Composite Technician

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made—making us the largest tooling group in the industry.

About the role

Under limited supervision, with detailed instruction and intermittent review, and working in a manufacturing environment with a variety of agents, this position performs routine tasks in preparation for fabrication, curing, build-up and assembly of various types of composite materials. Responsible for implementing a driven, team-oriented culture, which embraces continuous improvements and ensures operational and process excellence.

Responsibilities

• Act as small team lead on specific jobs, responsible for keeping the team on task, finishing the job within the given timeframe, ensuring that standard processes are followed, and managing materials and equipment in the work cell.
• Interface with leads, supervisors, and engineers to solve problems and improve processes.
• Perform composite repairs under supervision of more senior staff.
• Fabricate composite molds and parts as per instructions/drawings.
• Lay-up dry fabric and prepare, de-mold, vacuum bag, and infuse composite parts as per instructions/drawings.
• Polish, de-burr, and grind composite parts; clean and properly use acetone to clean tools and release as per instructions/drawings.
• Drill, ream, and countersink.
• Vacuum bag parts for room temperature, oven, and autoclave cure/de-bulk.
• Assemble parts/components/sub-assemblies.
• Operate some manufacturing-related equipment, as needed (e.g., forklift, laser projector, oven, autoclave, ply cutter, helium testing).
• Follow written work instructions and verify products meet quality standards as outlined.
• Perform general equipment maintenance, including checking all equipment at the start of each shift.
• Support quality process by maintaining work area in an orderly condition by returning tools, equipment, and material to storage areas.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Participate and develop under training from senior staff.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Requirements

• Composites-specific manufacturing knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• 1-3 years of composites-specific manufacturing experience preferred.
• Basic math and ability to read dimensional layouts and inspection equipment including ruler, caliper, etc.
• Excellent manual dexterity and physical ability to climb in and out of tools, work on hands and knees for the majority of a shift.
• Knowledge of different machinery and its usage, including drills, hand sanders, jigsaws, table saws, etc.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; prioritize and handle multiple projects.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Problem solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Interpersonal Skills – maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas, and exhibits willingness to try new things.
• Oral communication – speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills, and conducts meetings.
• Written Communications – edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively, and reads and interprets written information.
• Quality Control – demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and deals with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability – is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security – actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.

Working Conditions

• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation.
• Accesses and works in the manufacturing plant.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles.
• Exposure to vibration and occasionally to caustic chemicals.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday.
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands.
• Eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area; safety shoes are recommended.

Physical Demands

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35 lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.

Special Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• PTO
• 401k Match