Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersDescription
Build, fit, drill, and rivet aircraft sheet metal structures and skins, assembling and installing subassemblies such as fuselage panels, wings, bulkheads, and doors using jigs, precision layout, and aerospace fasteners; apply sealants and corrosion protection and perform inspections to meet specifications and airworthiness standards.
- • Assemble prefabricated sheet metal parts into subassemblies and major structures.
- • Position and align skins, frames, and stiffeners in jigs or fixtures using blueprint lines and index points.
- • Lay out and mark hole patterns, trim lines, and reference points on sheet metal using templates and measuring tools.
- • Drill and ream holes to specification using pneumatic drills, reamers, and microstop cages.
- • Countersink and dimple holes for flush fasteners per process specifications.
- • Temporarily fasten parts with clecos and clamps to maintain alignment during build-up.
- • Set solid and blind rivets using rivet guns, squeezers, and bucking bars.
- • Follow specified rivet sequences and patterns to control distortion and maintain skin fit.
- • Inspect rivet shop heads, grip, and flushness with gauges; replace nonconforming fasteners.
- • Fit, trim, deburr, and chamfer edges to achieve proper edge distance, pitch, and clearance.
- • Install nutplates, captive fasteners, hinges, brackets, and clips with rivets or bolts.
- • Apply sealants, primers, and corrosion-inhibiting compounds to faying surfaces and seams.
- • Clean and prepare metal surfaces using approved solvents and abrasion methods before assembly.
- • Fabricate simple sheet metal details using shears, brakes, rollers, notchers, and bead formers.
- • Form flanges, joggles, and beads to specification and verify contour match.
- • Use scales, calipers, height gages, and templates to verify dimensions and tolerances.
- • Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and process specs to determine layouts and sequences.
- • Join and install completed assemblies on the airframe and coordinate lifting or positioning as needed.
- • Perform in-process and final inspections for fit, alignment, fastener spacing, and workmanship.
- • Rework parts and drill out rivets to correct defects without damaging surrounding structure.
- • Mix, apply, and tool sealant for fuel tank and pressurization integrity when required.
- • Install and torque bolts, screws, and specialty fasteners to documented values.
- • Set up and safely operate equipment for drilling, countersinking, dimpling, and riveting operations.
- • Maintain FOD control, tool accountability, and accurate build documentation and sign-offs.
- • Segregate and recycle scrap, chips, and solvents in accordance with environmental procedures.
- • Assemble first articles or prototypes and provide manufacturability and process feedback.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
