Composite Technician

Composite Technician

We are seeking a skilled Composite Technician to support production of high-performance composite parts and assemblies. The successful candidate will execute a variety of composite manufacturing and repair processes, ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements, follow approved laminate schedules and work instructions, and maintain a safe, compliant work environment. This role supports hand layup, prepreg and infusion processes, tooling and mold fabrication, curing operations and non-destructive inspection to deliver components that meet NADCAP/AS9100 and customer specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hand layup, composite fabrication and prepreg layup per laminate schedules and ply orientation instructions.
• Execute resin infusion (VARI), vacuum bagging, resin transfer molding (RTM), pultrusion and filament winding processes as required by part design.
• Operate oven/heat curing and post-cure cycles and autoclave equipment, monitoring cure parameters and records.
• Prepare surfaces including solvent cleaning, abrasion, peel ply and breather application, and adhesive/structural bonding prep.
• Mix, meter and apply resin systems (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester) and monitor resin handling, pot life and batch records.
• Operate vacuum pumps, perform leak testing and execute debulking and part release/demolding procedures.
• Fabricate and maintain molds, tooling and fixtures; apply gelcoat and carry out mold maintenance.
• Trim, rout, sand, polish and finish composite parts using hand and CNC equipment; operate CNC routers and waterjet cutting equipment where applicable.
• Install inserts, fasteners and core bonding materials (foam, Kevlar/Aramid, honeycomb) and perform accurate hole preparation and insert installation.
• Perform composite repair and patch techniques, damage assessment and implement approved repair schemes.
• Carry out non-destructive testing including ultrasonic testing, tap testing and support radiography inspections; document findings.
• Perform dimensional inspection and metrology using calipers, micrometers and other measuring tools to verify tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, laminate schedules, process specifications and traveler documentation.
• Maintain quality control records, participate in first article inspections and support NADCAP/AS9100 compliance activities.
• Follow PPE, chemical handling and shop safety protocols, maintain clean work areas and complete required safety documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent; technical certificate in composites technology or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience (preferred 3-5 years) with demonstrated competence in hand layup and composite fabrication.
• Proven experience with prepreg layup, resin infusion (VARI), vacuum bagging, RTM, pultrusion or filament winding processes.
• Experience operating ovens, autoclaves, and executing heat cure and post-cure cycles.
• Skilled in surface preparation, solvent cleaning, abrasive finishing, trimming, routing and gelcoat application.
• Knowledge of resin systems (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester), resin mixing, metering and safe chemical handling procedures.
• Familiarity with NDT methods (ultrasonic, tap testing) and radiography support; NDT certification a plus.
• Proficient in dimensional inspection and metrology (calipers, micrometers) and blueprint/laminate schedule reading.
• Experience with mold making, tooling fabrication, core bonding and insert/fastener installation.
• Experience with vacuum pump operation, leak testing, peel ply/breather application and debulking techniques.
• Working knowledge of quality systems and requirements for NADCAP and AS9100; experience supporting audits preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, good manual dexterity, ability to lift and manipulate composite parts, and follow written work instructions.
• Committed to PPE and shop safety, understanding of Hazard Communication and chemical handling protocols.
• Ability to use basic shop equipment (CNC router, waterjet, sanding and polishing tools) and willingness to cross-train in multiple production areas.