Tag Archives: Veteran

Employee Stories: Ofelia and Melody, Production Lead and Technician

This Mother’s Day, We’re Highlighting a Special Mother-Daughter Story

Ofelia immigrated to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, at around 15 years old. Her family lived in San Diego for three years before settling in Burlington, Washington, where she finished high school. Her early work life was hands-on jobs, from nurseries to canning plants to crafting windchimes. A friend who worked at Janicki told her about a job opening and urged her to apply.

In November 2003, Ofelia joined the company at the Highway 20 facilities, sanding and finishing tooling. When the Hamilton Building 5 manufacturing plant opened, she transitioned to a mold fabrication role and steadily advanced her skills. Today, she’s a seasoned production lead who oversees a team responsible for laying up and processing composite aerospace parts, a role she has proudly held for two decades.

“My favorite part about layup is that you have to be so conscious about what you do,” says Ofelia. “And then get to see the finished product out on the floor that you made, and that is just so good.”

A Familiar Future

For several years, Ofelia encouraged her daughter, Melody, to apply for a job with Janicki.

“When I was a kid, I would always say I was going to go work at Janicki with my mom. And then I got older and went on my own way, but my mom convinced me to give it a go,” Melody says.

In January, Melody joined the team as a production technician after working in hospitality and customer service jobs, where growth opportunities were limited. She’s been learning the ropes of the Building 9 CCA, laying up aerospace composite parts. She’s especially drawn to the more intricate pieces and is eager to explore other areas of the company in time.

“I always tell my daughter, just don’t get stuck,” says Ofelia. “This company has so many things to learn and grow with. Keep climbing.”

While Ofelia and Melody carpool to work, they’re stationed in different cells. Still, they remain connected through their shared passion for craftsmanship and camaraderie. Both say their favorite part about working at Janicki is the people. Melody works alongside many of her mother’s first coworkers in Building 9. Ofelia is known for spreading cheer with gifts like plants and chocolates on holidays, including Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, a tradition Melody has started helping with.

A Celebrated Bond

At home, Ofelia cares for her 88-year-old mother, also named Ofelia. Together, they attend church every Sunday and enjoy peaceful walks. Melody spends her free time at the gym, playing video games and exploring art projects like painting and crafting.

For this mother-daughter duo, family time is central, whether it’s cooking together or simply sharing the small joys of life. Melody and Ofelia’s specialty dish is chile rellenos, where Melody expertly fluffs the egg whites and folds in the yolks. This Mother’s Day, they plan to celebrate together as mother, grandmother, and daughter at a family gathering, a fitting tribute to the multi-generational bond.

Interested in joining our production team? Check out our Job Openings.

Employee Stories: Patrick, Facilities Maintenance Technician

A Unique Career Progression

Born and raised in the small town of Delta, Utah, Patrick discovered a passion for working with his hands. At 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1996 to 2003 as a mortarman in a light reconnaissance unit.

“I enjoyed my time in the Marines,” he says. “You basically have another family. I still keep in touch with some of those people after all these years.”

While serving, Patrick took up taekwondo. That hobby turned into a full-time venture when he opened his own martial arts school. After leaving the service, he continued to teach and operate the school in Tooele, Utah.

Due to life changes, Patrick closed the school and transitioned into a new role. His friends offered him a job running gas lines for an HVAC company near Salt Lake City. After 15 years, Patrick had developed new skills and a passion for fixing things, but the long, demanding hours led to the decision to pursue a career change.

Finding a New Purpose at Janicki

Inspired by his brother, who had worked as a mill technician, Patrick searched for local job opportunities and found an opening at Janicki. Starting as a mill technician, he quickly became known for his ability to troubleshoot and improve equipment. Within six months, he was invited to join the maintenance team.

Now, as a facilities maintenance technician, Patrick’s days are full of variety. From preventive maintenance on mills to repairing forklifts, electrical systems, plumbing and more, he helps keep Janicki’s operations running smoothly.

“The best part of my job is getting to fix and make things more efficient for our techs to do their job better,” he says. “I am given free rein to fix whatever I can.”

One of his largest projects was developing a system to flush and replace vacuum lines for mill fixtures—an essential component that keeps parts in place during milling. He’s also learned new skills like metrology, proving that even with years of experience, there’s always something new to learn.

Beyond the Job

Off the clock, Patrick doesn’t slow down. He runs Ryan’s Resin Creations, a small business that makes resin crafts and 3D-printed items ranging from dragon eggs to custom cutting boards. Many of his coworkers proudly own one-of-a-kind pieces he’s created.

He also enjoys hunting, traveling for deep-sea fishing trips, and spending time with his wife, Julia, and their six children. “They’re growing up and figuring out what they want to do with their lives,” he says with pride.

