Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic(Contract)-Belle Plaine,IA
Role Based in Belle Plaine
Key Information
- Position: Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic (Flexible/Contract, Belle Plaine)
- Location: Belle Plaine, IA
- Hiring Organization: FedEx Express
- This Belle Plaine-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our FedEx Express team in Belle Plaine, IA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Belle Plaine, a key hub for the Aviation And Cargo Logistics industry.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: $33-$49/Hour (approx. $85.3k/Year)
- Benefits: Benefits may be available based on employment type.
- Flexible contract/gig opportunity in Belle Plaine.
Position Scope
- Apply your your professional skills skills at our Belle Plaine location.
About FedEx Express Structural Maintenance
Cargo aircraft endure extraordinary structural stress — heavy container loads, thousands of pressurization cycles, and the constant vibration of high-frequency flight operations. FedEx Express Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanics are the structural repair specialists who inspect, repair, and reinforce airframe skins, stringers, bulkheads, and cargo floor panels to keep every aircraft in the fleet structurally airworthy. Working on wide-body freighters like the Boeing 767 and 777, these technicians perform precision metalwork that directly impacts flight safety.
Position Overview
FedEx Express is hiring Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanics to perform structural inspection and repair on cargo aircraft at hub maintenance facilities. You will repair corrosion damage, replace fatigued skin panels, fabricate doubler patches, and perform cargo floor and door seal restorations using precision riveting and bonding techniques. This is a specialized structural role commanding premium pay within the FedEx Express maintenance division.
Key Responsibilities
- Inspect airframe structures for corrosion, fatigue cracks, dents, and cargo impact damage using NDT and visual methods.
- Remove and replace damaged skin panels, stringers, and doublers using precision drilling, countersinking, and riveting.
- Fabricate custom sheet metal repair patches and structural reinforcements per engineering repair orders.
- Restore cargo floor panels, door seals, and latch mechanisms damaged by heavy freight loading operations.
- Document all structural repairs in aircraft maintenance records per FAR Part 121 and FedEx engineering standards.
Qualifications & Benefits
Must hold a valid FAA Airframe certificate or equivalent military structural repair training. Minimum 3 years aircraft sheet metal experience on transport-category aircraft. Proficiency with precision riveting tools, sealants, and structural bonding compounds required. Must work rotating shifts including nights and weekends. FedEx Express offers premium structural mechanic pay, shift differentials, full medical/dental/vision, pension, flight benefits, tool allowance, and ongoing technical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic position pay at FedEx Express?
This role offers a pay range of $33 - $49. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within Belle Plaine.
Where is this Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic job located?
This position is based in Belle Plaine, IA. FedEx Express has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in Belle Plaine.
What benefits does FedEx Express offer for this position?
FedEx Express provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Are weekend-only schedules available for this position?
FedEx Express offers various scheduling options including weekend shifts. Weekend schedules may come with additional premium pay. Check with the hiring team for current availability in Belle Plaine.
Is there extra pay for overnight or weekend shifts?
Yes, FedEx Express offers shift differential premiums added directly to your base hourly rate for overnight and certain weekend shifts, significantly boosting your total compensation.
Does FedEx Express provide training for new hires?
Yes, FedEx Express provides comprehensive paid training for all new associates. This includes safety orientation, equipment operation certification, and role-specific process training.
