PENROSE, Colorado USA — Estes-Cox recently lost our R&D department model builder on short notice, and we are seeking a person to take over the creation of both display and functional airplane and rocket models for various presentation and demonstration needs.

The key skills required are excellent model building, excellent finish work (paint prep, paint, graphics application), and excellent sense of color, light and texture. Experience with graphics creation and associated software and materials is also greatly beneficial. Basic computer skills and good personal/professional organization are expected.

The demonstration or proto models are often made from scratch, beginning with 2D or 3D drawings sets or even sketches at times. Foam and plastic are the primary building materials for the airplanes, and various assortments of wood, plastic, foam, tubes, etc. are used for the rocket models. The model builder must be very handy with creating something from nothing so to speak, with a good grasp of how a model will demonstrate the necessary function and look great.

The finishing portion of the work (surface preparation, color application, decal and sticker creation and application) is uniquely important as these are most often used as presentation and/or photo models. There is often an element of simple electronics work involved – assembling prototype electronics sets into models for demonstration purposes, for example.

The model maker performs casting, vacuum-forming, hot-wire cutting, commonly uses all shop tools, uses automated rapid prototyping machines (FDM and CNC Mill), soldering, painting, graphics creations and application, etc. Creation of graphics at the conceptual level, and also creating prototype decal and sticker designs and materials is important. Our last person created graphics designs in electronic format — decal and sticker sets were created to apply to one-of-a-kind display models. Many of those deco sets actually made it to production products. The modeler creates deco schemes – meaning paint schemes with masking and a variety of color and finish choices. Our last person demonstrated a skill set in this area and raised the bar for all future modelers.

Estes-Cox is a small company, and a can-do attitude is necessary. Our model maker may also get pulled into a variety of department activities on any given day. He may be asked to help range test radios or aid an R&D person in evaluating product samples that arrive from an Orient factory, etc. A good attitude and a focus on teamwork are key.

If these activities are interesting to you, and your background applies, I’d like to hear from you. Please contact Scott Winans (email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) and provide a resume. Please also discuss what may not be on the resume if that applies. I will want to see images or materials that illustrate the breadth and depth of your model making, finishing, and graphics capabilities.

Estes-Cox is located in Penrose, Colorado, about 40 miles south of Colorado Springs. The position is permanent, salaried, full-time, and only in-house. Compensation will depend upon experience, but we are seeking a capable and experienced candidate. Benefits include medical and dental plans, 401K plans, and paid vacation. The position is open now and will be filled as soon as possible. Serious inquiries only please.

Please send resume to Human Resources, Estes-Cox Corporation, P.O. Box 227, Penrose, CO 81240; via fax to 719-372-3217 or via email to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Equal Opportunity Employer.