Career Opportunities

As a CNC Machinist/Operator, you'll perform a wide range of machining functions in support of production, including setup and operation of 3- and 4-axis CNC Mills (HAAS brand) and lathes, OMAX waterjet and Bridgeport manual/ NC mills. You'll work from engineering blueprints, shop drawings, work orders and setup sheets to complete parts in a timely manner with minimal supervision. You will apply your knowledge of fixturing and work-holding solutions as well as standard machining practices to solve machining and manufacturing problems.

From our lead machinist: Here at VHA, we aren’t stuck on one machine all day. We are doing different operations throughout the day and have the opportunity to learn new things. We have great working conditions in a very clean, air conditioned shop. It’s a respectful, family-oriented company. Our machines are relatively new, nothing super old, and they all work. However, the company is growing so we have even newer machines on the way.

Experience Required

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a vocational machining program highly preferred
• 2 years of experience in the setup and operation of CNC machining centers (HAAS preferred but not required)
• 3-5 years Machining experience in a production or prototype/R&D environment preferred

Duties and Responsibilities

• Fabricate production components using information provided by engineering blueprints, shop drawings and/or work orders
• Perform routine maintenance on milling and turning equipment
• Keep a clean and orderly work environment
• Use precision measurement equipment and methods to inspect work in process and at completion verify conformance to specifications
• Determine cutting or grinding tools to be used, method of holding, machine speeds and tool sheets
• Setup and operate CNC equipment based on instruction provided from work orders and tool sheets
• Use effective time management skills to meet deadlines
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret technical publications, work orders, engineering documents and drawings.
• Must be able to rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish multiple production goals.
• Ability to use and strong knowledge of precision instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
• Ability to hold close tolerances and manufacture first run parts.
• Willingness to learn new processes and technologies related to the machining field.
• Must be capable of performing moderate physical activities relative to machining such as walking, standing, reaching and stooping.

As a CNC Programmer/Fabricator, you'll  perform a wide range of functions in support of prototyping, test and production on 3- and 4-axis CNC mills and lathes plus Bridgeport manual/NC mills. You will write and test programs primarily in NX, identify the required tooling, set up the machine and prove out the program, and create the process documentation required for production. Occasionally you may need to update legacy programs in SolidCAM. 

This is not a sit-in-your-office programming job. You will be out on the shop floor coordinating with manufacturing engineers and other machinists to determine what needs to be done to support various initiatives, and then figuring out the material, tooling and programming needed to get the job done. For prototype work, you may need to get your hands dirty with some manual machining, welding, grinding, sandblasting or other operation to fabricate a part, tooling or fixture. If you like to solve challenging machining, programming and fabricating problems every day, this job is for you!

Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Completion of a vocational machining program highly preferred

• 7+ years CNC/manual machining experience in a prototype/R&D environment

• 5 years of experience in setup, operation and programming of CNC machining centers (HAAS preferred but not required)

• 2+ years of experience programming in NX, SolidCAM or MasterCAM

• 5 years of hands-on welding, metalworking, gunsmith, fabrication, and/or mechanical repair experience (hobbyist experience okay) 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, test, prove out and document CNC machining programs to create prototype and production tooling and parts 

• Use CNC/manual machines and fabrication processes to create tooling and prototypes  

• Perform routine maintenance on milling and turning equipment

• Keep a clean and orderly work environment

• Use precision measurement methods to inspect work at completion and in process

• Use effective time management skills to meet deadlines 

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret technical publications, work orders, engineering documents and drawings

• Must possess general knowledge of practices and procedures used to fabricate composite and metal bonded structures.

• Ability to work with basic and advanced shop tools and equipment used in metal and composite structure construction.

• Ability to use and strong knowledge of precision instruments such as calipers and micrometers.

• Ability to hold close tolerances and manufacture first run parts.

• Willingness to learn new processes and technologies related to the machining field.

• Experience with firearms manufacturing and repair very beneficial but not required.

As a completions technician, you and your team are among the last employees to touch the newly manufactured rotor blade before it goes out to the customer. Your station includes functions such as part assembly, hardware installation, balancing, and crating. You and your team members will also need to move large main rotor blades into and out of your area, so paying attention and the ability to work in a team are important assets. We'll do a lot of on-the-job training, but you need to have some familiarity with using hand tools and power tools, along with some assembly and/or fabrication experience. You'll be working under general supervision but also allowed a certain degree of latitude in your work.

Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in manufacturing, composites, engineering technology or related area highly preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in assembly, manufacturing or fabrication; experience with composites preferred but not required.
• Experience with work orders, engineering documents and/or drawings.
• Forklift operator experience is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform various finishing tasks on rotor blade assemblies including assembly of parts, installation of hardware and balancing.
• Complete work orders as required.
• Operate a range of basic shop tools to accomplish rotor blade assembly completion requirements.
• Mix and apply various adhesives and epoxies.
• Remove metallic components or hardware as necessary by means of basic hand tools, press fixture, angle grinder or other rotary tools.
• Support all aspects of Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) inventory management including shipping and receiving, distribution, storage, and routine audits.
• Support all aspects of crating operations including construction, blade loading and movement.
• Other duties as assigned in support of overall workplace readiness, sustainment and compliance.

Qualifications

• Must possess general knowledge of practices and procedures used to fabricate composite and metal bonded structures.
• Ability to work with basic shop tools and equipment used in composite lay-up and assembly.
• Ability to use precision instruments such as calipers and micrometers.

As a composites technician, you'll perform entire range of composite bonding operations, including kitting, layup, trimming and finishing. You need to be familiar with standard composite concepts, practices and procedures, relying on your previous experience combined with established work instructions to accomplish a variety of assigned tasks. You'll be working under general supervision but also allowed a certain degree of latitude in your work.

Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree in manufacturing, composites, engineering technology or related area preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in aircraft maintenance/fabrication, composites, or a related area.
• Experience with work orders, engineering documents and/or drawings.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Accurately cut composite materials using hand tools and ply-cutting machines.
• Follow specifications to accurately assemble kits for each rotor blade and blade type.
• Perform composite layup procedures according to specifications and engineering drawings with minimal supervision.
• Apply sealers and release coatings to molds.
• Attach and secure product and vacuum bagging materials to molds.
• Cut and assemble “dry good” kits.
• Complete work orders as required.
• Prepare and maintain work area, ensuring a “clean room” standard of cleanliness and safety.
• Other duties as assigned in support of overall workplace readiness, sustainment and compliance.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret technical publications, work orders, engineering documents and drawings.
• Must possess general knowledge of practices and procedures used to fabricate composite and metal bonded structures.
• Ability to work with basic shop tools and equipment used in composite lay-up and assembly.
• Ability to use precision instruments such as calipers and micrometers.

As a paint technician, you'll be responsible for preparing surfaces for paint, plus mixing, matching, and applying paint to various composite and metallic surfaces. We build rotor blades here, and most are white with black or red stripes. Nothing too exciting, but the work is important and must be exacting. You must be familiar with standard painting concepts, practices and procedures, and you'll rely on your experience and established work instructions to get the job done along with your fellow painters.

From our lead painter: "I've never worked at a place like this. Here at Van Horn Aviation, we're well equipped with the best equipment to spray with. It's a good, clean work environment and we all feel like family. They trust us to do our job with minimal supervision. If you're looking for a place to use all of your potential, come work here."

NOTE: Our lead painter was just promoted to production manager. Another painter is being promoted to lead. Another painter started here as a paint prepper and has been promoted to full painter status. We're a small shop but growing and there are opportunities for growth and promotion for people with the right work ethic and attitude.

Experience Required

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent
• Current enrollment in or completion of apprenticeship program and/or formal paint training
• Six months to four years of experience in the field or a related area
• Experience with work orders, engineering documents and/or drawings preferred

Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply paint to surfaces using paint sprayer, brushes and other tools as required
• Mix, match, and apply paint and other finishes.
• Scrape, sandpaper, prime, or seal surfaces prior to painting.
• Cover work surfaces with cloth or plastic to ensure protection.
• Mix various epoxies or contour fillers. Properly fill and fair using both hand and power sanders.
• Apply several coats according to paint directions.
• Tape and mask off panels or other areas when needed.
• Apply touchups or second coats as necessary.
• Clean up all equipment, including brushes and spray guns.
• Follow steps in work orders and relevant engineering documents.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret technical publications, work orders, engineering documents and drawings.
• Must possess general knowledge of practices and procedures used to prepare composite and metal structures for primer and paint.
• Ability to work with basic shop tools and equipment used in preparation for and application of paint.
• Ability to use precision instruments such as calipers, scales and other measuring devices.