JOB SUMMARY The entry level Thermal Spray Set-Up Technician (Surface Prep & Blast Operations) supports the thermal spray technicians by preparing parts for dimensional restoration. This position primarily prepares and configures the equipment and materials for the thermal spray process.  Technicians will apply masking to components for in-process operations, conduct a variety of surface preparations using the blasting process on turbine engine components, and use a variety of materials following the established procedures for both masking and grit blasting.   Through our extensive in-house training program, the successful applicant will be instructed via a series of computer based and hands-on training, the necessary skills of the position.   COMPANY OVERVIEW Component Repair Technologies, Inc. (CRT) began as a locally family-owned business, with operations in Mentor, OH since 1985, and grew into a global leader (500+ employees) in the aerospace MRO sector.  Specializing in the repair and overhaul of turbine engine components, CRT proudly serves the world’s largest airlines and jet engine manufactures. Component Repair Technologies is focused on our valued employees, customers, and community.  In 2025, CRT became a Safran Aircraft Engines company as a Center of Excellence for the repair of large jet engine parts in the Americas. For over 120 years, Safran, through its Aircraft Engines subsidiary, designs, produces, markets and supports, alone or in partnership, aircraft engines offering world-class performance and reliability. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Operating through CFM International, its 50/50 joint venture with GE Aerospace, Safran Aircraft Engines is the world’s leading supplier of single-aisle commercial jet engines, the CFM56 and LEAP. Safran Aircraft Engines is fully committed to sustainable aviation through the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) technology development program. Safran Aircraft Engines also deploys a global network providing a full range of support, maintenance & repair services.  Visit www.componentrepair.comand www.safran-group.comfor more information. Take-off in your career, learn new skills and become part of a world-class workforce.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Through our extensive in-house training program, the successful applicant will be instructed via a series of computer based and hands-on training, the necessary skills of the position. 1.     Follow established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure full compliance with company safety policies and procedures. 2.     Clean, mask and grit blast components with required surface preparation standards. 3.     Review router and operational sketches to identify the work to be performed. 4.     Grit blast all required areas to the appropriate surface finish, specified in the work instructions, in a booth while wearing appropriate safety gear and supplied air via a respirator.  5.     Inspect work for completion and quality for oil, residue or oxidation to ensure proper adhesion during the thermal spray application process. 6.     Assist thermal spray operators by staging materials and components, checking parameters and preparing the part for spraying. 7.     Mask components as required to protect surfaces from subsequent operations. 8.     Follow written work instructions accurately including engineered sketches and drawings. 9.     Follow verbal instructions. Clearly understand all instructions before proceeding with work. Communicate frequently with fellow technicians regarding work instructions. 10.  General housekeeping such as sweeping, organizing, and general cleanup.   EQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 1.     High school or technical school graduate or equivalent. 2.     Previous experience in reading and interpreting shop drawings and diagrams or the demonstrated ability to learn preferred. 3.     Previous experience in a manufacturing setting displaying attention to detail and technical aptitude helpful. 4.     Good verbal and written communication skills.   OTHER QUALIFICATIONS 1.     Basic knowledge of computers and standard software programs. 2.     Read, write, speak, and understand the English language. 3.     Must be able to use hand tools and have good hand eye coordination. 4.     Ability to work independently and perform the job with minimum supervision.   WORK ENVIRONMENT This position has pre-employment testing requirements that may require fitness for duty testing, vision exam and respirator fit test. Work in varying positions from time to time. Stand and/or sit for portions of the shift.  Move parts (>50 pounds) using hoists, slings, carts, or other handling methods. Move less heavy parts (<50 pounds) with or without hoists, slings, or carts. 3.     Able to work in enclosed spaces. 4.     Use of safety and personal protective equipment is mandatory under some conditions.  a.     Use of:                                                     i.     Safety glasses.                                                    ii.     TyVek Jumpsuit.                                                  iii.     Supplied air respirator. 5.     Follow general shop safety procedures including the use of safety glasses, safety toe shoes, gloves, and hearing protection. Able to wear additional PPE as required. Occasionally use powered and non-powered hand tools.    COMPANY BENEFITS Our employees and families are the number one asset at CRT.  A progressive and innovative benefits package is in place, such as:  1.     CRT currently offers two excellent health care options, one being a fully funded program (no premiums for employee and family) and the other being a traditional employee premium contribution.  Programs include health, vision, and dental coverages. Additional programs include short- and long-term disability and life insurance. 2.     The company offers a 401k program with company match. 3.     Continuing education is offered via multiple sources and opportunities with tuition reimbursement based on eligibility requirements. 4.     Traditional paid time off (PTO) is offered via vacation days and personal days. 5.     Multiple shift opportunities with hourly premiums for off-shifts are offered. 6.     To review other benefits, visit our website at www.componentrepair.com/careers or Facebook page www.facebook.com/ComponentRepair  to see, “what we are up to.”     Keywords: Thermal Spray Set-Up Technician, thermal spray support technician, aerospace manufacturing jobs, turbine engine component repair, turbine engine overhaul, dimensional restoration technician, masking technician, grit blasting technician, surface preparation technician, aerospace coatings preparation, thermal spray preparation, turbine engine masking, turbine component grit blasting, aerospace surface preparation, FAA regulated aerospace facility, aviation maintenance and repair jobs, aerospace MRO jobs, jet engine repair technician, aircraft engine component repair, component masking operations, abrasive blasting technician, industrial grit blasting, blast cabinet operations, hand masking and taping, hard masking caps and shields, precision masking technician, aerospace production technician, manufacturing technician aerospace, entry level aerospace technician, on-the-job training manufacturing, hands-on technical training, climate controlled manufacturing facility, state of the art aerospace facility, shop floor manufacturing jobs, reading engineering drawings, interpreting work instructions, router and operational sketch review, shop math skills, use of micrometers and gauges, go no go gauge experience, overhead crane operation, material handling technician, use of hand tools in manufacturing, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PARTICIPATION Component Repair Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/H/V. CRT is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and promoting the health and well-being of its employees. It is the Company’s policy to only hire individuals who do not use drugs. All candidates will be screened for drug use prior to hire. Employment opportunities at CRT are open to all qualified applicants solely on the basis of their job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. CRT complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws with regard to equal employment opportunity.