Stretch Form Operator (Top Local Aerospace Manufacturer)

Job Description

Job Description Stretch Form Operator – Aerospace Manufacturing

Job Title: Stretch Form Operator
Industry: Aerospace / Aircraft Manufacturing
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Production Supervisor

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Stretch Form Operator to join our aerospace manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating stretch forming machinery to shape aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other aerospace-grade metals into precision aircraft components.

This position requires a strong understanding of metal forming processes, blueprint interpretation, tooling setup, and dimensional inspection. The Stretch Form Operator will be responsible for producing high-quality structural and sheet metal components while maintaining strict aerospace quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain stretch forming machines used in the production of aerospace structural components.

• Perform stretch forming operations on aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other aerospace-grade materials according to engineering specifications.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.

• Select, install, and adjust forming dies, tooling, clamps, and fixtures to achieve required part configurations.

• Adjust machine settings, including hydraulic pressure, tension, and forming sequences, based on material properties and part requirements.

• Manufacture precision-formed components such as aircraft skins, fuselage sections, structural frames, ribs, and other contoured aerospace parts.

• Inspect finished components for dimensional accuracy, surface defects, cracks, wrinkles, and other nonconformances.

• Utilize precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, templates, and inspection fixtures.

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections to verify compliance with engineering requirements.

• Monitor forming operations to minimize material waste, prevent damage, and maintain production efficiency.

• Identify and troubleshoot machine, tooling, and forming issues.

• Maintain accurate production records, inspection documentation, and material traceability.

• Follow aerospace manufacturing quality requirements, including AS9100 procedures and applicable customer specifications.

• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

• Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and production personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience operating stretch forming equipment, preferably in aerospace manufacturing.

• Experience with hydraulic stretch forming machinery and metal forming operations.

• Ability to read and interpret aerospace blueprints, engineering drawings, and manufacturing instructions.

• Knowledge of aluminum alloys and other metals commonly used in aerospace applications.

• Understanding of metal forming principles, material elongation, springback, and dimensional tolerances.

• Experience setting up forming dies, fixtures, and tooling.

• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments.

• Ability to work independently and maintain consistent production quality.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and attention to detail.

• Understanding of manufacturing safety procedures and quality control requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience manufacturing aircraft structural components for commercial, military, or defense aerospace programs.

• Experience operating hydraulic stretch forming machines from manufacturers such as Sheridan-Gray or equivalent equipment.

• Familiarity with sheet metal stretch forming, extrusion stretch forming, and contour forming processes.

• Knowledge of aerospace materials, including 2024, 6061, and 7075 aluminum alloys.

• Experience with complex geometries and tight-tolerance aerospace components.

• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems.

• Experience working in an aerospace manufacturing environment supporting OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.

• Knowledge of first article inspection requirements, including AS9102.

• Experience with CNC-controlled or automated forming equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive manufacturing tasks throughout the shift.

• Ability to lift and maneuver materials or tooling weighing up to 50 pounds, with appropriate assistance when required.

• Comfortable working around hydraulic machinery, heavy tooling, and industrial manufacturing equipment.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Ability to work overtime or additional shifts as production demands require.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a skilled metal forming professional with direct experience in aerospace stretch forming operations. This individual understands the importance of precision, material integrity, and adherence to strict aerospace manufacturing specifications.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to independently set up and operate stretch forming equipment while consistently producing high-quality aerospace components.