The posting
Company Overview
Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas. These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and operating turnkey capabilities that give our partners decisive, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global shared-service – spanning people, finance, platform, operations, legal, and engagement. This frees up our Core Groups, who develop and own mission capabilities end-to-end, to focus entirely on delivery. The Market Groups apply a regional lens, ensuring that our agile and adaptable capabilities remain aligned to the wicked problems that matter most to our partners across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
At the heart of our model is a simple but powerful idea: be a true partner with skin in the game. Our partners need effects, not just equipment. By owning the full stack – from the lab to the field – we are able to drive a continuous cycle of innovation that keeps our partners ahead. It's a fast-moving, intellectually demanding environment where talented people are given real responsibility, work on problems that matter, and contribute to an enterprise that is growing quickly and deliberately.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, with facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Group Overview
Aerospace Engineering Group (AERO) provides an integrated, end-to-end capability for the rapid modification and fielding of mission-specific aircraft. The Airborne Asset Adaptation (A3) Cell acts as the central command and coordination hub, managing requirements and external interfaces from inception to operational delivery. Specialized technical execution is delivered by the Aircraft Integration Centre (AIC), a Part 145 facility focused on airframe modification, and Aerospace Design (ASD), which provides organic design engineering and FAA-authorized certification. Collectively, these elements bridge the gap between initial requirements and the deployment of flight-certified, mission-ready assets.
Position Summary
The Sheet Metal Fabricator is responsible for producing high-precision aerospace formed-metal components and assemblies using CNC and conventional sheet-metal equipment in a strict AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management system environment. This role includes setup, operation, inspection, and programming of sheet-metal processes to exacting aerospace tolerances, ensuring full traceability, process control, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. This role will interface directly with our Engineering and Hangar Operations teams and must work collaboratively to refine prototype and first-of-kind designs into functional articles for aircraft integration.
What You’ll Do
- Program, set up, and operate CNC lasers, CNC press brakes, shears, English wheels, rollers, and other sheet-metal equipment to produce complex aerospace formed components from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace sheet alloys
- Create, optimize, and maintain programs and nesting files using CAM / sheet-metal software (e.g., Onshape, Fusion 360, or equivalent) to generate efficient cutting paths, bend sequences, and forming processes
- Interpret complex aerospace blueprints, models, and GD&T callouts; perform first-article inspections and in-process checks using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, protractors, radius gauges, and other precision measuring tools as needed
- Work strictly within an AS9100 / ISO 9001 Quality Management System: maintain document control, material traceability, process routers, inspection records, non-conformance reports, and continuous-improvement activities
- Perform machine setups, tooling selection, fixture design/use, and troubleshooting of programs, tooling, and equipment to achieve tight tolerances, proper form, and high first-pass yield
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams on process improvements, new part introductions, and corrective actions
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company safety and 5S standards
- Perform other duties as assigned by management
What You’ll Bring
Required
- Proven ability to program and independently operate CNC lasers, CNC press brakes, and related sheet-metal equipment for aerospace formed-metal parts
- Hands-on experience fabricating aerospace sheet-metal components in an AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
- Minimum 3–5 years of sheet-metal fabrication experience (aerospace preferred), including setup and operation of CNC lasers, brakes, shears, and manual forming tools such as English wheels
- Proficiency with precision measuring tools and basic inspection methods
- Solid understanding of sheet-metal tooling, bend allowances, forming techniques, workholding, and material properties common to aerospace alloys
Preferred
- Experience with common CNC laser and press-brake platforms (e.g., Trumpf, Amada, Bystronic, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with advanced inspection techniques or CMM use
- Prior work in an FAA-regulated or defense/aerospace manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous-improvement tools
- CAD experience
- Demonstrable ability to assess prototype designs for manufacturability and scale
- Job-shop environment background
- FAI process experience
- Willingness to operate other fabrication or CNC equipment occasionally, as needed
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
- Must be able to pass FAA DOT drug test
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical plan options
- HSA/FSA accounts
- Dental and vision coverage
- 6% employer 401(k) match
- Fully paid parental leave for all new parents
- Generous PTO
- Life and disability insurance
- Long-term and Short-term disability coverage
- AD&D Coverage
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub
Work Authorization / Security Clearance
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Position may require passing a government-administered background check
- Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements
AAP / EEO Statement
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time non-exempt position with typical working hours from Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager.
Work Environment
This job operates in a hangar or flight line environment, with exposure to varying weather conditions, loud noise, and aircraft systems. The role may require standing, bending, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. All employees must adhere to strict safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Travel
Not Required
Base Pay Range
The compensation range shown below is a good faith estimate and reflects the expected base pay for this position upon hire. This is just one component of Metrea's overall approach to total rewards and final compensation decisions, including the ultimate salary or hourly rate agreed upon, may vary depending on factors such as job location, job-specific knowledge, skills, experience, and the overall negotiated compensation package. Eligible full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Pay Range
$25—$35 USD
Our Firmware
At Metrea, our single core value is Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes are Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.
Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.
