Composites Technician

Duties/Responsibilities

• Research technical data and performs fabrication of plastic aircraft parts, accessories, and trim in accordance with applicable maintenance manuals, FAA regulations, and Ascent Aviation policies and procedures
• Cuts fiberglass, Kevlar, or graphite cloth to size, following templates or blueprints, using cutting machine, scissors, or knife
• Marks identifying information on material and assembles materials in kits for subsequent laminating
• Applies parting agent to mold or bonding fixture
• Impregnates cloth with resins by dipping cloth in solutions, feeding cloth between rollers to impregnating machine, or brushing resin onto cloth
• Applies layers of impregnated cloth or prepreg onto mold or fixture in predetermined ply sequence, and presses cloth to fit contours of mold, smooth surface, and remove air pockets and excess resin using squeegee, scraper, spatula, or roller
• Fits and laps ends of cloth using scissors or knife
• Encases molded laminate in bagging material and bleeder cloth, attaches vacuum bagging apparatus (such as thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections) to mold or bonding fixture, and exhausts air from vacuum bag to seal laminate for curing; tests seal using leak detector
• Trims, drills, deburr, grinds, sands, and finishes cured parts to specifications using templates, fixtures, hand tools, and power tools
• Pre-fits and assembles cured parts into assemblies or subassemblies using jigs, fixtures, power tools, and fasteners such as rivets and bolts
• Performs cold/hot metal bonding
• Applies adhesives to surface of assembled parts for bonding in autoclave

Requirements

• Strong organizational and planning skills with a focus on meeting deadlines
• Attention to detail and solid mathematical proficiency
• Proficient in reading, writing, and understanding the English language
• Capable of following both verbal and written instructions accurately
• Skilled in interpreting and applying technical data relevant to the role
• Safe and confident operation of standard shift vehicles and applicable equipment
• Comfortable working independently or with minimal supervision

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Post-secondary education or training in composites, or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience required
• Three to five years of composite or structures work experience preferred
• Airframe (“A”) License preferred
• Current valid Arizona driver’s license with a clear driving record for the past three years required

Skills

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, balancing, and reaching above shoulder level
• Occasional crawling, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity
• Corrected vision and hearing to normal range
• Equipment Operated: Protective equipment required: Goggles, safety glasses, face shields, ear protection, apron, gloves, safety harness, breathing equipment

Benefits

• 401K with company match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• PTO - Eligible for 3 Weeks in your First Year, in Addition to 7 Paid Company Holidays
• Company-Provided Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities