Composite Tool Maker

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Our Adelanto facility is seeking a Composite Tool Maker. This position requires working in a loud manufacturing environment with a variety of epoxy agents. The role involves laying out, fabricating, and assembling complex metalworking dies, molds, composites, and machine tool fixtures by analyzing blueprints, sketches, engineering designs and drawings, models, tool orders, manufacturing service requests, engineering or shop specifications, and verbal descriptions.

The employee will use a variety of machinist hand tools and precision measuring instruments, compute dimensions, determine machining and material or parts required, and perform complex precision work to exacting tolerances and dimensions. The candidate may recommend revisions in design and/or substitutions in material based on machinability or fabrication problems encountered, solve problems related to unusual materials, work-holding arrangements, machine settings, fabrication methods, and production processes, and monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures.

The role also includes providing direction and guidance to less experienced staff.

• Fabricate and assemble composite parts and tools using epoxy resins, pre‑preg material, graphite, fiberglass, structural adhesives, tooling foams, tooling boards (solid and honeycomb) and other various materials.
• Assist in the development of prototype molds and jigs.
• Fabricate composite and metal trim & drill fixtures per blueprints.
• Fabricate and assemble composite and metal assembly fixtures for controlling location and configuration of composite structures.
• Set up and operate micrometers, height gauges, calipers, jig transit and precision level to determine location of holes, trim, lines, center lines, alignment of master models and assembly fixtures.
• Fabrication and set up contour templates, mix plaster, spine plaster over templates to fabricate plaster pattern. Assist with plaster spins and runs to create master molds.
• Layout patterns on wood stock, divide patterns into sections according to the shape to facilitate the removal of the part from the pattern and verify the dimensions and contours.
• Layout and measure patterns on polystyrene and polyurethane foams.
• Cut and shape pattern using planes, shaves, files, sure foams, scrapers, routers, hotwires, mills and lathes.
• Apply sealers, releases, base coats and finish coats using various spray equipment.
• Set up and operate metal working machine tools such as saws, drills, lathes, planners, belt & disk sanders, grinders, drill press, hydraulic press, shear and brake, and welding equipment.
• Fabricate machine parts to specifications of tooling requirements.
• Perform product inspection and rework as required.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Additional functions: other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

• Typically requires high‑school diploma and five or more years of progressive work experience. Additional work experience in an environment using composite pre‑preg materials and epoxy resin systems may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must be able to read and interpret a variety of complex engineering design drawings; satisfactorily complete complex engineering calculations; have complete knowledge and use of measuring instruments such as scales, protractors and calipers; interpret very detailed descriptions and instructions for making appropriate tools; and have complete knowledge and experience using a variety of shop tools such as lathes, mills, planners, band saws, table saws, belt & disk sanders, grinders, drill press, hydraulic press, shear and brake, and hand tools such as rollers, paper cutters, scissors, x‑acto knives, electric heat gun and fixtures such as mold and mandrels.
• May require respirator certification. Must be able to work in a loud environment, work extended hours as required, and be able to lift tools and assemblies weighing up to 60 lbs.
• Knowledge of composite pre‑preg materials and epoxy resin systems is desired.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security clearance is required.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Job Type: Full‑Time Hourly
Salary range: 60,670 - 90,198