Job Description
Job Overview:
The Structures Liaison position will function primarily as a subject matter expert in aircraft materials / structures for the company. This person utilizes extensive knowledge and experience as a shop lead / composite technician and a vast history with Scaled to advise and support all of Scaled’s programs, employees and our company as a whole. This individual will work with program Structures Design Engineers, Materials and Processing, as well as Bids and Proposals in the development of aircraft structures conceptual design; will help engineering think through all the small details from a manufacturing and maintenance standpoint in the designing phase of an aircraft’s structure by bringing the practical knowledge from the manufacturing realm, also offer input on materials chosen for tooling and structure based on program needs and facility capability. Will assist programs, Director of Manufacturing and the Operations Training Group in helping shape the most efficient design with the intention of an easier transition from engineering to efficient manufacturing.
Category: Manufacturing
Job Title: Structures Liaison
Location: Mojave, CA
Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship
Clearance Type: None
Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule
Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available
Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching
Summary:
Founded by Burt Rutan in 1982, Scaled Composites has been in the business of Designing, Building, and Flying unique airplanes (and occasionally spacecraft) for now over 40 years. We are a modestly sized company, constantly building small teams of empowered and capable employees to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in aerospace. From the farthest (Global Flyer), to the largest (Stratolaunch), to the highest (SpaceShipOne, Proteus), and many in between, Scaled’s track record of innovation has pushed against and expanded some of the most stubborn corners of the flight envelope.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Advising and applying technical knowledge, judgment and creative problem solving to resolve technical issues, mentor and teach.
- Routinely working with Project Structural Engineers by contributing to the conceptual design of an aircraft’s structure and intimately understanding the technical data in order to better support program manufacturing and aid in training.
- Assisting in the following: supporting training, helping identify and developing new area leads / technicians. Advising on best practices and lessons learned across the company as a whole.
- Providing guidance and supporting to all programs on proper manufacturing techniques of aircraft structures. Helping troubleshoot and resolving manufacturing and assembly challenges and issues; visiting all of Scaled programs to survey for issues and good practices.
- Ensuring deficient craftsmanship issues are being identified throughout all Scaled manufacturing areas and tie them back into opportunities to support training.
- Assisting in researching and identifying proper materials, manufacturing and assembly techniques, needed equipment, and experience levels and talents of shop fabrication personnel.
- Supporting all Operations leadership with technical advice and updates that would pertain to each functional area (EH&S, Facilities, Manufacturing, Materials and Processing, Director of Manufacturing, etc.)
- Establishing good relationships with all employees to help instill the Scaled culture and foster a team atmosphere that welcomes questions. In particular focusing on building a good working relationship with the Systems Liaison, EH&S Manager, Facilities Manager, Systems Manufacturing Manager, Manufacturing Team and Development Team.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Must have the ability to read and interpret systems installation drawings, blue prints and verbal instructions
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance. Must be able to gain access to ALL Scaled programs to help support the technical transfer, training, problem solving required of the position organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience with hands on composite fabrication work in manufacturing, assembly and flight test for Scaled Composites; shop lead experience desired; individual must be extremely knowledgeable and experienced with most of Scaled’s materials, fabrication, and assembly.
Essential Functions:
- Occasional lifting up to 50+ lbs., with assistance
- Standing 60% of the day
- Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for an assigned task.
- Occasional work with composite materials such as epoxy resin systems, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam/core products. Will also work closely with chemicals, such as acetone and alcohol.
- May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate e computer keyboard)
- Work on varied work surfaces/environments, including but not limited to working in a busy shop environment,
- cold room, or in/on aircraft structures including raised platforms including but not limited to ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.
- Work may be performed inside or outside of buildings. May be exposed to changing weather conditions (i.e., article or aircraft testing operations).
- Must be able to pass and maintain ‘pass’ status on OSHA-approved Pulmonary Fitness Test (PFT) in order to wear a respirator for prolonged periods of time.
- Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen)
- Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to write for extended periods of time
- Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
- May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office
- equipment, etc.
- Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
- Ability to converse and communicate information with others
- Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
- Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
- Must have sufficient agility to work in the interior of an aircraft structure. Will need to bend, stoop, squat,
- and/or kneel to occasionally work in cramped, tiring, and uncomfortable positions.
- Must be able to read and understand SDS.
