Job Description
Job Location: Mustang Survival WV - Spencer, WV 25276,
Position Type: Full Time, WHO WE ARE
The Wing Group is a global leader in engineered solutions for demanding environments, bringing together a portfolio of trusted brands including Wing Inflatables, Mustang Survival, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, and FabTek Industries. Across defense, marine safety, law enforcement, and industrial sectors, we design and manufacture mission-critical inflatable, flotation, and survival solutions that professionals trust to perform when it matters most.
From combat-ready rigid inflatable boats and inflatable structures to life-saving flotation devices and marine apparel, our products are engineered and tested to exceed the highest standards of safety, durability, and performance. With U.S. and Canadian-based manufacturing and a collaborative, hands-on culture, The Wing Group delivers purpose-built solutions for the world’s toughest environments. Join us in advancing safety, performance, and innovation - on the water and beyond.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for Repairs Associates at Levels I, II, and III to support the repair and rework of military dry suits, technical protective garments, life vests/PFDs, inflatable and flotation products, marine safety equipment, and other mission-critical products. Repairs may involve industrial sewing, seam taping/sealing, RF/hot-air welding, component replacement, and related production operations, based on approved work instructions and product requirements.
Successful candidates are detail-oriented, safety-focused, quality-driven, and comfortable working with specialized fabrics, coated textiles, webbing, reinforcement materials, protective fabrics, and other technical materials. Associates are expected to develop from foundational repair skills at Level I to independent diagnosis and repair at Level II, and advanced technical repair, troubleshooting, training, and team support at Level III.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer a competitive salary depending on the experience level of the candidate. Additionally, we offer extended health and dental benefits, 401K with employer matching, and industry perks. The final agreed upon salary may vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
PROGRESSIVE LEVELS
REPAIRS ASSOCIATE I - Entry / Foundational Level
JOB PURPOSE
The Repairs Associate I is an entry-level position responsible for learning and performing basic repair and rework operations using industrial sewing, seam taping/sealing, welding, and related production methods. This position works under supervision while developing the equipment operation, material-handling, workmanship, quality, safety, and documentation skills necessary to complete assigned repairs independently.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Learn and follow company safety policies, PPE requirements, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and quality requirements.
- Learn the proper setup and safe operation of assigned industrial sewing, seam taping/sealing, RF/hot-air welding, and related repair equipment.
- Perform basic repairs and rework under supervision or with limited guidance.
- Remove, replace, resew, retape, reseal, or rework basic components as directed by approved repair instructions.
- Work with specialized fabrics, coated textiles, webbing, reinforcement materials, protective fabrics, and other technical materials.
- Position, align, and control materials accurately during repair operations.
- Maintain required stitch placement, seam allowance, tape placement, adhesion, alignment, and basic workmanship standards.
- Inspect the repair area and completed work for visible defects such as skipped stitches, misalignment, incomplete seams, damaged material, loose thread, poor tape placement, or incomplete sealing.
- Follow approved patterns, templates, markings, drawings, specifications, and work instructions applicable to the repair.
- Identify and report machine, material, repair, production, or quality concerns to the Team Lead or Supervisor.
- Complete required work order, production, repair, and quality documentation accurately.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation and support additional production duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS / COMPETENCIES
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous manufacturing, sewing, taping, welding, or repair experience preferred but not required.
- Ability and willingness to learn industrial sewing, taping/sealing, welding, and repair processes.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions and specifications.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Developing manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Ability to perform repetitive production and material-handling operations.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team, follow direction, and maintain dependable attendance.
ORIENTATION PERIOD
A reasonable orientation period for a fully qualified candidate is three (3) months.
- Month 1: Introduction to safety, PPE, repair workflow, assigned equipment, specialized materials, work instructions, defect recognition, and quality standards. Begin supervised basic repair operations.
- Month 2: Perform basic repairs with increased emphasis on material control, accuracy, workmanship, equipment operation, and quality while receiving regular guidance.
- Month 3: Demonstrate consistent performance on assigned basic repairs with increased independence and reduced direct supervision.
