Manufacturing Fabricator

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Fabricator to build, modify, assemble, and integrate hardware supporting the development of advanced aircraft and electric propulsion systems. This role spans aircraft structures and components, installation of mechanical and electromechanical systems, prototype and qualification test articles, and the ground support equipment (GSE) needed to safely assemble, handle, and test that hardware.

Working alongside Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test, and Quality, you will translate drawings and build instructions into safe, reliable physical hardware. The ideal candidate is a resourceful fabricator who can move between one-off development work and repeatable, revision-controlled builds while maintaining aerospace-grade workmanship and documentation.

What You’ll Do

Aircraft Structures & Component Fabrication

• Fabricate, fit, trim, drill, ream, deburr, finish, and assemble metallic and composite aircraft parts and structural subassemblies using approved processes.
• Build and modify brackets, panels, mounts, airframe structures, ducts, enclosures, and other prototype or production-intent hardware from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Operate appropriate shop equipment and hand/power tools; use fixtures, templates, and precision measurement tools to achieve required alignment, fit, and dimensional accuracy.

Aircraft Assembly & Systems Integration

• Support installation and integration of mechanical, electromechanical, propulsion, thermal, fluid, and associated aircraft systems in coordination with the responsible engineering teams.
• Install and secure components, tubing, brackets, cable and harness routing provisions, fasteners, and interfaces to released instructions; assist with fit checks and system checkout under approved procedures.
• Identify interferences, assembly constraints, and serviceability concerns early, and partner with Engineering on manufacturable solutions.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Tooling & Test Articles

• Fabricate and modify assembly fixtures, alignment tools, handling carts, stands, lifting/transport interfaces, test rigs, and other GSE used for build and test activities.
• Build representative structural and systems test articles to support design validation, instrumentation installation, ground testing, and engineering investigations.
• Prepare test hardware for use; support setup, safe configuration, inspections, and post-test modifications in accordance with approved plans and safety controls.

Engineering Development & Manufacturing Execution

• Collaborate with engineers to plan fabrication steps, resolve design-to-build issues, and support rapid prototype iterations without bypassing configuration or approval controls.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD views, bills of material, work instructions, and revision changes; accurately record work and issues in applicable systems.
• Contribute feedback on design for manufacturability, assembly sequence, tooling needs, cycle time, and repeatable fabrication methods.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Perform in-process dimensional and visual checks; maintain part identification, traceability, and complete build records consistent with applicable AS9100D processes.
• Escalate nonconforming conditions and obtain authorized dispositions before rework, repair, or incorporation into aircraft or test hardware.
• Follow shop safety practices including PPE, foreign object debris (FOD) control, tool accountability, equipment inspection, and safe lifting/handling; maintain an organized work area.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience in fabrication, aircraft assembly, vehicle prototyping, industrial maintenance, motorsports, precision metalwork, or a comparable technical trade; equivalent vocational training plus strong practical experience considered.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and assembly instructions, and to use calipers, micrometers, measuring tools, and common fabrication equipment.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools and at least one fabrication discipline (e.g., sheet metal, welding, composites, machining, or precision mechanical assembly).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot fit-up and build challenges while following established safety and quality processes.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering and manufacturing teams, document completed work, and adapt to changing prototype priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fabrication or assembly of aerospace structures, experimental aircraft, UAVs, spacecraft, or advanced vehicle prototypes.
• TIG/MIG welder with experience on sheet-metal forming/riveting, composite trimming/bonding, manual machining, or precision fixture fabrication.
• Experience integrating propulsion, fluid, electrical, harness, thermal, or mechanical subsystems and supporting functional or ground tests.
• Experience building GSE, structural fixtures, test stands, or instrumented engineering test articles.
• Familiar with AS9100D practices, controlled work instructions, inspection plans, FOD prevention, nonconformance controls, and configuration management.
• Tool use of CAD viewing tools, ERP/MES, or digital work management systems such as Jira.