How's CAE to work for?

[andy]

I saw on the CAE site where they had a Tech II slot open at Cherry Point, NC. I've been wanting to move back east... somewhere between New Bern, NC and Norfolk, VA, and this fits right in.

The Tech II position seems a bit of a downgrade, but I'd like to know what sims I'd be working on before I think about applying. Also, what's the Tech II scale and how is CAE to work for? Bennies?

[andy]

update: It is for the KC-130J WST CLS contract.

[Anthony0840]

update: It is for the KC-130J WST CLS contract.
pmed ya

[simtec204]

Well first of all you will have to pay for your own insurance, of course. The pay is good; I'm not sure where it falls on the scale. But it is a very good wage. I've been with them for awhile now. It all falls down to what you can bargain for at contract negotiations.

[andy]

Is the Cherry Point shop a union shop? I was under the impression that it was a salary position.

[nastyb]

If this is a military contract, I don't believe they use unions.

[Walker]

Just a little information. Just because it is a Military contract has no bearing on whether it is a contract that operates under union wages or not. More and more military contracts have unionized over the last 10 years or so and it is quite common. So, Contracts can either operate under the SCA (Service Contract Act) and then technicians are paid according to the WDR for that area, or they can be Union shops and technicians are paid according to the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiated between the contractor and the union. Usually runs a little higher than the WDR.

[Axeman]

The KC-130J is a new delivery (it's SIM XXI). That alone will make it an interesting job. In fact, I believe the trainer my still be sitting on the floor in Tampa, unless the one I saw there last month was for the west coast. I can find out if you'd like, but others here could probably tell you, too.

Since the KC-130 is a new delivery, this contract may very well NOT be SCA (yet). Usually the first year follow on CLS to a new delivery is part of the procurement, and, as such does not usually fall under the SCA. That means that the $$ and bennies are unknown. Again, I can try to find out if you're really interested.

For a ball park, I'd guess Tech II at CP to be somewhere between 22-24/hr at best, assuming some sort of bargaining agreement in place. Without that, it'll be straight DOL Wage Determination, which is currently 20.97 for Tech II in Craven county. WD benefits will probably be 2.87/hr cash in lieu, unless the company with the contract has a paid benefits program, like some of CSC's field sites. A lot of companies doing military contracts just pay the cash in lieu- CAE does. If there is some sort of union or independent association bargaining agreement in place, it'll probably be somewhere +/- 3.50.

Most all military SCA sites that I am aware of have gone to a bargaining agreement, whether it's union or independent association. The difference, while probably significant in the civil arena, is not that big of a deal in the military market so long as the association is recognized by the NLRB.

When you ask about working for CAE, it is important to understand that there are probably at least four different answers to that question. It depends whether you are working for CAE Montreal, CAE USA (the old Relfectone in Tampa, although vastly changed), CAE USA Training Services (their program office is out of Tampa, but all of the employees are out at field sites), or CAE Simuflite (or one of the other training centers). This program will likely fall under the CAE USA Training Services unit.

Hope this helps, Andy.

[Egyptian]

You will find the unionization of the SCA sites has a lot to do with the fact that the contractors are paying the minimum required by the WD. There are sites that I know of that in the late 90s had gone 6 years with out a pay increase. That, brings on unions. And in most cases, they are the only way to get the companies holding these contracts to pay a fair wage. The other solution to the problem would be to get the DOL of their Dead Asses and do the WDs on an annual basis and not just rubber stamp the one from the year before. And you know what the chances of getting some government offices are to do anything.

Egyptian

[andy]

Thanks for all the information! It really helps with my decision making regarding moving out there. In the old days, we started out on military contracts with hopes of eventually landing a job at the airlines where we would be fat, dumb and happy forever.

Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, I guess.

Airlines are going to be ugly to work for at least until about 2012, and I don't think this latest round of wage concessions will be the last... not with oil being as unstable as it's been. That leaves places like FedEx & UPS as being the best places in the industry... or get back on a military base and stick it out until retirement.

[guest]

The KC-130J is a new delivery (it's SIM XXI). That alone will make it an interesting job. In fact, I believe the trainer my still be sitting on the floor in Tampa, unless the one I saw there last month was for the west coast. I can find out if you'd like, but others here could probably tell you, too.

Since the KC-130 is a new delivery, this contract may very well NOT be SCA (yet). Usually the first year follow on CLS to a new delivery is part of the procurement, and, as such does not usually fall under the SCA. That means that the $$ and bennies are unknown. Again, I can try to find out if you're really interested.

For a ball park, I'd guess Tech II at CP to be somewhere between 22-24/hr at best, assuming some sort of bargaining agreement in place. Without that, it'll be straight DOL Wage Determination, which is currently 20.97 for Tech II in Craven county. WD benefits will probably be 2.87/hr cash in lieu, unless the company with the contract has a paid benefits program, like some of CSC's field sites. A lot of companies doing military contracts just pay the cash in lieu- CAE does. If there is some sort of union or independent association bargaining agreement in place, it'll probably be somewhere +/- 3.50.

Most all military SCA sites that I am aware of have gone to a bargaining agreement, whether it's union or independent association. The difference, while probably significant in the civil arena, is not that big of a deal in the military market so long as the association is recognized by the NLRB.

When you ask about working for CAE, it is important to understand that there are probably at least four different answers to that question. It depends whether you are working for CAE Montreal, CAE USA (the old Relfectone in Tampa, although vastly changed), CAE USA Training Services (their program office is out of Tampa, but all of the employees are out at field sites), or CAE Simuflite (or one of the other training centers). This program will likely fall under the CAE USA Training Services unit.

Hope this helps, Andy.

tsjonline.com had an article about the cae/rocwellcollins/usmc at cherry point and the new c130j trainers, first one goes to cherry point, second to korea, 3rd to the west coast, and then back and forth untill the initial 33 trainers are fielded. cae maintained, rocwellcollins built/usmc owned.
www.tsjonline.com (http://www.tsjonline.com), lots of retired generals and admirals, etc. are the head honcho's, it figures, huh?
if ya don't already know, rockwell-collins bought the contract/contractor that used to do the maint. at huntsville, ft. rucker, etc. i talked to their head hunter and they are comming on fast and want to be the cae of the usa.

[andy]

The KC-130J is a new delivery (it's SIM XXI). That alone will make it an interesting job. In fact, I believe the trainer my still be sitting on the floor in Tampa, unless the one I saw there last month was for the west coast. I can find out if you'd like, but others here could probably tell you, too.

Since the KC-130 is a new delivery, this contract may very well NOT be SCA (yet). Usually the first year follow on CLS to a new delivery is part of the procurement, and, as such does not usually fall under the SCA. That means that the $$ and bennies are unknown. Again, I can try to find out if you're really interested.

For a ball park, I'd guess Tech II at CP to be somewhere between 22-24/hr at best, assuming some sort of bargaining agreement in place. Without that, it'll be straight DOL Wage Determination, which is currently 20.97 for Tech II in Craven county. WD benefits will probably be 2.87/hr cash in lieu, unless the company with the contract has a paid benefits program, like some of CSC's field sites. A lot of companies doing military contracts just pay the cash in lieu- CAE does. If there is some sort of union or independent association bargaining agreement in place, it'll probably be somewhere +/- 3.50.

Most all military SCA sites that I am aware of have gone to a bargaining agreement, whether it's union or independent association. The difference, while probably significant in the civil arena, is not that big of a deal in the military market so long as the association is recognized by the NLRB.

When you ask about working for CAE, it is important to understand that there are probably at least four different answers to that question. It depends whether you are working for CAE Montreal, CAE USA (the old Relfectone in Tampa, although vastly changed), CAE USA Training Services (their program office is out of Tampa, but all of the employees are out at field sites), or CAE Simuflite (or one of the other training centers). This program will likely fall under the CAE USA Training Services unit.

Hope this helps, Andy.

Anything and everything is helpful... thanks Axeman. I sent the folks at HR my resume, the project itself sounds like a cakewalk. I just need to get past the red tape.

Not that I'm looking for a new job biggrin: (in case my boss pokes around on here).

