Aircraft Structures Military and Veterans Encouraged to Apply
by Northrop Grumman
Job role insights
Date Posted
September 1, 2026
Employment Type
Full Time
Salary Range
Negotiable
Cost of Living
View details for Palmdale
Locations
Application Deadline
October 1, 2026
Description
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.If you join Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in this position, you willassistour Manufacturing Operations Organization asanAircraftStructures Mechanic Level2 or 3supporting ourPalmdale, CAsite. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.
Essential Functions:
Read and understand blueprints
Translate blueprints into fabrications of structural assemblies to include precisiondrilling, countersinking, and the use of calibrated tools
Aligning parts on jigs using templates and fixtures
Performing part-fitting operations: filing sawing, burring, crimping, trimming, framing, riveting,drillingand reaming
Measures parts with precision tools such as micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions
Maymodifyincomplete and complete assemblies to incorporate changes to structure and verify qualityin accordance withstatistical process or other control procedure
Daily usage of manufacturing shop controls and systems
Use ofappropriate PPEwhen working on the shop floor
Recommend and implement continuous improvement activities in production methods, equipmentperformanceand team effectiveness
Basic Qualifications:
Aircraft Structures Level 2:
High School diploma or GED
Minimum of2 years’ structures/sheet metal experiencein an aerospace, automotive, military,manufacturingand/or maintenance environment.
This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to35poundsand working with arms overhead
Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain andmaintainnecessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements
Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to starting
The ability to work 1st “5 AM – 3:30 PM” or 2nd shift “4:12 PM – 2:42 AM” and any work schedule
Ability to obtain andmaintaina Government Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, asdeterminedby the company to meet its business needs.US citizenshiprequiredfor clearance.
The ability toutilizea computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)
Must successfully complete and pass the “ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance” within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need.
Aircraft Structures Level 3:
High School diploma or GED
Minimum of 5 years’ structures/sheet metal experiencein an aerospace, automotive, military,manufacturingand/or maintenance environment.
This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to35poundsand working with arms overhead
Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain andmaintainnecessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements
Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to starting
The ability to work 1st “5 AM – 3:30 PM” or 2nd shift “4:12 PM – 2:42 AM” and any work schedule
Ability to obtain andmaintaina Government Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, asdeterminedby the company to meet its business needs.US citizenshiprequiredfor clearance.
The ability toutilizea computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)
Must successfully complete and pass the “ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance” within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need.
Preferred Qualifications:
Structures/sheet metal experiencein aerospacemanufacturing environment
Completion of an A&P certificate program
Active Government Secret Clearance with a background investigation completed within the last six years
#ASMT
Primary Level Salary Range: $56,000.00 - $93,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Related Jobs
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AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot: Palmdale, California
What aviation pay actually covers in Palmdale — AviHire's snapshot of median income, housing, and everyday prices from U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 5-Year ACS estimates).
Rent runs about 25.7% of median income in Palmdale — moderate by the common 30%-of-income guideline.
AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot, compiled from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2023), with fuel and grocery prices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
