The Senior technician / mechanic has strong established leadership skills, hands-on aircraft construction and maintenance experience, and a passionate interest for the kit aircraft industry. They help manage and execute work related to the maintenance and airworthiness of the Van’s demo and training fleet, identify potential issues and ensuring aircraft availability, and will help organize and lead the operations of the prototype shop. The person filling this role will have opportunities to participate in the practical aspects of development, testing, and refinement of new products as well as existing product improvements.
Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of requirements for legal compliance of company aircraft
• Coordinate personnel training requirements and qualifications for various equipment
• Maintain demo/training aircraft fleet (planning/scheduling, maintaining airworthiness documentation, oil changes, condition inspections, repair, troubleshooting)
• Assist with design, development, and testing new prototype products and improvements to existing products (develop/fabricate/improve fixtures and tools, create and maintain documentation)
• Manage and maintain prototype shop equipment and organization
• Conduct quality inspections in the Aircraft Assembly Division and with Quick-Build components, provide training sessions, and guide hands-on rework as needed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• 5 years experience in inspecting/maintaining/repairing piston engine aircraft
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts and procedures into understandable instructions using pictures and text for builders
• Must work well as a team leader, in a group, and individually
• Pilot license or strong interest in becoming a pilot
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, with an eye for prioritization
• Superior demonstrated ability with sheet metal fabrication and repair techniques
• Experience with fiberglass/composite tooling, fabrication, and repair techniques
• Thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and in collaborative/team settings across all levels
• Must be self-motivated and able to work with little supervision
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with an exceptional eye for detail and accuracy
• Proficient with MS Office (Word and Excel) Preferred Requirements

Preferred Requirements

• Airframe & Powerplant license
• Inspection Authorization
• Experience building, operating, and maintaining experimental aircraft (ideally RV’s)
• Experience operating machine shop tools (NC router, lathes, welding, CNC machining, etc.)
• Experience with viewing and editing CAD files (Solidworks, AutoCad
• Experience painting vehicles (cars or aircraft)

Equal Employment Opportunity
Van’s Aircraft is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.