PROMOTION READINESS - REPAIRS ASSOCIATE I TO II
An Associate may be considered ready for advancement when they
- Demonstrate consistent quality and productivity with minimal supervision.
- Independently perform assigned foundational sewing, taping/sealing, welding, and repair operations.
- Consistently follow repair instructions, patterns, drawings, specifications, and product requirements.
- Maintain required stitch quality, seam construction, tape placement, adhesion, alignment, and workmanship.
- Properly identify and communicate material, equipment, repair, or quality concerns.
- Complete required repair, production, work order, and quality documentation accurately.
- Maintain strong safety, attendance, quality, and teamwork performance.
- Demonstrate initiative in learning additional products, materials, equipment, and more complex repairs.
REPAIRS ASSOCIATE II - Intermediate / Independent Level
JOB PURPOSE
The Repairs Associate II is an intermediate-level position responsible for independently evaluating assigned repair work and performing multiple intermediate and complex repair and rework operations. This role requires demonstrated proficiency in sewing, taping/sealing, welding, material handling, defect identification, and routine troubleshooting while consistently meeting quality and productivity expectations with minimal supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently perform multiple repair and rework operations across assigned products and production areas.
- Evaluate assigned repair areas against approved work instructions, drawings, specifications, and workmanship requirements to determine the required repair steps within established procedures.
- Operate assigned industrial sewing, seam taping/sealing, RF/hot-air welding, and related equipment independently.
- Remove and replace damaged or nonconforming components and restore seams, tape, seals, stitching, and assemblies according to approved requirements.
- Work effectively with specialized fabrics, coated textiles, webbing, reinforcement materials, protective fabrics, and other technical materials.
- Maintain consistent stitch quality, seam construction, tape placement, adhesion, alignment, and overall workmanship.
- Perform in-process inspections and correct routine repair defects when appropriate.
- Troubleshoot common issues involving thread, needles, tension, stitch formation, material feeding, tape placement, adhesion, equipment settings, or material handling.
- Recognize material defects, process variations, or conditions that may affect product performance or repair quality.
- Identify when work should be stopped or escalated to prevent additional nonconforming product.
- Perform routine equipment adjustments and maintenance within the scope of training.
- Accurately complete required work orders, repair records, production records, and quality documentation.
- Coordinate effectively with Team Leads, Supervisors, Quality Control, Maintenance, and peers.
- Assist Level I Repairs Associates with basic repair methods, equipment operation, work instructions, and standard production practices as needed.
- Support cross-training and additional production operations based on business needs.
REQUIREMENTS / COMPETENCIES
- Meets all applicable requirements and demonstrated competencies of Repairs Associate I.
- Demonstrated proficiency performing industrial sewing, seam taping/sealing, welding, and/or related repair operations independently.
- Ability to complete multiple assigned repair operations with minimal supervision.
- Working knowledge of specialized materials, workmanship standards, product requirements, and defect identification.
- Ability to read and follow technical work instructions, drawings, patterns, templates, and specifications.
- Ability to perform routine equipment adjustments and troubleshoot common repair, machine, material, thread, tape, or sealing issues.
- Consistent record of meeting quality and productivity expectations.
- Strong communication, teamwork, manual dexterity, and attention to detail.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
ORIENTATION PERIOD
A reasonable orientation period for a fully qualified candidate is three (3) months.
- Month 1: Review and verification of Level I competencies, department-specific repair procedures, equipment, product requirements, specialized materials, and intermediate repair operations.
- Month 2: Independently complete increasingly complex repairs with emphasis on consistent quality, productivity, defect identification, and routine troubleshooting.
- Month 3: Demonstrate proficiency across assigned repair processes and complete an evaluation of technical performance, quality, productivity, troubleshooting, teamwork, and independence.
PROMOTION READINESS - REPAIRS ASSOCIATE II TO III
An Associate may be considered ready for advancement when they
- Consistently meet established quality and productivity expectations.
- Demonstrate proficiency across multiple repair methods, products, materials, machines, and workstations.
- Independently complete intermediate and complex repair operations.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of product specifications, workmanship requirements, specialized materials, and defect identification.
- Effectively troubleshoot common sewing, taping/sealing, welding, material, and equipment issues.
