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Shot Peening Operator – Aerospace

Wilmington, NC

PDS Tech | Temp-to-Perm

Pay: $33.00/hour** **_(rate increases once permanent)_

1st shift While in training** **_(must be open to other shifts and weekends)_

Ready to take your aerospace manufacturing experience to the next level? PDS Tech is hiring a skilled Shot Peening Operator to join a high-performance aerospace production team in Wilmington, NC. This is a temp-to-perm opportunity offering strong pay, long-term stability, and the chance to work in a precision-driven environment where quality truly matters.

If you enjoy hands-on work, tight tolerances, and being part of a process that directly impacts aircraft safety and performance, this role is for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Set up, calibrate, and operate manual and automated shot peening equipment

• Perform shot peening to aerospace specifications, ensuring proper intensity and coverage

• Conduct Almen strip testing, saturation curve verification, and media control checks

• Interpret blueprints, work instructions, and process specifications accurately

• Monitor process consistency and document results for quality and traceability

• Perform routine equipment maintenance, nozzle alignment, and media size verification

• Work closely with quality and production teams to meet aerospace standards

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred

• 2–3 years of shot peening experience in aerospace, automotive, or precision manufacturing

• Experience with AMS 2430, AMS 2432, or similar shot peening specifications

• Background working with automated, robotic, or CNC-controlled peening systems

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of peening intensity, coverage, and surface enhancement principles

• Knowledge of how shot peening impacts fatigue life and residual stress profiles

• Experience with process documentation, quality records, and part traceability systems

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistent process control

• Comfortable using inspection and measurement tools such as calipers, profilometers, and Almen gauges

• Able to work independently, follow work orders, and complete paperwork accurately

• Safety-focused mindset in a regulated manufacturing environment

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

• Comfortable working in an industrial production setting

• Willing to wear PPE and follow all safety and environmental procedures

• Flexible to work assigned shifts and overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Nadcap-accredited facility

• Background in metal finishing, blasting, or surface enhancement processes

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles

Additional Requirements

• Must pass drug screen and background check

Why This Role

• $33/hour starting pay with an increase upon permanent hire

• Temp-to-perm pathway with long-term career potential

• Work in a precision aerospace environment where quality comes first

• Be part of a team that supports growth, skill development, and stability

**Pay Details:** $33.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

+ The California Fair Chance Act

+ Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

+ Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

+ San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

**Massachusetts Candidates Only:** It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.