Composite Technician

Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C. (VHA) is a privately-owned small business of fewer than 50 employees with corporate offices and production facilities located in Tempe, Arizona. Incorporated in 2001 by founder and CEO Jim Van Horn, VHA specializes in the design, testing, certification, and manufacture of composite rotor blades for various helicopters. VHA manufactures composite main rotor blades for the 206B JetRanger and 206L LongRanger, as well as tail rotor blades for the 206/OH-58 and UH-1 Huey series of aircraft. VHA engineers are also working on new main and tail rotor blade designs for other helicopters.

Performs entire range of composite bonding operations, including kitting, layup, trimming and finishing. Familiar with standard composite concepts, practices and procedures. Relies on experience and established work instructions to accomplish a variety of assigned tasks. Works under general supervision but allowed a certain degree of latitude. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Reports to the Team Lead.

Rotor Blade Manufacturing Functions:

        Accurately cut composite materials using hand tools and ply-cutting machines.

        Follow specifications to accurately assemble kits for each rotor blade and blade type.

        Perform composite layup procedures according to specifications and engineering drawings with minimal supervision.

        Apply sealers and release coatings to molds.

        Attach and secure product and vacuum bagging materials to molds.

        Cut and assembles "dry good" kits.

        Complete work orders as required.

        Clean and prepare work area, maintaining a "clean room" standard of cleanliness and safety.

Part 145 Repair Station Functions (permitting experience allows):

        Includes all the above listed "Rotor Blade Manufacturing Functions".

        Remove metallic components or hardware as necessary by means of basic hand tools, press fixture, angle grinder or other rotary tools.

        Trim and sand composite rotor blade assemblies to facilitate composite repairs.

        Mix various epoxies or contour fillers. Properly fill and fair using both hand and power sanders.

        Perform various finishing tasks on rotor blade assemblies, up to and including application of paint if aptitude allows.

        Perform bearing and bushing installations. Perform rotor blade balance and hardware installation as applicable.

        Follow steps in work orders and engineering documents to complete composite rotor blade repairs.

Experience Required:

        Requires high school diploma or equivalent.

        Current enrollment or completion of apprenticeship program, aircraft maintenance program, and/or formal composites training preferred.

        FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and/or Part 145 Repair Station experience preferred.

        Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in aircraft maintenance/fabrication, composites, or a related area preferred.

        Completion of associate degree in manufacturing, composites, engineering technology or related area preferred.

        Experience with work orders, engineering documents and/or drawings.

Qualifications:

        Highly motivated individual with effective team-oriented interpersonal skills including the willingness to work where needed to achieve team goals.

        Must be able to read and interpret technical publications, work orders, engineering documents and drawings.

        Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

        Must be detail-oriented.

        Must have the ability to take direction well.

        Must possess general knowledge of practices and procedures used to fabricate composite and metal bonded structures.

        Ability to work with basic shop tools and equipment used in composite lay-up and assembly.

        Ability to use precision instruments such as calipers and micrometers.

        Must be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 pounds.

        Must read, write and speak English.

        Must be able to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8 AM - 5 PM.

        Must have a clean criminal record and two forms of ID showing eligibility to work in the United States.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Van Horn Aviation is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions and future advancement opportunities at VHA will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities; and not on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender (including gender expression and identity, pregnancy or related medical conditions and nursing mothers), sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition or information related thereto, marital or domestic partner status, veteran status, military caregiver status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.