Job Title: Titanium Tig Welder
Operating Company: McFarlane Alaska
Reports To: Fabrication Manager
Location: Palmer, AK
ABOUT VICTOR SIERRA AVIATION
Victor Sierra Aviation (VSA) — a TransDigm Group company — is the parent of McFarlane Aviation, McFarlane Alaska, Tempest Aero Group®, AV8, and Aviation Products Systems. We acquire and build businesses that lead in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution of exceptional aerospace products, with 450 employees across Kansas, North Carolina, Alaska, Washington, and Texas.
McFarlane Alaska
Based in Palmer, McFarlane Alaska specializes in parts and performance modifications supporting bush flying (STOL), designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality aircraft parts for the aviation market. With over 50 years of combined experience, the team is committed to delivering superior parts with exceptional, old-fashioned customer service.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are currently seeking an experienced Titanium TIG Welder to join our Palmer manufacturing team on night shift. The Production Titanium TIG Welder is responsible for fitting and TIG welding titanium aircraft components and assemblies in accordance with established manufacturing procedures, engineering specifications, and quality requirements.
This position requires a high level of precision, consistency, and attention to detail. The successful candidate must be comfortable working independently and producing repeatable, high-quality welds in a production manufacturing environment.
Night Shift Schedule
This position is specifically assigned to our night shift.
- Work hours will fall between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Shifts may be up to 10 hours
- Employees have the option of working a 4-day, 10-hour schedule (4/10s) rather than a traditional 5-day, 8-hour schedule (5/8s)
- Candidates must be able to reliably work the night-shift schedule on an ongoing basis
- Initial hire window due to training needs will be during day shift
Requirements
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Titanium Welding & Fabrication
- Perform precision TIG welding on titanium components and assemblies
- Prepare titanium materials and weld joints according to established procedures and specifications
- Utilize proper shielding and purging techniques required for high-quality titanium welding
- Maintain appropriate control of heat input, cleanliness, and contamination throughout the welding process
- Fabricate, fit, and weld components according to engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications
- Produce clean, consistent, repeatable welds in a production environment
- Identify weld defects or contamination and perform repairs when appropriate
- Properly set up and operate TIG welding equipment for titanium applications
- Follow established manufacturing procedures and FAA-related production requirements
Quality & Inspection
- Inspect completed welds and fabricated assemblies for conformity to specifications
- Maintain a high level of accuracy and workmanship with minimal rework
- Recognize indications of contamination, improper shielding, porosity, cracking, or other weld-quality concerns
- Maintain proper documentation and traceability as required by manufacturing procedures
- Follow established quality standards throughout the production process
- Maintain strict cleanliness standards when preparing, handling, and welding titanium components
Production & Team Support
- Meet established production and welding goals while maintaining quality requirements
- Work independently with limited supervision
- Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality personnel as needed
- Maintain clean and organized work areas, tools, and equipment
- Perform routine equipment care and general shop housekeeping
- Remain responsive to changing production priorities
- Support additional fabrication and production tasks as assigned by leadership
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Previous professional TIG welding experience with titanium
- Demonstrated ability to consistently produce high-quality titanium welds
- Understanding of titanium cleanliness, shielding, purging, and contamination-control requirements
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication prints, and work instructions
- Experience operating TIG welding and common fabrication equipment
- Experience inspecting welds and identifying weld-quality issues
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision
- Ability to consistently work the required night-shift schedule
- Reliable, adaptable, and team-oriented mindset
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous titanium welding experience in a production manufacturing environment
- Aviation or aerospace welding experience
- Experience working within FAA-regulated or similarly controlled manufacturing environments
- Experience welding thin-wall titanium components or precision assemblies
- Experience with 4130 steel and stainless steel in addition to titanium
- Strong mechanical aptitude and fabrication skills
Benefits
Why McFarlane Alaska?
At McFarlane Alaska, you’ll be part of a team supporting one of the most unique aviation markets in the world. We take pride in delivering quality products and strong customer support to Alaska’s aviation community while operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
We offer:
- Competitive hourly pay, based on experience
- Night-shift schedule with the option to work 4/10s
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and more
- Paid Time Off following 90 days of employment
- Holiday pay
- 401(k)
- Casual, hands-on work environment
- Opportunities to grow skills within aviation manufacturing
McFarlane Aviation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.