Senior Welder

Category: Manufacturing

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 legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites is a 41-year-old aerospace company continually working to push boundaries, prove out ideas, and influence the future. We are a rapid prototyping and manufacturing facility, designing, building, and testing proof-of-concept and prototype vehicles. We have flown an average of one new aircraft type per year over our 41-year history such as Proteus, GlobalFlyer, SpaceShipOne, Model 401, and Stratolaunch.

Scaled Composites is seeking a Sr. Welder to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. As a highly skilled Welder, you will play a pivotal role in contributing to the precision and quality of our manufacturing processes. Your responsibilities will include interpreting engineering drawings, selecting appropriate welding techniques, and executing welds with meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency in using various welding equipment and methods, such as MIG and TIG is essential. Adherence to safety protocols and quality standards will be paramount, ensuring the integrity and durability of the finished product. These parts and tools are prototype one-off non-production pieces requiring a high level of attention to detail.

Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Manufacture, repair, modify and recondition a wide variety of unique aircraft parts and support structures
• Lay out, position, and secure parts and assemblies according to specifications using straightedge, combination square, calipers, and ruler
• Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions
• Determine required equipment and welding method while applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques
• Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools to perform precision machining operations
• Read and study blueprints, drawings, and engineering directions to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products
• Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine the need for adjustments or repairs; maintain machines by applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures
• Work with engineering on solutions for tough-to-machine parts
• Manage time to meet critical schedule requirements
• Maintain a safe environment in and around machines, guiding others entering the machine environment
• Responsible for purchasing and ordering, when needed
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to refine designs for manufacturability and performance
• Train and mentor junior welders and engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of relevant experience working safely with turning and milling equipment to manufacture precision components using standard shop practices
• Experience with TIG, MIG, arc, and oxy/acetylene processes, as well as arc gouging
• 5+ years aircraft welding experience
• Knowledge of alloys including their characteristics and procedures of how to work with them
• Must be capable of holding tight tolerances
• Proficiency in the use of measuring tools such as scales, calipers, and micrometers
• Familiarity with the safe operating procedures of standard shop equipment such as angle grinders, pedestal grinders, tool room lathes, engine lathes, universal milling machines, drill presses, arbor presses, broaching operations, bench work, and other standard shop-related equipment
• Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced research and development environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and in a team with minimum supervision
• Ability to adapt to configuration changes common in research and development
• Excellent time management and ability to adjust to the changing needs of the company
• Ability to adapt to program schedules and support needs of all programs
• Ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed

Essential Job Functions:

• Occasional lifting 50+ lbs.
• 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.
• Ability to work overhead for prolonged periods of time including lifting up to 10-15 pounds.
• Standing 95% of the day, sometimes 8.5 – 12 hours per day.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for an assigned task.
• 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 be exposed to dirt, oil, fuel, grease, and hydraulic fluids.
• Able to adapt to altered schedules
• Occasional pushing/pulling of heavy tools and tables (75-100 + lbs., with assistance).
• Manual dexterity to handle small parts, and tools and to manipulate composite material to various shapes using pressure.
• Repetitive hand and arm motions including, but not limited to, trimming, sanding, and/or grinding of materials.
• Occasional sitting computer work
• Vision at close distances and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to operate a forklift and/or other heavy machinery including occasional driving of company-owned vehicles.
• 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.
• 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.
• Must be able to read and understand SDS.