Lead Aircraft Sheetmetal Technician (NHC)

Airbus Helicopters is seeking a Lead Aircraft Sheetmetal Technician to join the New Helicopter Completions (NHC) team in Columbus, MS. This role involves mentoring and guiding technicians in maintenance, cleaning, inspection, rework, customization, and assembly of H125, H130, H135, H145, and H160 aircraft.

About the role

You will be part of a team focused on quality, productivity, and efficiency, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety in aircraft assembly and maintenance. Columbus, MS, serves as the manufacturing and assembly hub for the UH-72A Lakota Helicopters for the U.S. Army and the H-125 aircraft for civil and commercial customers.

Airbus supports flexible working arrangements to foster innovation and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Direct and provide structural/sheet metal support for new helicopter completions, deliveries, STC development, aircraft training fleet, or demonstrations.
• Perform and lead troubleshooting to diagnose malfunctioning systems and components, determining corrective actions to ensure safety and airworthiness.
• Guide aircraft technicians and set performance expectations within assigned areas.
• Control, assign personnel, and monitor workflow according to schedules.
• Ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and company policies, including FAA repair station, FOP/GOP, ISO, and OSHA standards.
• Coordinate with engineering to verify accuracy of drawings and work instructions per aircraft configurations.
• Analyze work orders and drawings for granularity, accuracy, and completeness; coordinate improvements with the work prep department for continuous enhancement.

Requirements

• Minimum eight (8) years of rotary aircraft experience, with at least two (2) years as a senior technician or equivalent.
• Helicopter maintenance experience, preferably with Airbus Helicopter airframes.
• Completion experience in aircraft assembly or customization.
• Clear understanding of Part 21 and Part 145 processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and SAP/MES systems used in aircraft production.
• Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR definition (U.S. Citizen, green card holder, or covered under an existing ITAR license).

Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication in English.

Physical Requirements

• Onsite: 80% of the time.
• Vision: Ability to read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Ability to participate in conversations, teleconferences, and hear safety warnings or alarms on the production floor.
• Speaking: Ability to engage in conversations, meetings, and deliver information.
• Equipment Operation: Proficient with personal computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, and production tools such as hydraulic lifts.
• Carrying/Lifting: Ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs/14 kg (documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment).
• Pushing/Pulling: Ability to move small office furniture and some equipment/tools.
• Sitting/Standing: Ability to sit for extended periods and stand during discussions or on the production floor.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Ability to retrieve or replace items from low shelving.
• Walking: Ability to navigate office and production areas, including uneven surfaces.
• Travel: Ability to travel independently and at short notice.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and protective gloves as required by site or customer site. Steel-toed shoes are mandatory for shop floor visits.

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation (including profit-sharing schemes), retirement savings plan, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off (personal time, holidays), and a generous paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability), Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and supplemental benefits.
• Individual Development: Access to Airbus’ global Leadership University, 10,000+ e-learning courses, certifications, career path development, accelerated development programs, and national/international mobility opportunities.