What are the responsibilities and job description for the Blade Fabricator Trainee position at Enstrom Helicopter?
Join Enstrom Helicopter in Menominee, Michigan, just 50 minutes north of Green Bay. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Menominee/Marinette area is an outdoor paradise. At Enstrom, you will be part of a close-knit team where your work is seen and valued. As a proud U.S. manufacturer of FAA certified rotorcraft, we build nearly 90% of each helicopter in house. Our team enjoys a clean, growth focused environment with a Monday through Friday schedule.
Position: Blade Fabricator Trainee
Reports To: Director of Operations
Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Shift: 1st Shift: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Pay Range: $25- $32 per hour
BASIC WORKER FUNCTION:
Builds and bonds helicopter rotor blades. Prepares and assembles blade parts, operates bonding fixtures and equipment, and ensures blades meet blueprints and specifications.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TASKS:
- Fabricate blade parts following process instructions.
- Align and assemble blade components in bonding fixtures.
- Perform surface treatments like iridite processing on parts.
- Twist and route blade spars to specifications.
- Drill and fit blade tips.
- Assist with blade milling machine operations.
- Prepare blade parts for bonding and inspect for surface defects.
- Position components, lay bonding tape, and clamp parts in fixtures.
- Set bonding temperature and time after inspection approval.
- File blades to proper width and attach doublers, retention plates, and fittings.
- Install leading edge filler blocks, trim tabs, and rivets using fixtures.
- Balance and classify blades; install lead weights in tips when needed.
- Record blade weights and maintain documentation.
- Inspect completed blades for quality and conformance.
- Maintain machines, fixtures, and equipment.
- Follow all safety rules.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Understand bonding agents, curing, and fixture operation.
- Able to use blade shop and sheet metal tools (drill press, routers, sanders, rivet tools, etc.).
- Read and work from blueprints, shop orders, and specifications.
- Keep accurate production and inspection records.
- Use time controllers, protractors, and apply basic shop math.
- Troubleshoot and solve problems independently.
- Work with minimal supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED.
- Experience in fabrication, composites, bonding, or sheet metal preferred.
- Willingness to learn blade fabrication processes.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Stand for long periods.
- Lift up to 50 pounds.
- Perform repeated hand motions for fabrication and bonding.
- Bend, reach, and work in tight or awkward positions.
- See clearly to inspect surfaces, align parts, and read measurements.
- Wear required safety gear.
Salary : $25 - $32