Join Enstrom Helicopter in Menominee, Michigan, just 50 minutes north of Green Bay. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Menominee/Marinette area is an outdoor paradise. At Enstrom, you will be part of a close-knit team where your work is seen and valued. As a proud U.S. manufacturer of FAA certified rotorcraft, we build nearly 90 of each helicopter in house. Our team enjoys a clean, growth focused environment with a Monday through Friday schedule.
Position: Blade Fabricator Trainee
Reports To: Director of Operations
Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Shift: 1st Shift: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Pay Range: $25- $32 per hour
BASIC WORKER FUNCTION:
Builds and bonds helicopter rotor blades. Prepares and assembles blade parts, operates bonding fixtures and equipment, and ensures blades meet blueprints and specifications.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF
TASKS:
• Fabricate blade parts following process instructions.
• Align and assemble blade components in bonding fixtures.
• Perform surface treatments like iridite processing on parts.
• Twist and route blade spars to specifications.
• Drill and fit blade tips.
• Assist with blade milling machine operations.
• Prepare blade parts for bonding and inspect for surface defects.
• Position components, lay bonding tape, and clamp parts in fixtures.
• Set bonding temperature and time after inspection approval.
• File blades to proper width and attach doublers, retention plates, and fittings.
• Install leading edge filler blocks, trim tabs, and rivets using fixtures.
• Balance and classify blades; install lead weights in tips when needed.
• Record blade weights and maintain documentation.
• Inspect completed blades for quality and conformance.
• Maintain machines, fixtures, and equipment.
• Follow all safety rules.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Understand bonding agents, curing, and fixture operation.
• Able to use blade shop and sheet metal tools (drill press, routers, sanders, rivet tools, etc.).
• Read and work from blueprints, shop orders, and specifications.
• Keep accurate production and inspection records.
• Use time controllers, protractors, and apply basic shop math.
• Troubleshoot and solve problems independently.
• Work with minimal supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in fabrication, composites, bonding, or sheet metal preferred.
• Willingness to learn blade fabrication processes.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Stand for long periods.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Perform repeated hand motions for fabrication and bonding.
• Bend, reach, and work in tight or awkward positions.
• See clearly to inspect surfaces, align parts, and read measurements.
• Wear required safety gear.