Manufacturing Technician 1 (Composite)

Applied Composites (AC) is a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive.

About the role

As a Composite Lamination Technician, you will place resin pre-impregnated fabrics and tapes onto layup molds, consolidate precured face sheets and core, and ensure proper fiber direction and ply orientation. You will handle prepreg, adhesive, core, and other layup materials, cut vacuum bag materials, create vacuum bags, and prepare parts for transfer to the autoclave department. The ideal candidate learns quickly, works efficiently, performs high-quality work, collaborates well with others, and is focused on task completion.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow basic instructions and diagrams in English
• Use basic shop math skills to record information such as freezer out-time and mixture weights
• Follow standard shop practices and quality standards in the aerospace industry
• Prepare molds using shop-approved release agents
• Lay up materials to molds and remove air pockets using approved hands, squeegees, and heat guns
• Occasionally mix resins and catalysts as specified
• Trim materials using scissors or knife without damaging the layup mold
• Perform physical and environmental checks and document work onto manufacturing travelers
• Laminate plies of prepreg with minimal supervision, ensuring plies are well-compacted, correctly oriented, and comply with stated tolerances
• Vacuum bag parts using best practices to ensure no leaks during cure
• Perform all other duties as assigned
• Train candidates who demonstrate a desire to learn and advance
• Work 2nd shift and required overtime

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or a combination of relevant education and work experience
• Minimum of one (1) year of previous experience
• Ability to lay up and vacuum bag complex parts
• Knowledge of composites and composite terms
• Awareness of the overall composites process (design, tooling, layup, cure, trim, assembly, and inspection)
• Excellent technical management and communication skills
• Ability to manage time to complete work on schedule
• Ability to communicate process issues with leads, supervisors, and engineering
• Ability to coordinate workflow with other departments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while producing accurate and quality products
• Must be a U.S. person within the meaning of ITAR (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee)

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Employee assistance plan
• Retirement savings and matching
• Tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities