safely and on timeWind Blade Services Skilled Technician - LEVEL 3 / LEVEL 4
Pay: $35.00 - $53.00 per hour
Job Position Summary:
Immediate opportunities for a full-time traveling (100%) skilled and experienced wind blade technician II/III, who will be responsible for carrying out duties safely and on time. Primary responsibilities include leading a team of technicians in performing internal & external inspections and repairs of composite fiberglass/carbon wind blades with damages of severity ranging from Cat 1 through Cat 5.
Responsibilities:
- Leads a team of 2-4 technicians performing up-tower AND/OR down-tower blade repairs.
- Acts as a safety role model encouraging team members to adhere to all safety standards and procedures. As a lead, identifying safety risks and intervening in unsafe acts in practice.
- Leads support technicians to perform LOTO of wind turbines.
- Leads and coordinates all aspects of job site preparation (including labor & materials) including daily safety toolbox & job planning meetings, inspection/rigging/de-rigging of blade access platforms.
- Operates blade access suspended platforms, for example, Kaeufer 360͒ and 2m work cages.
- Performs skilled-level wind blade damage repairs utilizing blade access platforms and/or ground access, of varying complexity on blade internal and external surfaces, leading and trailing edges, following guidelines provided by the Technical Project Management team.
- Performs other blade maintenance activities such as leading edge protection (LEP) applications, lightning protection system (LPS) cable/receptor inspection/troubleshooting/repairs and blade add-ons installation (such as vortex generators, trailing edge serrations, spoilers/diffusers, etc.)
- Leads support technicians to perform weekly inventory, weekly vehicle inspection & safety incident reporting.
- Contributes to WindCom’s safety culture, daily reporting of work progress/completion, and overall team objectives on blade maintenance & repair activities on site.
Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years, preferably 5+ years of wind blade repair and/or composite repair experience is required.
- Demonstrates ability to perform all aspects of repair process:
- Inspect and document critical-to-quality (CTQ) parameters for repairs.
- Inspect and document damage location prior to removing damage layer-by-layer.
- Sanding surfaces and grinding fiberglass layers to remove identified damage and reach bottom-of-damage (BOD).
- Lamination of repair layers using epoxy or polyester resins and glass/carbon fabrics, including the replacement of balsa wood/foam core materials.
- Vacuum bag application for laminate compaction and heat blanket application for post-cure.
- Sand & prime surfaces for paint layer application.
- Patch, fill, inject resin or adhesive to repair delamination or bond line splits.
- Proof of High School Diploma OR GED (Required) OR Associate Degree in a Technical Mechanical or Wind Energy discipline from an accredited college or wind technical school (Desired) OR equivalent experience.
- Ability to travel 100% of the time, at least 8 weeks at a time.
- Willingness to work across the U.S. on holidays, weekends, and overtime as required by field projects.
- Meet specific weight requirements of WindCom and industry standards of 260 lbs. max. Additionally, personal protective equipment of approximately 30-35 lbs. Making the total combined weight of 295 lbs. max.
- Physical ability to climb a wind tower multiple times per day, walk on top of nacelles/across the hub, and work at heights in all weather conditions (up to 300+ feet).
- Physical ability to lift and handle repetitive weights up to 75 pounds.
- Be comfortable with working in confined space(s).
- Basic computer skills to operate Microsoft Windows/Office & Google Suite software applications.
- Must obtain or possess a OSHA 10 Construction, First Aid/CPR prior to start of employment.
- Ability to obtain or posses a valid Driver’s License & DOT certification
- Ability to obtain or possess TWIC (preferred).
- Able to pass a criminal background check, MVR, physical and drug screening.
Desired Characteristics:
- Passion for safety & service delivery oriented.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, preferred.
- Basic operation of powered hand tools and awareness of tool safety.
- Experience performing repairs on blade access platforms.
- Understanding of wind blade design, construction & repairs.
- Understanding of composite materials such as fiberglass/carbon fiber, resin systems, balsa/foam cores.
- Understanding of wet lay-up and vacuum bagging techniques.
- Experience performing lightning protection system (LPS) repairs and inspections/troubleshooting using digital multimeters, for example Cropicos/Meggers.
- Ability to read, write and understand English.
- Ability to read and understand complex technical drawings and procedures.
- Ability and willingness to take initiative and work without direct supervision.
- Effectively communicates and works well within teams.
- Ability to follow instructions, strong organizational skills, willingness to learn.
- Possess GWO Basic Safety Certificate AND/OR Blade Repair Training Certificate.
WindCom Tech Training Provided:
- Basic Safety Training (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Fall Protection)
- Tower Safety & Rescue Training (e.g., Ladder, tower & nacelle top rescue)
- Basic Composites Repair & Engineering Training
WindCom Benefits Provided:
- Advanced training provided.
- Career growth and advancement.
- Tools, equipment and work uniforms provided.
- Competitive salary and bonus programs.
- Per diem and travel incentives.
- 401k retirement plans.
- Medical, dental, vision and supplemental insurance plans.
About WindCom:
WindCom, headquartered in Houston-Texas, supports customers across North America, providing effective and safe solutions to the most complex blade servicing needs. Since 2006, blade repairs and inspections have been performed creating the world’s largest database of blade data.
Using the most advanced at-heights access equipment, technicians perform blade repairs using work instructions that are provided for every repair from our Blade Services team. Data is entered into a proprietary eReporting system which serves as a means for quality assurance, finished reports and database. Work is done safely and right the first time.
WindCom serves not only the major OEMs that produce wind turbines but also wind farm owners and operators. With quick response to their needs, down time is minimized and blades can start spinning quicker.
For more information, visit website: http://windcomservices.com/
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35.00 - $53.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- working at heights: 3 years (Required)
- composite blade repair: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
