Technician - Airframe

Company Description

Ptero Dynamics Inc. designs superior autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems that fly faster and go farther to reach remote locations without runways, even in harsh conditions. Ptero Dynamics’ Transwing® aircraft is unlike any other VTOL system, performing like a great fixed‑wing aircraft with superb VTOL capabilities. Transwing aircraft unfold their wings to transition smoothly and quickly between vertical and horizontal flight, overcoming limitations inherent in other VTOL designs by combining the speed, range, and endurance of fixed‑wing aircraft with superior VTOL performance in an efficient, highly automated platform.

The Transwing is ideal for automating time‑sensitive delivery of critical high‑value payloads to‑hard‑to‑reach locations, including maritime logistics support, payload delivery to remote locations without airstrips, and reconnaissance and surveillance. See  for details and videos.

Join Ptero Dynamics’ expanding engineering team for a fantastic opportunity to enter into an exciting and growing UAS industry. Become an airframe tech apprentice and learn on the job about composite airframe construction, assembly, repair and modifications. You’ll also learn about mechanical and electro‑mechanical systems, laboratory testing, ground support equipment, and development of novel UAS technologies. You must be capable of working long hours as needed to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment and have the desire and patience to learn proper methods and techniques to advance your lifelong skill sets in this field.

The most common tasks will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assisting with airframe structural assemblies
• Performing receiving inspections of airframe components
• Airframe assembly, to include drilling, machining, and bonding
• Aircraft weight and balance
• Creation of new manufacturing processes and process improvements

• Learning about composites
• Assisting with composite lay‑ups and gaining experience with curing, trimming and bonding
• Learning what is needed to perform accurate drilling, fitting and finalizing composite surfaces for finish work
• Assisting with paint and vinyl wrap preparation
• Tasks outside of airframe manufacturing
• Inventory management
• Tool maintenance
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment

• High school diploma
• Ability to read, write and speak fluent English and communicate technical issues
• Two years’ experience in aviation manufacturing or maintenance, or graduation from a relevant technical or trade school
• Proficiency with basic machine tools including, but not limited to, bandsaw, drill press, chop and table saws, grinding, manual lathe, 3‑axis mill and Dremel rotary tool
• Experience drilling and fastening metallic and composite structures
• Proficiency with measurement equipment such as scales, rules, calipers, micrometers
• Experience with inventory management of tools, supplies and consumables
• Strong attention to detail and pride in quality craftsmanship
• Able to read and interpret mechanical drawings
• Willingness to learn in a fast‑moving work culture with a lot of uncertainty
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• US Citizenship/Permanent Resident Status

• Composite structural repair experience
• Composite design manufacturing and repair training / certifications
• Experience with CAD or other 2D/3D design tools
• Experience with secondary bonding of composite and metallic structures utilizing adhesive systems such as epoxies, acrylics and cyanoacrylates
• CNC machine experience
• 3D printing experience
• R/C aircraft design, build and test experience
• FAA A&P Certificate
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• FAA Private Pilot Certificate

Framework for our Values:

• People
• Honesty
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Knowledge

We value relationships with our colleagues and customers while embracing and upholding the worth of every individual.

• Trust - we push down responsibility in decision making to the lowest level that makes sense, while maintaining accountability.
• Respect - we always maintain respect for ourselves and others.
• Communi…