Engineering Technician

Engineering Technician - Advanced Aerospace Composites

This Engineering Technician role focuses on manufacturing, assembling, troubleshooting, testing, and integrating advanced composite and metallic aerospace products and vehicles. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, and Operations teams to support prototype development and low-rate initial production programs. The position offers a highly visible, hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to process development, tooling improvements, manufacturing problem-solving, testing activities, and assembly operations across the full product lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes for composite layup, drilling, trimming, finishing, and assembly operations.
• Support prototype and low-rate initial production (LRIP) programs for advanced aerospace vehicles, aerostructures, and unmanned systems.
• Assist with the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and production aids.
• Verify new manufacturing processes and provide recommendations for process improvements and optimization.
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, bills of material, travelers, work instructions, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Perform composite bonding, assembly, repair, and integration activities on composite and metallic aerospace structures.
• Conduct drilling, trimming, and installation of aerospace fasteners in accordance with engineering and quality requirements.
• Support autoclave operations and other composite manufacturing processes involving prepreg materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
• Assist with hydraulic proof testing, environmental testing, and related test activities, including setup and execution.
• Support shop floor scheduling, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and help ensure production activities meet program timelines.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and internal quality standards in all manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Use precision measurement tools and inspection equipment to verify part dimensions and assembly quality.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, support R&D and prototype builds, and collaborate with engineers to resolve technical problems.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized manufacturing work areas and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Actively participate in a hands-on environment where technicians contribute to process development, tooling improvements, testing, and manufacturing innovation.

Essential

Skills:

• 5+ years of experience as an Engineering Technician, Composite Technician, Manufacturing Technician, or Aerospace Technician in aerospace, aviation, defense, motorsports, marine, automotive, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience working with carbon fiber and fiberglass prepreg composites.
• Hands-on experience performing composite layup, bonding, trimming, drilling, assembly, and repair activities.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, travelers, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience working with aerospace adhesives, bonding processes, and liquid shim applications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated hands-on assembly and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience supporting prototype, development, or low-rate production manufacturing programs.
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gauges.
• Bckgrnd in aerospace assembly, aerospace structures, aircraft assembly, aerostructures, or related aerospace mechanical and structural work.
• Experience in composite manufacturing, composite fabrication, and composite repair in a production or R&D environment.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Experience assisting with manufacturing process development, verification, and validation.
• Experience supporting the development and improvement of tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing aids.
• Experience with hydraulic proof testing, environmental testing, or strain gage application.
• Exposure to aerospace composite aerostructures or unmanned systems.
• Metrology experience, including operation of FARO Arm, Laser Tracker, or Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
• Familiarity with R&D lab environments, prototype builds, and prototype project support.
• Experience working with engineering and manufacturing engineering teams on process development and documentation.
• Comfort working with bills of material (BOM) and engineering documentation in an aerospace or advanced manufacturing setting.
• Bckgrnd in aerospace defense, aerospace structural, aerospace mechanical, or aerospace aircraft environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and program leadership.

Work Environment:

You will work in an open manufacturing and production floor environment within a collaborative, hands-on aerospace setting. The team includes engineers, manufacturing engineers, program…