WICHITA, Kan. - Piper Aircraft sent representatives to Wichita this week looking for people to fill jobs. Company leaders say even though they don't have any facilities in the Air Capital, it's the place to come to find the skills they need.
Laid off aerospace engineer Josh Badgett attended Piper's job fair at Century II on Friday, hoping for a chance to get off the unemployment line.
"I'm looking for a job. I've got a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. But I'm currently at WSU working on a master's degree, also in aerospace engineering. Been out of work for two years since I got laid off at Cessna," said Badgett.
Piper continues design work on the Piper Altaire, the company's first business jet. It's a single engine in the very light business jet category.
Flight operations manager Craig Masters says Wichita has the talent they need for the Altaire program.
"Got a lot of talented folks out here and we've been out here a few times hiring for the Altaire program. We've had some success with some really good candidates so we're back again," said Masters.
Masters says Piper is nearing the end of the design phase of their jet. They're recruiting for engineering positions, including manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, flight test, electrical, avionics and senior quality engineers.
The Altaire's maiden flight is scheduled for next year with certification and customer deliveries of the $2.5 million jet slated for 2014. Anyone getting a job offer will need to relocate to Vero Beach, Florida.
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