Chief Technician - Composite Materials

Job Description:

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

Are you an experienced composite manufacturing professional with a passion for aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering technologies?

HALCON is seeking a Chief Technician - Composite Materials to lead the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of critical composite propulsion hardware used in advanced rocket propulsion systems. This role will be responsible for supervising composite manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement across production operations.

• Lead composite lay-up, filament winding, curing, and post-cure processing activities for propulsion hardware.
• Supervise the manufacture of composite motor cases, nozzle components, thermal insulation liners, and related structures.
• Oversee assembly and integration of composite components into propulsion subsystems.
• Manage composite tooling, mandrels, moulds, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Ensure compliance with HSE requirements and safe handling of resins, adhesives, solvents, and hazardous materials.
• Review inspection results, NDT findings, and support non-conformance resolution activities.
• Coordinate production schedules, material readiness, and workshop priorities to support program milestones.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing defects including delamination, fibre misalignment, voids, and curing issues.
• Mentor and develop technicians while promoting best practices in composite manufacturing.
• Drive improvements in yield, cycle time reduction, process capability, and waste reduction.
• Maintain manufacturing records, process documentation, and audit readiness.

• Technical Diploma or Vocational Qualification in Composite Manufacturing, Materials Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.

• Minimum 8 years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience.
• 2-5 Years Experience supervising technicians or manufacturing teams.
• Experience with composite lay-up and curing processes.
• Experience operating autoclaves and managing cure cycles.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, shop-floor manufacturing processes, and quality inspections.

• Rocket motor, missile, space, defense, or aerospace composite manufacturing experience.
• Filament winding experience for motor cases or pressure vessels.
• Experience with thermal protection systems and insulation materials.
• Knowledge of NDT methods and defect analysis.
• AS9100 quality systems experience.
• NADCAP Composite Processing certification.
• Hazardous materials handling certification.

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading…