Textile Equipment Technician - Fiber Materials

Spirit Textiles, A Spirit AeroSystems Company | engineered textile products for aerospace and defense

Spirit Rhode Island's facility is focused on textile engineering and manufacturing of 2D woven fabrics, 3D woven preforms, braided materials and resin transfer molded composites. We work with the stiffest, strongest, and lightest fiber in the world including carbon, glass, aramid (kevlar) and ceramic.

Our products are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for US military ground vehicles.

Your role: Spirit Rhode Island is seeking an energetic and motivated Textile Equipment Mechanic to join their team. The Textile Equipment Mechanic will support our substantial research and development activities which include custom machine design, build-out, modification and troubleshooting.

Job responsibilities:

• Work closely with our Master Mechanic to learn and support the job functions listed below:
• Configure weaving looms and related yarn handling equipment for start-up; hand off to weaving loom operators for production
• Support weaving loom operators with weaving loom maintenance and troubleshooting
• Support establishment of a continuous maintenance plan for weaving looms and other related textile equipment and then support compliance to the plan
• Support safety committee initiatives to establish and implement standards; ensure ongoing compliance
• Work with Project Engineers to design, fabricate and build custom textile equipment or to modify existing textile equipment as needed to support custom research and development jobs
• Work with Project Engineers to design and fabricate custom tools, jigs or other mechanical solutions as needed to support custom research and development jobs
• Work with outside vendors including machinists, custom equipment builders, electricians, controls engineers and textile equipment suppliers to support textile equipment build-out, modification and maintenance

What we need from you:

• 10+ years professional experience as a hands-on mechanic in an industrial environment; textile industry expertise strongly preferred
• Ability to read, write and follow written work instructions and specifications
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings
• Ability to lift 50lbs and stand for a full shift
• Strong knowledge of machinery, motors, etc. and a strong aptitude for mechanical and/or electrical trouble-shooting
• Strong team player with enthusiasm to work in a creative and versatile environment that includes both manufacturing AND R&D jobs

Preferred:

• Familiarity with textile machinery including weaving looms, braiders and yarn handling
• Familiarity with custom machine control(s) including PLC’s and servo motors
• Prior experience designing, building or troubleshooting custom machinery

What you'll get from us:

• Medical / Dental / Vision effective on day of hire
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• $1000 Sign-On Bonus