Manufacturing Technician (Rotor Blades) Kaman Air Vehicles is seeking a Manufacturing Technician (Rotor Blades) at our Bloomfield, CT location to support the manufacturing, assembly, inspection, repair, restoration, and balancing of rotor blade components using adhesives and composite materials. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to follow written and verbal work instructions, engineering drawings/specifications, and OEM technical data to produce and return high-quality aerospace components to service in a safe, team-oriented environment. About KAV: Kaman Air Vehicles is an industry leader in rotorcraft systems, unmanned aircraft solutions, and precision aerospace components. Our team supports customers across defense and commercial markets with proven platforms like the K-MAX and leading-edge autonomous technologies. We are driven by engineering excellence, mission readiness, and a culture that encourages innovation, teamwork, and pride in supporting critical aviation missions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform manufacturing and repair activities by following work orders, travelers, engineering drawings, work instructions, and approved technical data. Manufacture and assemble rotor blade components using adhesive bonding and composite processes, including surface preparation and setup of structures for room-temperature or thermal cure across materials such as wood, composites, sheet metal, and machined parts. Escalate nonconformances to Engineering/Quality as required. Perform composite manufacturing and repair activities, including surface preparation, bonding, layup, vacuum bagging, curing, sanding, and finishing while following engineering specifications and quality standards. Perform metallic blade repairs where authorized (e.g., blending, surface restoration, corrosion treatment, minor structural repair per approved data) and restore blade surface condition and protective finishes/coatings as required. Perform manufacturing, assembly, and repair of rotor blade components using composite materials, adhesives, wood, and metal while following engineering drawings, work instructions, and OEM technical data. Remove discrepant material/boards from blades using woodworking hand tools and applicable mechanical equipment; shape and blend wood surfaces using templates and contour-matching techniques (by template or visual blending) to meet blade profile requirements. Perform component balancing and use precision measuring equipment to ensure parts meet quality and engineering requirements. Training on rotor blade-specific processes will be provided. Safely operate hand and power tools (e.g., mallets, scissors, knives, rotary tools/dremels, sanders, drills) while maintaining good tool discipline and workmanship. Accurately document work performed, maintain material traceability, and follow quality procedures including inspection checkpoints, tool control, shelf-life requirements, and FOD prevention. Support fixture and material handling needs, including assisting with moving fixtures as required. Follow all safety, environmental, and quality requirements while meeting production goals, including proper PPE, chemical handling, dust control, material storage, and waste disposal procedures. Support continuous improvement initiatives while working collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams. Participate in training and contribute ideas to improve processes, work instructions, and product quality.
Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Required Skills:
Ability to read and interpret work instructions, engineering drawings, specifications, and OEM technical data.
Mechanical aptitude and experience using hand tools and precision measuring equipment.
Knowledge of composite manufacturing or repair processes, or the ability to learn through structured training.
Strong attention to detail, documentation, teamwork, and communication skills.
Basic math and computer skills.
Preferred Skills:
2+ years of manufacturing experience (composites or related field preferred) and/or experience in rotor blade repair, composite structural repair, aircraft component repair, or closely related aerospace manufacturing/repair work.
Experience with composite repair and/or adhesive bonding is a plus.
Experience working in an FAA-certificated Repair Station (Part 145) or equivalent controlled repair environment.
Familiarity with calibration/tool control expectations for inspection equipment used for airworthiness determinations.
Familiarity with material control requirements (traceability, shelf-life/out-time controls, freezer management).Work Environment and SafetyWork is performed in a production and repair setting where adherence to safety, environmental, and quality procedures is mandatory. Employees may work with adhesives, resins, solvents, sanding dust, curing equipment, and power tools and will be expected to follow PPE and safe handling practices. Maintain clean and organized work areas, ensure proper storage/handling of chemicals and composite materials, follow waste disposal requirements, and stop work for unsafe conditions.
Benefits:
At KAV, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work. KAV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources. This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a "U.S. person" as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws. M-F, 5:00 am- 1:30 pm
