KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process Development & Operations Management
  • Design, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all finishing processes, including:
    • Paint (primer and topcoat systems)
    • Sulfuric anodizing (with potential for other types)
    • Cadmium plating
    • Chem film (Alodine and non-chromated equivalents)
    • Magnadine
    • Parkerizing
    • Passivation
  • Establish and manage the finishing production line, including workflow layout, equipment utilization, material flow, and daily scheduling.
  • Make strategic decisions on internal vs. outsourced processing to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
• Quality & Compliance
  • Lead pursuit and maintenance of process accreditations (e.g., NADCAP for chemical processing and coatings).
  • Ensure full compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) related to hazardous materials, emissions, and waste management.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Directly supervise, mentor, and train finishing team members.
  • Provide hands-on support during peak demand or capacity constraints (e.g., painting, masking, or process execution).
  • Foster a culture of safety, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Vendor & Equipment Management
  • Manage relationships with external vendors and perform periodic audits.
  • Evaluate, justify, and implement new finishing equipment and technologies to enhance capability and efficiency.
• Performance & Continuous Improvement
  • Monitor key metrics including throughput, rework rates, waste, external processing costs, and on-time delivery.
  • Drive cost reductions, quality improvements, and expanded market capabilities through internal process mastery.
  • Collaborate with engineering, fabrication, quality, and leadership teams to align finishing operations with overall company goals.
    

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace finishing/coatings, with proven subject matter expertise in the listed processes.
• Ability to perform technical finishing tasks when needed (especially high-detail aerospace painting).
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Passion for aviation, historic aircraft, or precision manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn company-specific tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with occasional travel for vendor audits or industry events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience pursuing and achieving process certifications (e.g., NADCAP).

• Demonstrated success in production line setup, process development, and team leadership in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace finishing specifications, quality standards, and regulatory compliance for hazardous materials (cadmium, chromates, etc.).

AirCorps Aviation offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead a best-in-class finishing department within a respected leader in vintage and modern aircraft restoration. Join our passionate team in Bemidji, Minnesota, and help preserve aviation history while building the future of high-quality aerospace finishing.