[simxxi]

WST-1 is currently at site and is under SAT and RFT is soon. I am on the second KC130J WST-2. It is in Tampa. It will be going to Miramar this fall. WST-3 is going to Japan. The pay for Newburn is pretty good. So Andy if you want to get back to that area of the country I suggest you don't wait.

[simtec204]

Hey SIMXXI,
How did little rock work out? Do you know where in San Deigo they are going to put you up? Try for the Resedence Inn La Hoya. Who's on wst #3?

[andy]

I heard today that the sim is an AST... is this true?

CAE HR has my resume, and I hear the site manager is a fellow named Tom Miller.

[Axeman]

I've known Tom for years. He's a good guy. Unless something has changed, that confirms that the job is under CAE USA Training Services. Not sure about the AST part.....

[andy]

Is that the same Tom Miller that used to work for CAL years ago?

[guest]

Answer to the original post - How is CAE to work for .....

How is sitting around with your talent churning in your gut and not being able to use it?

How is understanding about how a business works and knowing that yours doesn't?

How is constantly being at odds with your fellow workers and still show up to work the next day, hmmmm?

How is a sharp poke in the eye.

[The Pirate]

like the advice we got at airbus when we complained, vote with your feet.

[alstrac]

Andy,

If you do get on with CAE you will probably have to shut this board down do the CAE "Code of Conduct" for posting pay scales etc. sad2:

[andy]

Andy,

If you do get on with CAE you will probably have to shut this board down do the CAE "Code of Conduct" for posting pay scales etc. sad2:

I kind of figured as much... even though this site isn't registered to me I'm sure that it's not well liked at their HR department.

[The Pirate]

dude, even airbus can't stop what you do on your own time, and believe me, if they thought they could, they would try!!! besides, i know who is "registered" owner of this site, and let the lawyers try, they can be animals, you know!!
welcome back andy, did you nail it?? hope so. i'll pm you and tell you my new story!!

[andy]

I didn't make it to NC or to any interview - this trip was to take care of a few issues at my folk's house. Ol' mammy and step-pop ain't doing too good.

[The Pirate]

sorry to hear that. hope you find something to get you closer to home.
good luck.

[Egyptian]

Hey Andy, if you like to travel, drop me a PM, I may have an idea for you.

Egyptian

[andy]

Travel? Not at this point. Too many irons in the fire!

[Justarius]

23181 - Electronics Technician, Maintenance I 18.87
23182 - Electronics Technician, Maintenance II 20.97
23183 - Electronics Technician, Maintenance III 21.90

http://www.wdol.gov/sca.aspx#0


I think I read most all post for this and just wanted to add a few things.
Did anyone verify whether this was SCA or CBA or just a new contract to be determined later?
My understanding is that this site is new, but the program is old. If this is the case it is most likely SCA or CBA.

A couple of good things about CAE
Training is available (not that Andy needs any).
Travel is likely for techs with well rounded backgrounds.

One thing to consider is SECURITY clearance... this really is not too big of a deal but if you don't have one and have not had for the past 2+ years there is a current freeze on getting them (2-3 years) due to budget issues. Less than 2 years they can get an interim. Depending on the contract it could be a higher clearance (some 130 programs are TS). Disclaimer: I could be all wet on this one, but it is what I hear.

[Egyptian]

I got an interim secret just about 6 months ago. Still waiting on the final. Might have to wait a while longer as I am about to change employers in a week. Will have to see.


Egyptian

[simtec204]

Andy,
Try looking at CAE USA, on the training side, it's the amercian milatary side of Cae. I can tell you first hand that the pay is much better then what Justarius just listed. Now if you go in plant...that's a whole new thing. That may be the saleries listed by Justaris. And then you will be on the road A LOT !

[The Pirate]

Andy,
Try looking at CAE USA, on the training side, it's the amercian milatary side of Cae. I can tell you first hand that the pay is much better then what Justarius just listed. Now if you go in plant...that's a whole new thing. That may be the saleries listed by Justaris. And then you will be on the road A LOT !
yep, last layer of interview makes it very plain the travel is 50% plus. good job, good pay, bad travel.

[simtech625]

Andy,

When I was the Hardware Engineer for the Little Rock 130J's, I worked with the Maintenance shop on a daily basis. The salaries they had were fairly good for the area, certainly better than what you would get in the Tampa Plant with a lot less travel. There could be some travel associated with this site, depending on your 'talents'. As stated before, the Marines will have these at 3 sites and once CAE Tampa has completed the installations and left town, the sites will have to depend on each other to keep the SIMXXI devices flying. Tampa does provide some training in Tampa during a Systems Integration and Test period, if the site has the budget to get a tech down here. That however will turns the tech into a SME on the device and guarantees you some possible travel time between sites.
I must say, after working for 6 years in Tampa with Reflectone/CAE USA and then 2 years at Little Rock for CAE USA, I perferred Little Rock. Especially if you're married and you can use your wifes Health care insurance, that helps on payday, alot! I would definitely take working a Military site over a Commercial site anytime.

Good Luck.

[simxxi]

Does anyone know if Rockwell Collins has deployed anything yet for this contract or is in process as part of the 33 devices?

[simxxi]

Hey SIMXXI,
How did little rock work out? Do you know where in San Deigo they are going to put you up? Try for the Resedence Inn La Hoya. Who's on wst #3?

The "Rock" was okay. The techs were a little gun shy when I told them I was leaving. I tried to teach them everything I knew but what it requires is time and experience. I get phone calls once in awhile. So I guess they have a handle on it and are still patiently awaiting their training. Our Group leader will make the decision who will be WST-3.

[The Pirate]

Does anyone know if Rockwell Collins has deployed anything yet for this contract or is in process as part of the 33 devices?

during my interview for the tech III job posting from here, they explained at the time that device 1 was in huntsville, then to carson, then to maybe hood or rucker, about 1 year in each spot, device 2,3,.....once deployed throughout the rest of 06/07, the travel would slow down more with each device, as the need to move them would slow, as they would each get a permanent home. pay was good, sims seemed well done, but i will wait and see if they still need techs when they can tell me where i'm gonna hang my hat.

[Egyptian]

Pirate, if you talking about the UH60M, I got that Tech III job. I start on Tuesday morning. As far as I know, we take it to Ft Hood in July and then to Rucker in Jan. That is the only travel I am aware of for the next couple of years. I will know better in the next couple of days.

I am real familiar with the Rockwell UH60 L that they delivered to Drum, IGAP and Marana. The M is closely based on the same hardware and software, it just lacks motion. Should be an interesting job.

Egyptian

[The Pirate]

congrats on the job, i wanted to take it, but can't move around that much right now. i think from what they talked about, you got a good deal, and a good job, but i did the travel thing for 9 years before the job i have now, and i just had to say thanks but no thanks was the best i could do for now. good luck, at least it is in conus!!
crossfing

[nastyb]

Egyption, Good luck on your new job.:smile1:

[noodles]

Egyptian:

Where in Tucson were you working prior to the new gig?

Congrats on the new job BTW.

[Egyptian]

I was working for CSC at the Silverbell Army Heliport. We had the SCA contract for about 5 sims. Couldn't get them to come off the minimum wages set out by the DOL, so I left. All in all, CSC was a good company to work for. I had a great job, doing what I liked, but I was going broke with the high cost of living in the Tucson area.

This new job is a little more mobile, but it is a lot better paying and the equipment is pretty neat. UH60M (glass cockpit Blackhawk) The airplane is not even in service yet, so this should last me until I retire. And I report to a guy named Mike Durant. Google him and be surprised.

Egyptian

[noodles]

I thought that name sounded familiar! Wow? I?ll bet that dude has got some frightening stories to tell.

[Egyptian]

I still need one more tech II to complete the crew. Anyone interested, email me a resume to jlingrel2002@<hidden>

Egyptian

[sandy61]

Good grief John, I guess you don't like hanging out in one place to long.

[Egyptian]

Bob, it wasn't that I wanted to move, it was the SCA contract in AZ. I could go broke or at least loose weight on what I was making there. Here, I am on supplier contracts and the money is a "lot" more realistic. At any rate, I am having a ball with this relocatable sim I am on now.

John