Scaled Composites seeking hires at EAA AirVenture

Bob Withrow, the vice president of engineering at Scaled Composites, told the Experimental Aircraft Association that the company was “looking for folks who are passionate, creative, and love to be challenged. There is no better place than Oshkosh to re-introduce ourselves to those who know us from our incredible legacy, and to connect with those who want to be a part of the next big thing.”

Fueled by a 2016 Boeing estimate that the airline industry would need nearly 2 million “new commercial pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crew” by 2035, many regional carriers have already sweetened their offers to new hires.

Air Wisconsin recently implemented hiring bonuses that clear a pathway to becoming a United Airlines pilot. PSA Airlines, the career fair host, inked partnership agreements with Liberty University, Purdue University, and other institutions in a bid to “hire 1,000 people in short order,” according to a May 18 news release. The airlines’ cadet program includes a signing bonus and mentorship opportunities.

A college social that brought out a large crowd of aviation-minded young adults in 2016 is returning for the second year. Those who attended the inaugural meet and greet shared a free pizza dinner and spoke with college recruiters, representatives from regional airlines, and other aviation businesses in both the manned and unmanned aircraft sectors.

Air Wisconsin Airlines first officer Joanna Marmon, who also is a Grumman AA1B pilot, greeted about 200 young people at the 2016 event. Marmon, the face of the regional air carrier in a print advertising campaign, earned her wings by working her way through college instructing at flight schools. She said that career pilots entering the marketplace now, however, will have additional opportunities that were not available when she began flying for a living.

PSA Airlines said that job hunters visiting the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, aviation celebration needn’t worry about dressing up for the career fair. The airline posted on the job fair’s website that casual attire was fine because “employers know candidates and interested parties are enjoying other EAA AirVenture events throughout the day.”