Composite TechnicianWe are seeking a skilled Composite Manufacturing Technician with hands-on experience in carbon fiber composite fabrication - specifically cutting, handling, and operating precision composite winding equipment. This role is critical to producing high-precision composite components. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of composite material properties, dimensional tolerances, and process discipline required for repeatable, high-quality production.
Key Responsibilities- Set up, operate, and monitor automated composite equipment (or equivalent composite fabrication equipment) to produce parts per engineering specifications and work instructions
- Cut, measure, and prepare carbon fiber materials (tow, prepreg, fabric) using proper handling techniques to minimize waste and material degradation
- Load and align mandrels, manage resin bath/wet-out systems , and verify winding patterns, tension settings, and ply schedules
- Perform in-process inspections to confirm fiber placement, tension consistency, void content indicators, and dimensional conformance
- Handle and store composite materials per shelf-life, temperature, and humidity control requirements (freezer logs, out-time tracking)
- Operate curing equipment (ovens, autoclaves) and monitor cure cycles by process specifications, if applicable
- Perform basic preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on composite equipment and ancillary machinery
- Maintain accurate production records, traveler documentation, and material traceability logs
- Identify and report process deviations, equipment malfunctions, or material defects to engineering/supervision
- Follow all safety protocols related to composite dust, resin handling, PPE requirements, and machine operation
- Support continuous improvement initiatives (5S, lean manufacturing, process optimization)
- Collaborate with engineering and quality teams during process development
Basic Qualifications- 2+ years of hands-on experience in composite manufacturing, with direct experience in precision winding, fiber placement, or related cutting/layup processes
- Working knowledge of carbon fiber material types (dry tow, prepreg, fabric) and proper handling/storage practices
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, work instructions, and process travelers
- Familiarity with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, tension gauges)
- Understanding of resin systems and cure cycle fundamentals (if wet winding/oven curing involved)
- Ability to work with tight dimensional tolerances and maintain consistent process discipline
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy for traceability requirements
Preferred Skills and Experience- Experience operating CNC-controlled composite equipment
- Experience in regulated or high-reliability manufacturing environments (aerospace, defense, energy)
- Experience with composite fabrication, pressure vessel winding, or structural composite components
- Cross-trained in fabrication, bonding/adhesive application, or composite repair
- Vocational/technical certification in composites manufacturing or materials science
- Prior use of MES/QMS systems for production data entry and quality records
Additional Requirements- Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
- Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime and/or weekends as needed
Compensation and BenefitsThe pay range for this role is
$28-$55 per hour.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
