PteroDynamics Inc. Lead Airframe Technician Colorado Springs, CO · Full time Company website

Apply for Lead Airframe Technician

PteroDynamics is a pioneer in autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and inventor of the Transwing VTOL system that overcomes the inherent shortcomings of current VTOL aircraft by combining the speed, range, endurance, and payload capacity of a fixed-wing airplane with superior VTOL performance in a simple, efficient autonomous UAS platform.

About Us

Founded in 2017, PteroDynamics, Inc. is a private-equity backed aircraft design and manufacturing company headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO that develops superior autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems based on the company’s proprietary Transwing® aircraft design with wings that fold during flight to transition between configurations optimized for vertical and horizontal flight, which is unlike and more performant than any other VTOL system, able to takeoff and land without a runway like a helicopter yet cruise with the efficiency of a streamlined fixed-wing aircraft.

The Transwing® aircraft design overcomes the limitations of inherent in the other VTOL designs by combining fixed-wing aircraft speed, range, and endurance with superior VTOL performance in an efficient, highly automated platform. The Transwing® is ideal for automating time-sensitive delivery of critical high-value payloads to hard-to-reach locations in austere conditions, such as maritime logistics support, payload delivery to remote locations without airstrips, and intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) missions.

Seeing is believing. Visit www.PteroDynamics.com for details and videos.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and lead airframe structural fabrication, assembly, integration, repair, and modification activities.
• Perform precision drilling, fitting, fastening, machining, bonding, and assembly of metallic and composite aircraft structures.
• Perform receiving and in-process inspections of airframe components and assemblies.
• Perform composite layups, curing, trimming, drilling, fitting, bonding, finishing, and repair.
• Perform secondary bonding of composite and metallic structures using appropriate adhesive systems and processes.
• Prepare composite surfaces for bonding, finishing, painting, and vinyl application.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and other technical documentation.
• Perform and support aircraft weight and balance activities.
• Identify fit, finish, assembly, and manufacturing issues and collaborate with engineering and other team members to develop practical solutions.
• Support prototype aircraft builds, configuration changes, modifications, testing, and repair activities.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance, training, and hands-on support to Airframe Technicians and other team members.
• Help coordinate shop-floor activities based on development and production priorities.
• Mentor technicians on proper fabrication, assembly, tooling, safety, and quality practices.
• Promote consistent workmanship and adherence to established processes and engineering requirements.
• Assist with the development, documentation, and implementation of manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, and quality standards.
• Identify and recommend improvements to manufacturing methods, tooling, workflow, and shop organization.
• Support inventory management of tools, materials, supplies, and consumables.
• Maintain tools and equipment and help ensure they are used safely and appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, efficient, and safe work environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience in aircraft fabrication, assembly, maintenance, manufacturing, composites, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience leading, training, mentoring, or providing technical direction to other technicians.
• Strong experience with aircraft structural assembly, including drilling, fitting, fastening, bonding, and modification of metallic and/or composite structures.
• Experience with secondary bonding of composite and metallic structures utilizing adhesive systems such as epoxies, acrylics, and cyanoacrylates.
• Experience with composite fabrication, assembly, finishing, and/or repair.
• Proficiency with common machine and fabrication tools, including bandsaws, drill presses, chop saws, table saws, grinders, manual lathes, mills, and rotary tools.
• Proficiency with precision measurement equipment, including scales, rules, calipers, and micrometers.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and work collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and leadership.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced development environment where priorities and requirements may evolve.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical activities associated with aircraft fabrication and assembly.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.
• Composite structural repair experience.
• Composite design, manufacturing, or repair training and certifications.
• Previous experience as a Lead Technician, Crew Lead, Shop Lead, or in a similar technical leadership capacity.
• Experience in aerospace prototype, R&D, experimental aircraft, or low-rate production environments.
• Experience developing or improving manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, or shop standards.
• Experience working directly with engineering teams to resolve manufacturing and assembly issues.
• Experience with CAD or other 2D/3D design tools.
• CNC machining experience.
• 3D printing/additive manufacturing experience.
• R/C or unmanned aircraft design, build, integration, and test experience.

What We Offer

At PteroDynamics, you will have the opportunity to significantly impact the future of aerial technology through creativity and innovation. The company offers a comprehensive compensation package, which includes a competitive salary, stock options, company-sponsored medical insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan with company matching, long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, paid sick time, and a collaborative, inclusive working environment in an exciting, growing startup company.

Date the Position Closes

Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.

Note

This job posting in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by anyone authorized to give instructions or assignments.

PteroDynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.

PteroDynamics will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to PteroDynamics or a direct threat. Employees or applicants needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at [email protected].