Fabrication & Prototyping Technician
Full-time | On-site, Oak Creek, WI
Menet Aero, LLC, manufactures tethered drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). We are building a world-class aerospace manufacturing business with aggressive growth plans and are seeking a highly motivated candidate with fabrication and prototyping experience.
The Fabrication & Prototyping Technician supports Menet Aero Product Design & Development and Field Service Representative teams by providing design, fabrication, and assembly services. They will guide the selection and acquisition of various machines and tools to expand the company's prototype and production capabilities and work collaboratively with fellow team members to develop innovative products and fabrication processes.
This position requires an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to successfully work in a team environment and interface with internal and external project team members. This position is key to the future growth of Menet Aero. The ideal candidate is self-motivated with a desire to grow beyond their previous fabrication and prototyping experiences. The best candidate will have strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
Menet Aero’s tethered unmanned aircraft systems support many highly intelligent payloads for various applications, including telecommunications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and live broadcast video feed. Menet Aero systems are used by the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and private industry by telecommunications and broadcast companies.
Reports to: Product Design & Development Manager
Position Responsibilities
Fabrication & Sourcing
- Create custom prototype models, parts, and assemblies using common hand tools, power tools, additive, and subtractive processes, painting, and finishing
- Provide input and recommendations on external sourcing options
- Develop advanced manufacturing processes, including researching and identifying new technologies
Assembly & Testing
- Build aircraft and other system components using various assembly techniques
- Help develop guidelines and procedures and assist in the assembly of low-rate initial production items
- Assist in flight testing
Design
- Use CAD tools to interface with design and engineering personnel
- Provide design support as needed for the development of requested components
- Provide recommendations for the design, fabrication, or modification of products or tooling for manufacturability
Shop Management
- Assist in improving layout/organization of new R&D/manufacturing facility, including physical space programming, organization and storage, and tool and equipment selection
- Serve as primary POC for shop upkeep and equipment maintenance
- Work with procurement to maintain supply inventory
- Assist other team members by providing ongoing training and direction to create knowledge redundancy in the organization, especially as it relates to specialized equipment or processes
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment
Basic Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required
- Associate degree in a STEM field, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or equivalent field preferred or a minimum of five years of manufacturing or electronics-related experience and/or training
- Proficient in the use of hand and power tools, soldering, additive, and subtractive processes, painting, and finishing
- Knowledge of CAD software
- Experience with aviation/RC aircraft preferred
- FAA Part 107 certification (or willingness to pursue certification) preferred
Physical Demands
- Ability to work in an office and assembly environment (constant)
- Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent)
- Operate equipment to aid in the loading and unloading of products and supplies (frequent)
- Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. and objects of varying sizes and shapes for shipment to and to set up in various training sites/customers (occasional)
Special Requirements
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)
- Must have a clean driving record in order to drive company vehicles or company-rented vehicles