Thomas grew up in Anacortes, Washington, where he spent much of his time on the water racing sailboats. He was first introduced to Janicki through that world, learning the company had built the molds for several America’s Cup boats. That connection left a lasting impression. “I wanted to potentially go into a role that involved building boats,” he says.

Away from the water, Thomas discovered a love for cooking. His journey in the restaurant industry started at just eight years old, working in his parents’ Anacortes-based business, The Best Little Restaurant in Town. He began as a dishwasher and moved into the kitchen by age 15. After graduating high school, he joined the industry full-time. While he appreciated the creativity and fast-paced environment, the long hours and ongoing pressure eventually took a toll.

Choosing a New Course

Looking for something new, Thomas reconnected with a friend serving in the Navy. Inspired by their conversation, he enlisted. He began his military career as an undesignated fireman and later qualified as a rescue swimmer. Eager to expand his skills, he attended Aviation Electronic Technician school, completed the Navy’s cook test and transitioned into the reserves. There he served as air crew and loadmaster on DC-9 aircraft based at NAS Whidbey Island.

That combination of culinary and aircrew training opened the door to a unique assignment. Thomas was recalled to active duty and stationed in Sicily, where he served as a personal chef and flight attendant for a Navy Admiral aboard a Gulfstream private jet. The 18-month assignment allowed him to merge both passions while living and working overseas. Over his career, Thomas completed about five years of active duty and sixteen years in the reserves, including several additional recalls.

After the Navy, Thomas worked in a variety of roles, including sales, before finding a new direction in engineering. He used his GI Bill to enroll in the composites engineering program at Bellingham Technical College. During a school tour of Janicki, he learned they were hiring and decided to apply.

Life at Janicki

He joined Janicki in 2018 as a part-time mill technician while finishing his degree. Working on the floor sparked an interest in Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI), and after graduating, he was hired full-time as an NDI trainee. With Janicki’s support, Thomas completed 600 hours of on-the-job training and was sent to certification school for 40 hours of classroom time to earn his Level I certification. Janicki then sponsored an additional 40 hours of classroom instruction and testing, enabling him to earn his Level I certification in 2020 after another 200 hours of hands-on training.

Today, Thomas is Janicki’s most senior Level II technician and is certified in A-scan, C-scan and phased array inspection. He’s known as the go-to resource for complex inspection work.

Work-Life on the Weekend Shift

“I like that I’m not doing the same thing all the time. I get to work on all kinds of different parts,” he says. “There’s lots of opportunities for NDI roles, both at Janicki and beyond. It was a great career move for me.”

He currently works weekend shifts in Building 9, serving as the phased array inspection expert. With three 12-hour shifts totaling 36 hours, he receives full-time pay while enjoying four days off each week. The schedule gives him time to hike, camp and enjoy the outdoors during the week, avoiding the crowds.

“I love working weekends, it’s like being semi-retired,” he says.

Creativity After Hours

One of Thomas’s passions is night landscape photography, using a technique called light painting. This involves long-exposure shots where a light source is moved during the exposure to illuminate key elements of the scene. The result is a striking, creative blend of natural beauty and artistic lighting. Some of his landscape photography will soon be displayed in Janicki facilities.

From inspecting advanced aerospace parts to creating dramatic night landscapes, Thomas continues to build a life centered around curiosity, hands-on learning and personal passion.

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