Wheel Balancer - American Fan

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

American Fan is a manufacturer of air movement equipment for Industrial, HVAC, Commercial, Marine, and specialty markets. Throughout our history, the quality and reliability of our products has been built upon a solid foundation of unrivaled application expertise and technical leadership. As a small manufacturer who is part of a well-respected international corporation, we are best known for our willingness to design and manufacture specialty air movement products for unique applications. Our sales distribution base consists of a diverse group of knowledgeable agents/representatives. Together with our in-house sales staff they deliver a very high level of customer service.

Job Description

Job Title: Wheel Balancer Date: October 2026

Reports To: Fabrication + Machine Shop Lead

Summary

The Wheel Balancer is a key member of the American Fan team responsible for balancing wheels and fans to engineering specifications and assembling fans and blowers to customer requirements. The role combines precision balance work with general assembly, inspection, and occasional testing, with a primary focus on wheel/fan balance. The technician works closely with their team and cross-functional departments, communicates effectively, and builds productive relationships with internal and external customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Primary Balance wheels and fans using balance machines and computer-based equipment.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Perform welding and grinding on wheels as needed to achieve proper balance (as trained).
• Assemble fans and blowers, including blade balancing when required.
• Conduct final inspection for defects, completeness, and accessories/motors.
• Report equipment issues and complete required production and quality documentation (e.g., red tags, scrap reports, time reporting).
• Use required PPE and follow all safety and housekeeping standards.
• Operate cranes, forklifts, and test equipment after appropriate training.
• Support OTD and productivity goals and assist in other production areas as business needs change.
• Basic understanding of electricity for testing environment
• Ability to adapt and pivot quickly per business needs
• Embody the FMD values of Integrity, Velocity and Teamwork.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing or industrial experience.
• Able to read and interpret drawings, BOMs, and written procedures.
• Basic computer skills and strong mechanical aptitude; able to learn balancing processes quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, coordination, motor skills, and dexterity.
• Able to identify and measure material using standard tools.
• Familiar with and capable of using hand and pneumatic tools.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs by hand and use material-handling equipment for heavier loads (training provided).
• Welding, balancing, and/or fan manufacturing experience preferred.
• Mechanical and basic electrical background a plus.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and follow all company safety procedures.

This position includes access or potential access to export-controlled data. Therefore, you will need to qualify as a U.S. Person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident or a political asylee in compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Acceptable proof of this status includes a US Passport, Permanent Resident Card, US birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate. Maintenance, including renewal, of licensing authorization is a condition of employment. Government authorization may be a suitable alternative after review on a case-by-case basis.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled