R&D TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE

Position Summary

The Research and Development Technician Apprentice is a member of the engineering team, working under the close guidance of R&D Technicians, R&D Engineers, and the Vice President of Engineering. The main responsibility is to work with the engineering team to develop new part designs and processes through an understanding of materials and advanced mechanical fundamentals, and to work on multiple projects and platforms under the direction of the Vice President of Engineering. The R&D Technician Apprentice must have the ability to adapt to new process concepts and acquire an advanced level of mechanical ability.

• With proper display of acquiring necessary skills and acquiring necessary experience time, the R&D Technician Apprentice may be considered for R&D Technician.

Company Standards

• Seek guidance and direction as necessary for performance duties
• Maintain communication with the manager and/or supervisor about the status of work being performed
• Identify and report problems or potential problems to the manager and/or supervisor as soon as they arise
• Report on time for each shift, after each break, and working the full shift
• Maintain the work area in a neat and orderly manner
• Respect the confidentiality of all personnel, customer, and Company information

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Use mechanical ability to fabricate and modify test samples, prototype parts, and test setups
• Use mechanical skills to perform part removals & installations on aircraft fuselages
• Assist in the development of new processes, technology, and products under the guidance of R&D Engineering
• Assist with training new process and process improvements to production personnel
• Assist in troubleshooting and problem solving for new and ongoing company projects; including processes, equipment, and testing
• Gain the ability to provide technical input for procedures, test plans, and test reports for various project types
• Acquire knowledge of applicable processes, equipment, and materials to demonstrate adequate integration into parts or production
• Acquire ability to review data including drawings, test plans, and reports
• Participate in and/or host meetings with the team, company, and customers as required
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
• College or technical degree preferred, vocational skills also acceptable

• Minimum of (2) years of experience in a related field with mechanical emphasis
  • i.e., automotive/aircraft mechanic, carpenter, plumber, maintenance, heavy equipment, welder, fabricator, motorsports, construction, etc.

Essential Job Expectations

• Ability to sit and/or stand 10 hours per day
• Ability to lift, carry, twist, and stack up to 50lbs
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach above head, and kneel occasionally
• Ability to climb a step stool/ladder and/or enter confined spaces
• Ability to pinch and grip various tools with fingers and hands using pushing and pulling motions 7 to 9 hours per day
• Ability to use and read close tolerance measuring devices
• Ability to consistently communicate clearly with professionalism
• Proficiency with various hand and power tools
• Ability to operate a basic desktop computer and navigate Microsoft Office products
• Willingness to learn and understand mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems, including associated mechanical thought processes, and Engineering drawings
• Good organization, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as required
• Ability to read, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions, such as safety rules, various technical documents, blueprints, operating and maintenance manuals, process specifications, job orders, and Engineering drawings