Composite Sanding Technician

Airbus Helicopters; Fort Erie; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Helicopters Canada Ltd is seeking Composite Sanding Technicians to perform end-to-end surface preparation, sanding, and masking in Fort Erie, Ontario. The team will operate per Airbus Helicopters specifications to ensure defect-free components.

Responsibilities include sanding composite panels, filling imperfections, masking, de-masking, and maintaining a clean, safe 5S workspace with attention to detail and strong hand skills. SAP and bilingual English/French are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience sanding and masking.
• Automotive sanding/prep experience is an asset.
• Strong hand skills.

Responsibilities

• Surface preparation and sanding of composite panels per AH/AHCA specs.
• Mix filling compounds and apply filler to eliminate pinholes and surface imperfections.
• Clean panels with compressed air and solvents to remove dust and contaminants before masking/painting.
• Maintain consumption levels of cleaning products and report low supplies to Lead Hand.
• Apply masking tape and paper to protect areas not requiring primer/paint per templates.
• Cut and shape masking paper along contour lines with utility knives.
• Assist with loading/unloading components from the paint booth and de-masking painted parts to preserve edge quality.
• Promote health and safety in the workplace and ensure compliance with 5S standards.
• Assist with workstation setup and participate in continuous improvements.

Skills

Sanding

Masking

Attention to detail

Bilingual (French/English)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

WE’RE LOOKING FOR

COMPOSITE SANDING TECHNICIANS (4 POSITIONS)

POSITION LOCATION: FORT ERIE, ONTARIO

The Composite Sanding Technician is responsible for the end-to-end surface preparation, sanding, and masking (as required). Operating in compliance with Airbus Helicopters (AH) predefined specifications, this role ensures all components are free of imperfections.

Main Responsibilities

Surface Preparation & Sanding

• Sanding Operations: Sand composite panels utilizing air-powered orbital sanders, sanding blocks, and sandpaper in accordance with AH and AHCA specifications.
• Defect Rectification: Mix filling compounds according to manufacturer specifications and apply filler using a spatula/putty knife to eliminate pinholes and surface imperfections (repeating steps to ensure a flawless finish).
• Contaminant Removal: Clean, spray, and wipe composite panels using compressed air and designated solvent-based solutions to completely remove dust, debris, and contaminants prior to masking and painting.
• Supply Maintenance: Maintain accurate consumption levels of cleaning products and solutions, communicating low supply levels to the Lead Hand.

Precision Masking & De-Masking

• Masking Execution: Apply masking tape and paper to cover areas that do not require primer or paint, strictly following templates and individual component contour lines.
• Contour Shaping: Utilize utility knives to delicately cut and shape paper precisely along established contour lines.
• De-Masking & Loading: Assist with loading and unloading components from the paint booth and delicately de-mask painted components to preserve fine edge and paint quality.

Inspection & Departmental Involvement

• Foster health and safety in the workplace and knowledge of health and safety requirements.
• Assist with work station set up
• 5S & Safety Compliance: Maintain a clean, neat, and FOD-free workspace in alignment with 5S standards. Actively participate in workplace health, safety, and troubleshooting for process or ergonomic improvements.

Position Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience sanding and masking.
• Experience with sanding and prepping in an automotive setting is an asset.
• Strong hand skills.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficient with tools including air-powered orbital sanders, manual sanding blocks, and precision utility knives.
• High attention to detail with mechanical aptitude and the ability to strictly follow technical drawings, standardized work instructions, and predefined specifications.
• Team player with strong organizational, time-management, and independent problem-solving skills.
• Systems & Language: SAP experience, Microsoft Office/Google Suite proficiency, and bilingualism (French/English) are considered strong assets.

Shift

• Required to work weekly rotating shifts.

AHCA is committed to inclusivity; therefore, accommodations can be made available for all applicants, except where a bona fide occupational requirement applies.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company

Airbus Helicopters Canada Ltd

Employment Type

Permanent

Experience Level

Entry Level

Job Family

Surface Treatment

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail] .

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.