Senior Aircraft Structures Technician

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd•Sarasota, FL

1h•$34 - $45

About The Position

Be part of the founding team launching the first US aircraft assembly line for Pilatus. Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd is launching a new PC-12 final assembly operation in Sarasota, Florida. To establish this operation successfully, we are seeking highly experienced aircraft assembly professionals to join our launch team. Launch team members are selected based on proven hands-on experience, technical maturity, and the ability to work independently in a production environment. Successful candidates will complete approximately 6-12 months of advanced, hands-on training at Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, working directly within an established production line. Training starts summer 2026. Upon return to Sarasota, Launch Team members will work alongside Mentors from the Pilatus factory, serving as core technical experts, mentors, and potential future leaders, supporting ramp-up of the Sarasota assembly line and training of new personnel. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about this opportunity. Launch Team | Pilatus Aircraft

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Minimum of 8+ years of hands-on experience in aircraft structures or precision aerospace assembly OR 2-year technical degree with 6+ years of relevant aircraft structural experience
Demonstrated experience in drilling, riveting, shimming, and torquing; alignment verification and tolerance control; reading and interpreting structural drawings and specifications
Comfortable working across multiple assembly stations and adapting to evolving processes
Proficient in basic computer applications (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook)
Must be able to climb ladders and stairs and work in restricted space

Nice To Haves

FAA A&P license preferred but not required with strong structural background

Responsibilities

Performs drilling, riveting, shimming, and structural assembly on fuselage, wing, and empennage sections
Verifies structural alignment, tolerances, and fit in accordance with approved drawings and work instructions
Documents conformity and inspection data per quality and regulatory requirements
Learns and applies Pilatus structural assembly methods and best practices during the Switzerland training assignment
Captures structural assembly knowledge and lessons learned and transfer them into the Sarasota assembly operation
Supports development, standardization, and continuous improvement of US structural assembly processes
Acts as a mentor and trainer for newly hired structures technicians during the Sarasota ramp-up phase
Ensures all work complies with EASA regulations, company procedures, and applicable customer and quality standards
Supports additional projects or duties as assigned by leadership
Works with a high level of autonomy and technical judgment
Serves as a technical reference for structural assembly and fit-up topics
Proactively identifies risks, quality concerns, and improvement opportunities during early production phases
Leads by example in precision, compliance, and craftsmanship
Supports early problem-solving before full staffing and production maturity is achieved

Benefits

Unique opportunity to help launch Pilatus’ first US PC-12 assembly line
International training assignment, cultural exchange, language training at Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland (approx. 6-12 months)
Comprehensive support package for the Switzerland assignment (details provided separately)
Long-term career growth opportunities, including paths into Team Lead, Specialist or leadership roles as the program matures
Competitive compensation, benefits, and retention incentives
11 paid holidays a year, plus 15 days of paid vacation time, and 6 days of paid sick/personal time to start with an increase to 20 days of paid vacation time after 5 years with Pilatus
90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums paid for single coverage and 80% for family coverage, averaging $9,600 annually
Monthly health savings account (HSA) contributions totaling $2,250 for single coverage and $3,000 for family coverage annually
401(k) retirement plan matching up to 6%
Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid in full
The salary range for this position is $33.78 - 44.94 per hour depending on experience. Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.