Interested in joining our Utah team? Check out our Job Openings.

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: Tiffany, Accounting Manager

Tiffany and her mother in military uniform

Tiffany and her mother, Daphne, in 1994

For Tiffany, joining the Navy was a natural transition into adulthood. Her mother, Daphne, had served for many years in the Navy and Coast Guard Reserve before becoming an officer in the Army Reserve. Her father and brothers had also served in the Navy. Both her mother and oldest brother served in the Persian Gulf War. Joining the military was a family affair, and Tiffany graduated from boot camp in 1994.

Tiffany and her husband Scott pose for a photo in Mexico

Tiffany and her husband, Scott, in Mexico

Tiffany moved from her home in South Carolina to NAS Whidbey in Washington to work as an intelligence specialist. She soon fell in love with her husband, Scott, a fellow sailor. After four years of service, it was time for them to transition into the civilian world. They both enjoyed living in the Pacific Northwest and settled on living in Sedro-Woolley. But Tiffany wasn’t quite sure what to do next with her career.

At her wedding, Tiffany spoke with her aunt, who worked as an accountant. After discussing her aunt’s profession, Tiffany became intrigued by a career in finance. She took several career aptitude tests that suggested a good fit for accounting and decided to pursue it as a career path. Tiffany left the Navy, began attending Skagit Valley College, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University.

“I love that accounting is deadline-driven,” Tiffany said.

After gaining valuable experience at two other accounting jobs, Tiffany found her professional home at Janicki in 2021. Having lived in Sedro-Woolley for two decades, she was well-acquainted with Janicki’s reputation and their significant contributions to the community. When an opportunity to join the team arose, Tiffany didn’t hesitate to apply.

“I knew that Janicki was a growing company that I could have a long career with,” she mentions. “The few people I knew working here loved it, and that sold me on working for Janicki.”

Tiffany and her husband Scott in an antique car

Tiffany’s Model A Car

As accounting manager, Tiffany oversees the accounts payable and payroll departments and is responsible for daily accounting tasks such as banking and credit cards. Tiffany can be best described as a people person and an open book. She enjoys socializing with coworkers and is on the event planning committee. She helps plan department, building and company-wide events. Most recently, she helped plan a picnic in the park for all the employees at Metcalf.

“Most people think accountants and accounting are boring, but the Janicki accounting and finance team has a lot of fun together! We really enjoy what we do, and appreciate who we do it for,” Tiffany said.

Outside of work, Tiffany can be found hiking and enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and two dogs, Finnley and Huckleberry. You may see her driving around town on a sunny day in her 1931 Model A car, which she purchased two years ago after dreaming of owning one since childhood. She enjoys spending time with her friends, flying back to South Carolina to see her family, and traveling.

Janicki is committed to hiring active-duty service members, veterans, and reservists transitioning to civilian work. Learn more at www.janicki.com/veterans.

Employee Stories: Nick, Production Technical Lead

Nick, a production technical lead on the Metals Value Stream team at the Utah site, recently celebrated his 8th anniversary with Janicki. His interest in aerospace and technical work began when he enlisted in the Army in 2008, a passion that he continues to bring to his role at Janicki.

Nick served several critical roles for the Army and National Guard, primarily focused on maintaining Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. Nick has been deployed twice, once from 2008-2009 and a second time while he was working at Janicki, from 2018-2019.

In 2015, a friend referred him to Janicki. The idea of working on the opposite side of the spectrum from his service was very exciting. Nick started as a mill tech machining composite skins and other fly-away parts in Mills 7 and 8 in Utah. The similarities between his service and work at Janicki are very obvious, where safety, quality, and foreign object debris (FOD) control are all top priorities. That overlapping focus allowed Nick to flourish at Janicki, where he had a short stint as Mill 7 cell manager before his second deployment in 2018, and then upon returning from Iraq as the Assembly 5 cell manager for over four years.

Nick has been in the production technical lead role since 2022 and is also working on quality assurance training to expand his skills. He enjoys the culture and the people he works with and learns from daily.

“I love what I do and want to come to work every day,” states Nick. “I am honored to have the opportunity to grow and help move our needle with each new project.”

Nick’s most memorable experience at Janicki has been witnessing two rocket launches from Cape Canaveral while performing on-site work at a customer’s Florida assembly facility.

“The sight, sound and feeling of the reverberations in my chest are something I will never forget,” said Nick.

When Nick isn’t machining the largest and most challenging parts in the aerospace industry, he is finding every chance he can to escape to the mountains. He loves fly fishing and camping with his daughter, Brinlynn (12), and dog, Luke.

Janicki is committed to hiring active-duty service members, veterans, and reservists transitioning to civilian work. Learn more at www.janicki.com/veterans.