Workplace: On-site, 5 days per week
Location: Simi Valley, CA

The Composites Technician supports the fabrication, bonding, and assembly of composite airframe structures for next generation unmanned aircraft systems. This role sits at the intersection of prototype build and production ramp, contributing to layup, cure, trim, and bonded assembly operations for a new aircraft program as it transitions from development builds into low rate initial production.

Responsibilities 
    • Performs hand layup operations including wet layup, prepreg, and out of autoclave processes for airframe structures, fairings, wing skins, spars, and control surfaces
    • Cuts, kits, and stages composite materials per ply schedules, layup books, and engineering drawings
    • Builds and debulks laminate stacks, applies vacuum bagging systems, and verifies bag integrity prior to cure
    • Runs autoclave and oven cure cycles, monitors thermocouple and vacuum data, and documents cure records for traceability
    • Performs demold, trim, drill, and sand operations on cured parts using composite specific tooling and equipment
    • Executes bonded assembly operations using aerospace grade adhesives including co cure, co bond, and secondary bonding
    • Fabricates and maintains composite tooling including molds, mandrels, caul plates, and layup fixtures
    • Performs dimensional inspection and basic non destructive inspection including visual, tap test, and coupon verification
    • Identifies and documents defects such as porosity, delamination, resin starvation, and fiber wrinkling, and performs approved rework and repair
    • Manages freezer and out time tracking for prepreg and adhesive materials in accordance with material specifications
    • Works directly with manufacturing and design engineering to red line work instructions, improve layup techniques, and resolve build issues on the floor
    • Supports first article builds and process qualification activities as the program moves toward rate production
    • Maintains a clean, safe, and organized composite fabrication area including clean room discipline and PPE compliance
    • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications 
    • High School diploma or GED equivalent, or equivalent certificate from a technical or trade school
    • 3+ years of hands on composite fabrication experience in an aerospace, defense, motorsports, or marine environment
    • Demonstrated proficiency with wet layup and prepreg layup methods
    • Working knowledge of vacuum bagging, debulking, and cure cycle execution
    • Experience with composite bonding and secondary assembly using structural adhesives
    • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ply schedules, and work instructions
    • Proficiency with composite trimming, drilling, and finishing equipment
    • Familiarity with material handling requirements for prepreg and adhesive systems including out time and freezer control
    • Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and basic shop equipment
    • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work standing for extended periods
    • Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR
    • Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, including occasional weekends to support program milestones

Preferred Qualifications 
    • Composite fabrication or bonding certifications, or completion of a formal composites training program, is desired
    • Experience supporting an LRIP to rate production transition is strongly desired
    • Familiarity with AS9100, Nadcap, or equivalent aerospace quality systems is desired
    • Exposure to NDI methods such as ultrasonic or thermography inspection is desired
    • Experience with composite tooling fabrication and mold maintenance is desired
    • Familiarity with unmanned aircraft, R/C aircraft, or lightweight airframe structures is a plus
    • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and shop floor documentation systems
    • Excels in a fast paced, deadline driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties
    • Takes ownership of quality and consistency on parts that go directly into flight hardware

Salary Range
    • $80,000 - 90,000
    • The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience