- Perform hand forming and bending operations on sheet metal using hand and power tools as required.
- Deburr, finish, and clean metal parts to remove sharp edges and ensure smooth, quality surfaces.
- Support sawing and cutting operations on sheet metal and other materials following safety and quality standards.
- Follow detailed work instructions, blueprints, and process documentation to meet customer specifications and quality standards.
- Apply knowledge of safe lifting techniques and material handling procedures when moving and positioning parts and tooling.
- Work collaboratively as a strong team player, communicating effectively with coworkers and supervisors to meet production goals.
- Support lean manufacturing principles by following established process flows, understanding lead times, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, adhering to all safety policies and procedures in the manufacturing environment.
- Monitor equipment during operation, identify issues, and report any concerns related to quality, safety, or machine performance.
- Participate in training and cross-training opportunities to expand skills in sheet metal fabrication and machine operation.
- Demonstrate reliability by consistently reporting to work as scheduled and being available for overtime, including weekends, when required.
Essential Skills
- Three to six months of related experience and/or training in a manufacturing or machine operation environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to operate basic manufacturing equipment and machinery, including press brake, punch press, turret, and other sheet metal fabrication tools, with appropriate training.
- Ability to perform manual tasks such as bending, punching, hand forming, deburring, and sawing of metal products.
- Strong team-player mindset with a high level of reliability and willingness to support production goals.
- Basic understanding of process flows, lead times, and lean principles in a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of safe lifting techniques and ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds, frequently up to 50 pounds, and occasionally more than 75 pounds.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, walk frequently, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms while performing job duties.
- Ability to follow instructions, communicate effectively, and work safely in a fast-paced production environment.
- Availability to work a Monday–Friday swing shift from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with flexibility to work overtime when required, including weekends.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Knowledge of punching processes and punch tooling for sheet metal fabrication.
- Experience with roll forming operations using sheet metal.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints for manufacturing and fabrication tasks.
- Experience with brake forming and roll forming processes.
- Hands-on experience using hand and power tools in a manufacturing or fabrication setting.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing principles, process flows, and lead times, preferably in the aerospace industry.
- Experience operating CNC machinery and machine tools in a production environment.
- Prior exposure to sheet metal fabrication, including line-up and deburring operations.
- Willingness and desire to learn new fabrication techniques, machinery, and aerospace manufacturing processes.
- Comfort working in a structured, quality-focused environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and on-time delivery.
Why Work Here?
You join a company that actively invests in its people and supports long-term growth and well-being. Employees benefit from a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company-match contribution, paid holidays, and paid time off to support work-life balance. Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance coverage is provided, along with short-term and long-term disability options for added security. An employee assistance program offers access to counseling, consulting, and community resources, while a wellness program encourages healthy lifestyles. Tuition assistance supports ongoing education and skill development, creating opportunities to advance your career in a stable and forward-looking aerospace manufacturing environment.
Work Environment
The role is based in a clean, organized manufacturing shop that works with steel and sheet metal to produce aerospace parts. The environment can be heavy and loud due to machinery and fabrication processes, and you regularly work with equipment such as press brakes (mechanical and CNC, including 4 ft and 8 ft, 80-ton machines), punch presses, turret presses, and other sheet metal fabrication tools. You spend most of your time standing, walking, and using your hands to handle parts and tooling. The position follows a Monday–Friday swing shift schedule from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the expectation of overtime, including weekends, when production demands require it. Safety procedures, proper lifting techniques, and adherence to manufacturing standards are central to the work environment, ensuring both productivity and employee well-being.
#AerojobsWA26
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, WA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Auburn,WA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.
Posting ID: JP-006233022