Tag Archives: Production

Employee Stories: Harmony, Aircraft Systems Technician

Harmony’s career journey is one of exploration and resilience. Originally from Georgia, she had a dynamic upbringing, moving across the country for her parents’ careers and ultimately settling in Idaho for her final two years of high school. A passionate singer and pianist, she initially pursued a degree in vocal performance. However, she soon discovered that her love for music was better suited for a hobby than a profession.
Through some life experiences, Harmony discovered a passion for emergency medicine. She became an EMT, thriving in high-stakes situations and finding deep satisfaction in helping others during critical moments. Drawn to a life of service and adventure, she felt the military could be a path to blend her love for medicine with a desire to travel.

A New Direction

At age 22, Harmony enlisted in the Navy with hopes of becoming a corpsman and pursuing medical school. However, the military had other plans. She was assigned as an Aviation Electronics Technician, which took her in an unexpected but rewarding direction.

“I originally had no interest in aviation but grew to love a lot of different aspects of the job,” Harmony recalls. “I really enjoy using my hands and solving physical, applicable problems.”

After boot camp, Harmony’s Navy journey began with training at NAS Pensacola in Florida, where she developed skills in aircraft systems and structures. She then moved to NAS Lemoore in California, working on F/A-18 Super Hornets before moving to NAS Whidbey to work on EA-18 Growlers. She deployed or detached to Japan, South Korea, and Guam throughout her service. After five impactful years on active duty, she transitioned to the reserves, serving an additional three years before leaving the military in 2021.

Life post-Navy

Eager to continue her interest in medicine, Harmony enrolled at Western Washington University and received degrees in behavioral neuroscience and chemistry. However, after graduating, she wanted to take a break from academia and return to hands-on work. She found an opportunity at Janicki and was hired in 2023.

Harmony began at Janicki as an Aircraft Structural Assembler, initially working on benchwork. This role involved drilling and sealing operations on benchtops. She soon moved on to the assembly line, where her work became more complex as she tackled varied orientations and stages of production.

Harmony took on more responsibilities by becoming a tool focal, overseeing tool control, ensuring all tools get checked in and out properly, and managing inventory and procurement. She also serves as the hazmat focal, handling and ordering supplies such as solvents and bonding materials.

“The team atmosphere is fantastic,” she says. “I work with dedicated technicians and enthusiastic young engineers who are passionate about what we do here.”

Moving Forward

Recently promoted to Aircraft Systems Tech Lead, Harmony manages a small team and trains new employees. Her daily tasks include drilling operations, bonding brackets, and installing working on oxygen, hydraulic, and liquid cooling systems.

Reflecting on her journey, she adds, “I don’t feel like I have to be a doctor. Maybe one day, but I’m happy where I am now.”

Life Outside of Work

Outside of her work at Janicki, Harmony enjoys house projects, cooking, and staying active at the gym. She also plays on a women’s full-tackle football team. After years of moving, Harmony has found a true home in Washington, where she appreciates the natural beauty as some of the best she’s ever seen.

Interested in becoming an aircraft systems technician? We’re hiring! Visit our Job Openings page.

Employee Stories: Salma, NDI Technician

Before joining Janicki, Salma worked as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home. Her empathetic nature made her well-suited for the role, and she enjoyed bonding with her patients. However, despite the fulfillment she found in helping others, the stress of the job was unsustainable, and Salma knew it wasn’t her lifelong career path.

Salma’s brother, who worked at Janicki, suggested she consider applying to the company. Seeking a fresh start outside the medical field, Salma took his advice and applied to Janicki as a production technician.

Exploring New Horizons

In 2018, Salma was hired and started in mold fabrication. She quickly showcased her versatility and eagerness to learn. She transitioned to the controlled contamination area (CCA) team where she honed her skills in laying up, using resin and fabricating production parts. Over time, she moved between various production roles, adapting to the needs of different programs.

Three years ago, Salma’s curiosity was piqued by a new machine with a robot arm in Building 5.

“There was a really small team working with it, and I wondered what those people did,” she recalls. “I ended up helping them with a project and learned a lot about the work they were doing.”

The new machine was a nondestructive inspecting system with a built-in robot arm, called the Kuka Genesis, which sprays water and ultrasonic sounds against composite parts to evaluate structural integrity and fitness of use while keeping them intact.

After that, Salma went out of her way to learn more about nondestructive inspection. She spoke with department members about the different equipment pieces and their uses. She even did some research on the side to better understand the field. One day, Salma saw a job opening for an NDI trainee role on the internal job openings list. Despite her lack of experience in the field, she was eager to learn more and decided to apply. Her interest and drive impressed the department, so they brought her on in 2023.

Janicki provided comprehensive training for Salma to receive her Level I certification in ultrasonics, including practical hours on the job, 40 classroom hours in California, and a test she completed in October 2023. Shortly after that, Salma began training for her Level II certification, and in June 2024, she achieved this milestone. She became qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and interpret and evaluate results according to applicable codes, standards, and specifications.

“Janicki is very generous,” she notes. “They train you on-site and pay for all of your training to get the certification.”

Continuing the Journey

Salma’s journey doesn’t end here. She is eager to continue learning and gaining experience with different devices and techniques as a Level II technician. She aspires to one day achieve her Level III certification, solidifying her expertise in the field.

Life Beyond Work

Outside of her professional pursuits, Salma enjoys a well-rounded life. She loves hanging out with friends and spending time with her dog, Rollo. Recently, she has taken up swimming and camping, even spending several days at Baker Lake this year. She also went camping with her NDI team, strengthening bonds with her colleagues. Additionally, Salma is rediscovering her love for reading.

Interested in joining our growing team? Apply on our Job Openings page.

Employee Stories: Nick, Mill Technician

In 2023, Nick began his journey with Janicki as a weekend shift production technician at our Highway 20 facility, specializing in metal fabrication. With a background in manufacturing, including expertise in cranes, rigging, and specialized transportation, Nick was a natural fit for the role. The promise of growth initially drew him to Janicki, which he has since realized through advancing to a new role.

Now, Nick is a Mill Technician working the day shift with our Mill 6 team in Hamilton. His manufacturing experience is crucial in loading and handling complex, large-scale projects in and out of the mill. Nick’s meticulous attention to detail, a hallmark of his work, reflects his commitment to ensuring projects are completed accurately and to the highest standards.

“I enjoy working for Janicki because of the culture,” Nick enthusiastically shares. “We have a great team of talented individuals that are always pleasant to work with. Our team really keeps quality and safety in the forefront of our minds.”

Originally from Southern California, Nick has found a second home in Washington. In addition to his professional endeavors, he enjoys spending time in his shop, where he tinkers with off-road rigs and vintage semis. An avid hiker and off-roader, he seeks out breathtaking mountaintop views and relishes time spent in nature.

Nick embodies qualities of drive, dedication, and kindness, making him a valuable asset to our team. We are proud to have him at Janicki and eagerly anticipate the exceptional contributions he will continue to make.