Master Craftsperson

Gulfstream Aerospace; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulfstream Aerospace in Tulsa seeks a Master Craftsperson to lead and perform advanced composite bonding and rework. The role requires working across production teams to deliver precise, aerospace-grade assemblies, with a minimum of six years in composite bonding and knowledge of GD&T, blueprints, and bonding processes.

You will mentor others, review instructions, and help implement process improvements while supporting lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10 years of production/manufacturing/service center experience.
• Experience with aerospace composite bonding and rework.
• Knowledge of blueprint reading and GD&T.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform composite bonding and rework with high precision per aerospace standards.
• Troubleshoot tooling, production, and assembly issues to improve quality.
• Organize and administer the Employee Skills Development Program.
• Identify and develop training for tooling and test equipment.
• Support Lean activities and engage with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Composite bonding expertise

Precision craftsmanship

Technical guidance

Process improvement

Documentation and record-keeping

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CATIA V5

Solumina

MES systems

Job description

Master Craftsperson in GAC Tulsa

Unique Skills:

At Gulfstream, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in inspiring and empowering every individual to reach their fullest potential. From workforce development and meaningful connections to a culture of trust, respect, and integrity, we invest in our employees so they can do their best work and achieve success together. Creating and delivering the world’s finest aviation experience starts with our people and when our people thrive, so does our mission.

Mulitple Shifts Available!

Key Skills

• Serve as the subject matter expert for composite bonding methods, materials, processes, and reworking of complex bonded assemblies, with a minimum of 6 years composite bonding rework experience.
• Independently perform highly complex composite bonding operations requiring exceptional precision, craftsmanship, and adherence to aerospace standards
• Provide technical guidance for production, engineering, and quality teams regarding composite manufacturing and bonding requirements.
• Review and recommend improvements to work instructions, process specifications, and manufacturing standards.

• Investigate composite manufacturing, bonding, assembly, tooling, and installation issues.
• Identify root causes of defects such as disbonds, delamination, porosity, contamination, cure issues, and dimensional non-conformities.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions that improve quality and production efficiency.

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production Leadership to resolve technical challenges.
• Assist in evaluating new adhesives, materials, tooling concepts, and manufacturing methods.
• Support implementation of process improvements and best practices.

• Complete all required documentation on rework orders, travelers, bond records, cure logs, and production records.

• Support production during critical schedules, customer visits, and special projects.
• Assist in the development and validation of new bonding processes and equipment.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and shelf-life control of adhesives, prepregs, and composite materials.

• Expert knowledge of aerospace composite materials, adhesives, core materials, and bonding systems.
• Thorough understanding of composite fabrication, rework, and assembly processes.
• Advanced knowledge of blueprint reading, engineering drawings, GD&T, and process specifications.
• Understanding of autoclave and oven cure processes, vacuum systems, and environmental controls.
• Familiarity with CATIA V5, Solumina, MES systems, or equivalent manufacturing software.
• Proven record of solving complex composite bonding and manufacturing challenges.
• Ability to train, mentor, and transfer technical knowledge to others.

Proficient in the use of:

• Cure monitoring equipment such as hot bonders/ portable bonders
• Vacuum bagging systems
• Composite layups: dry layup and prepreg material types
• Bonding fixtures and tooling
• Precision measuring equipment
• Surface preparation equipment
• Sanders, routers, drill presses, and cutting equipment
• Adhesive dispensing and mixing systems
• Inspection and test equipment

Education and Experience Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required. 10 years extensive experience in production/manufacturing/service center.

Position Purpose:

Technical expert. Perform repairs on installations that require a high degree of accuracy and timeliness. Function independently in a team-oriented work environment.

Job Description

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

1. Perform technical functions such as correct methods of manufacturing, sequence of operations and methodology of assemblies and installations, as well as detail components .
2. Troubleshoot any problem areas in tooling, production, assembly, aircraft systems and operations, composites, etc., to determine cause and pursue preventative actions with proper liaison which improves production efficiency and product quality .
3. Assist in problem solving to establish or correct planning methods for producing parts and using tooling efficiently by utilizing standard techniques, procedures and criteria .
4. Interact with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Control to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions .
5. Organize, develop (with assistance of the Training Department) and administer the Employee Skills Development Program .
6. Identify and develop training requirements for tooling, test equipment and other areas .
7. Support Lean activities .

Additional Functions:

1. Perform tasks assigned to department mechanics or leads during their absence, when required. .
2. Comply with standard operating procedures .
3. Complete all required. paperwork and documentation to include CMP cards, Travelers and R&I log .
4. Comply with all safety, 5S, and housekeeping policies and use personal protective equipment. Ensure aircraft interior is protected (PTP). Assist in the development and implementation of related initiatives .
5. Perform repairs on installations that require a high degree of accuracy and timeliness .
6. Assist in training subordinates in proper techniques, processes and procedures .

Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:

1. Thorough knowledge of manufacturing procedures and specifications, plant safety, tooling, and quality requirements.
2. Familiar with CATIA V5 and Solumina software.
3. Must have an established track record of troubleshooting manufacturing or installation processes.
4. Proficient knowledge of all applicable machinery and processes necessary to perform the job including but not limited to (lathe, mill, surface grinder, contour roller, cold working tools, general sheet metal tools, UV curable coatings, sanding equipment, table saw, drill press, router, chop saw, time saver, jointer, planner, band saw, edge banding sander, disk sanders, resaw Foam Saws, Pin saw, general Upholstery tools, Sergers, Sewing machine, toning, stripping (chemical/heat), touch-up, spraying, buffing, staining, painting, paint color matching, etc.).
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Must possess leadership skills and the ability to communicate and impart knowledge to others.
7. Must have ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
8. Must be able to work any shift.

This job requires one to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Additional Information

Requisition Number: 236808

Category: Operations

Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%

Shift: Multiple Shifts

Employment Type: Full-time

Posting End Date: 12/31/2026

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft