An inside look at one aerospace

manufacturing company
by Patricia Roy

M DS Coating Technologies Corporation

began in the early 1990s and built a production
facility at Slemon Park in 2003. They also have
research and development facilities in Montreal.

The company designs and manufactures erosion

and corrosion-resistant coatings for gas turbine
engines used in aerospace, defense industries,
and land-based commercial applications for
power generation.

“The coatings increase the lifespan of specific

engine compressor components caused by
ingestion of sand into gas turbine engines,” says
Kerry Butler, Vice President of Finance and
Administration.

“Specifications concerning the coatings and the

engine parts to which the product is applied are
classified for all military applications.”

MDS Coating Technologies Corporation was

recently honoured by the United States Marine
Corps for the company’s contribution to Marine
troop safety as a result of providing erosion-
resistant coatings on Marine helicopter engines.

“Upon the application of the erosion-resistant

coating, helicopter engine safety and efficiency
were drastically improved and the time on
wing between engine overhauls increased
significantly.”
“The initial technology was developed in Russia
and was brought to our Slemon Park production
facility in a joint venture with a Russian
company. Subsequently, the Russian partners
were bought out and we are now a privately
owned Canadian company.
“Since acquiring this initial technology, we have
developed numerous coatings that deal with
other challenges such as corrosion resistance
and leading edge curl.”
Types of jobs
“We have researchers with post graduate
educational backgrounds in Plasma Physics,
Material Properties, Surface Chemistry and
Engineering. We usually recruit these positions
throughout the world as they are highly
specialized.
“We have Islanders employed in our
engineering department. We also employ
Quality Inspectors, Lab Technicians,
Administration staff, Shipping & Receiving
Clerks and Production Floor Technicians.
Our Maintenance team generally have
qualifications in various Red Seal trades.”
Receptionist Sandy Murphy with Kerry Butler, Vice President of Finance and Administration at
MDS Coating Technologies Corporation.
“This screening process is required to ensure
In-house training an individual is eligible to have access to
military information under the Controlled Goods
“Because what we do is so specialized, we Program and ultimately work at MDS Coating
provide in-house training for our production Technologies Corporation. Country of birth and
technicians. This multi-level, formalized training citizenship are other factors considered under
matrix includes classroom sessions, practical the Controlled Goods Program,” Kerry says.
applications, peer review as well as exams to
graduate to the next level. A minimum of Grade Most difficult positions to fill
12 is required.”
“Research and Development department
Kerry says all positions at the company are positions requiring a PhD in Plasma Physics
full time with a six-month probationary period. with a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD)
Some jobs require shift work. background would be most difficult to fill,”
says Kerry.
How to apply
Although the company is not currently
looking for workers, resumés are welcomed.
“We usually advertise the highly-specialized
positions in specialty websites and magazines,”
For more information, call 888-3900.
says Kerry. Other positions are usually posted on
Visit www.mdscoating.com
the Job Bank and on the PEI Aerospace website.
For more information about careers
“Because of the Controlled Goods Program
in aerospace,
standards surrounding our business, we do
visit www.aerospacepei.com
a criminal background check and extensive
employment and character background checks


prior to extending an offer of employment to
any potential employee.

2010 Blog www.employmentjourney.com twitter Dec/Jan 2011