- Require minimal supervision to evaluate and complete assigned repair work.
- Demonstrate the ability to support and train less-experienced Repairs Associates.
- Maintain strong safety, attendance, quality, documentation, and teamwork performance.
- Demonstrate initiative, accountability, technical problem-solving, and a strong understanding of department workflow.
REPAIRS ASSOCIATE III - Advanced / Senior Technical Level
JOB PURPOSE
The Repairs Associate III is an advanced technical production position responsible for independently performing complex and highly technical repair and rework operations with a high degree of precision, consistency, and efficiency. This position serves as a senior technical resource within the department, supporting complex repairs, troubleshooting, employee development, quality improvement, workflow, and continuous improvement initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently perform advanced and complex sewing, seam taping/sealing, RF/hot-air welding, component replacement, and related repair operations.
- Evaluate complex assigned repair work and execute approved repair methods in accordance with detailed work instructions, drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
- Demonstrate proficiency across multiple machines, repair processes, products, materials, and workstations within the department.
- Repair critical components used in inflatable, flotation, survival, protective, marine, and military products while consistently meeting workmanship and quality requirements.
- Demonstrate advanced control of technical textiles, coated materials, heavy fabrics, webbing, reinforcement materials, protective fabrics, and other specialized components.
- Perform equipment setup and process adjustments according to approved procedures and specifications.
- Troubleshoot complex sewing, taping/sealing, welding, material, thread, tension, needle, adhesion, stitch-formation, workmanship, and equipment-related issues within the scope of the position.
- Identify defects, process variations, and equipment-related issues before they result in significant production losses or repeat repair activity.
- Support first-piece, in-process, repair, and workmanship inspections as required by department procedures.
- Collaborate with Team Leads, Supervisors, Quality Control, Engineering, Maintenance, Production Planning, and other supporting functions on complex repair or process concerns.
- Provide hands-on training, coaching, technical guidance, and demonstrations to Level I and Level II Repairs Associates.
- Reinforce proper repair methods, equipment operation, material handling, safety requirements, documentation, and quality expectations.
- Support prototype development, new product introduction, or new repair/process implementation as assigned.
- Identify and recommend improvements in repair methods, tooling, machine setup, material handling, safety, quality, productivity, workflow, and process efficiency.
- Accurately complete and review applicable repair, production, work order, and quality documentation.
- Serve as a positive example of accountability, teamwork, quality, productivity, reliability, and professional conduct.
- Serve as Team Lead backup and support/run the repair area or assigned line during Team Lead absence when designated and trained to do so.
REQUIREMENTS / COMPETENCIES
- Meets all applicable requirements and demonstrated competencies of Repairs Associate I and II.
- Advanced proficiency in applicable industrial sewing, seam taping/sealing, RF/hot-air welding, component replacement, and related repair processes.
- Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex repairs consistently and accurately.
- Comprehensive knowledge of specialized materials, workmanship standards, product specifications, and defect identification.
- Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills.
- Ability to train, coach, and mentor less-experienced Associates.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and other supporting departments.
- Proactive approach to continuous improvement and demonstrated leadership capability.
- Consistent history of meeting quality, productivity, safety, attendance, and documentation expectations.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
ORIENTATION PERIOD
A reasonable orientation period for a fully qualified candidate is three (3) months.
- Month 1: Verify advanced technical skills across applicable repair methods, equipment, specialized materials, product requirements, and quality standards.
- Month 2: Demonstrate independent performance on complex repairs, advanced troubleshooting, technical support, and assistance with department workflow.
- Month 3: Complete an evaluation of advanced repair proficiency, material knowledge, troubleshooting, training capability, leadership support, quality, productivity, safety, and teamwork.
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT
Repairs Associate III represents the advanced technical level within the Repairs Associate career path. Continued development may include opportunities to:
- Become qualified on additional products, machines, specialized repair methods, and production processes.
- Serve as a department trainer or subject matter resource.
- Participate in process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support prototypes, new product introductions, and manufacturing or repair process development.
- Develop leadership capabilities for potential future Team Lead or other manufacturing leadership opportunities.
Qualifications