Embarking on a career as a sheet metal worker in Lake Charles, LA, typically begins with a comprehensive apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in the region last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with a projected job growth of 0.2% from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices in Lake Charles earn an average of $1,200 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $2,300 per week. Trade schools, unions, and training centers provide pathways to apprenticeships, leading to a rewarding career with strong earning potential.
Job Title: Aircraft Sheet Metal Technician 3 We are at the forefront of many technological advancements, and our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. As an Aircraft Sheet Metal Technician 3 in our Maintenance and Fabrication Solutions located at Lake Charles, LA, you will be part of a team that invents the future, and has fun along the way. Your duties include: • Setting up and operating various machines, including brake benders, hydraulic press, sanders, saws, shear and various hand tools. • Interpreting engineering drawings and work instructions. • Fabricating form blocks using drawings and samples. • Hand forming parts using drawings, form blocks and appropriate methods of fabrication. • Communicating with others about part dimensions, methods of fabrication, equipment usage and general shop requirements. • Personally monitoring and verifying dimensions and quality of parts. • Being willing to learn specialized processes. • Keeping work area neat and clean. • Completing required paperwork accurately on a timely basis. Basic qualifications: • A high school diploma or equivalent. • A minimum of 4 years fabrication experience. • Knowledge of basic computer skills. • Ability to obtain a Security Clearance should the Program requirements change. Salary Range: $49,900 - $83,100. This salary range represents a general guideline, considering factors such as position scope, responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay, as well as company-provided benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
See More Details >>• Maintains repairs and modifies aircraft structures, structural components, and engines of complex to extreme difficulty • Maintains and repairs aircraft components including but not limited to flight controls, engines, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, and mechanical components, and applies technical knowledge of airframe and power plant systems in determining equipment malfunctions and applies technical expertise in restoring equipment condition and operation • Reads and interprets manufacturers and airlines' maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical data, engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components • Performs 100-hour, progressive, isochronal, phase, periodic, and other hourly or calendar inspections, examines reciprocating engines for cracked cylinders and oil leaks, and listens to operating engine to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burnt valves, inspects jet engines and components for cracks, corrosion, foreign object damage, burned areas, distortions, security, warping, wear, and missing segments • Inspects jet engine turbine blades to detect cracks, distortion, corrosion, burn-out, security, or breaks, tests engine operation, using testing equipment, such as ignition analyzer, compression checker, distributor timer, ammeter, and jet calibration (Jetcal) tester, to locate source of malfunction • Maintains and repairs aircraft components including but not limited to flight controls, engines, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, and mechanical components Job duties require that this mechanic: • Applies professional technical expertise and guidance to solve complex problems by interpreting technical data such as blueprints or manufacturers' manuals • Applies a thoroughly comprehensive knowledge of aircraft mechanical component troubleshooting/repair procedures and replacement of components, a thorough knowledge of aircraft sheet metal/structural modification and repair, and the ability to determine the functionality of non-complex electrical systems • Applies detailed knowledge of aircraft unique tools such as test equipment, torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, cable tensiometers, sheet metal brakes, and sheers, etc. is required. • Applies the experience and ability to provide technical support to structural/mechanical engineers and customers alike • Performs preflight, thru-flight, and post-flight maintenance inspections • Performs miscellaneous duties to service aircraft, including flushing crankcase, cleaning screens and filters, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes • Applies a thorough knowledge of aircraft mechanical component troubleshooting, repair procedures, and replacement of parts • Applies a broad knowledge of aircraft sheet metal/structural modifications and repair • Applies thorough knowledge of aircraft unique tools such as test equipment, torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, sheet metal brakes, and sheers. • Be able to use a variety of manual hand tools such as crimpers, strippers, wire cutters, heat shrink guns, etc. • Be able to read and interpret schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, written instructions, etc. • Make entries in aircraft logs and records, and is responsible for providing guidance and technical expertise to lower-level technicians throughout all aircraft modifications and/or maintenance efforts.
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