Composite Technician

Job Summary

Sierra Space is seeking skilled and motivated Composite Technicians at all levels to join our dynamic aerospace manufacturing team in Louisville, Colorado. As a Composite Technician, you will play a vital role in fabricating, repairing, and inspecting composite structures used in spacecraft and other space vehicles, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and precision throughout the production process.

• Perform complex mechanical assemblies, harness routing, inspection, in‑process testing, precision cleaning, and structural fabrication independently.
• Execute composite layup operations including ply cutting, kitting, vacuum bagging, autoclave and oven cure operations, trimming, finishing, and structural repair of composite components.
• Inspect, assemble, integrate, and operationally check flight hardware to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
• Assemble, test, and maintain mechanical systems and components to meet quality and performance requirements.
• Prepare and handle composite materials including prepreg and dry fabric materials, following established hand layup techniques and ply schedules.
• Perform vacuum bagging operations with proper breather and release film placement, and monitor cure cycles for optimal results.
• Trim and machine cured composites, prepare surfaces for bonding operations, and mix and apply adhesives per specifications with proper bond line control.
• Conduct structural repairs including damage assessment, scarf and stepped repairs, and non‑destructive inspection (NDI) of composite structures.
• Use precision measurement tools to verify components meet specified tolerances and dimensional requirements.
• Adhere to shop safety protocols including PPE requirements, 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness standards.
• Perform physical tasks including lifting and carrying up to 50lbs, climbing ladders and stairs, and working in restrictive spaces.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve production schedules and quality goals.

• Typically 2+ years of experience in a mechanical or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with general best shop practices, including PPE and shop safety requirements.
• Ability to perform intermediate equipment setup and maintenance activities and display mechanical aptitude and hand/precision tool competency.
• Proficiency in precision cleaning.
• Knowledge of 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness.
• Ability to conduct verification/troubleshooting of own work.
• Proficient understanding of mechanical assemblies, soldering, harness routing, inspection, in‑process testing, precision cleaning, and structural fabrication.

• Certifications:
  
  IPC, J‑STD, A&P License.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral).
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools.
• Understanding of mechanical systems and components.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with advanced composite fabrication techniques such as hand lay‑up, vacuum bagging, infusion, and curing processes.
• Experience operating precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and other tools to ensure dimensional accuracy.
• Experience performing repairs and modifications on composite structures using welding, soldering, and equipment repair skills.
• Electrical experience related to avionics or aircraft systems (advantageous but not mandatory).

$22.74–$31.28 per hour (Composite Technician I); $25.10–$34.51 per hour (Composite Technician II); $29.46–$40.52 per hour (Composite Technician III). Actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.