Automated Fiber Placement Technician
About The Position
Janicki Industries is an innovative, family-owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Automated Fiber Placement Technician to join our growing team. This position is located on-site in Hamilton, Washington State. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining AFP equipment—specifically Electroimpact AFP systems—to fabricate high-precision composite parts and structures for aerospace applications. This role requires proficiency in machine control interfaces, composite layup processes, and quality assurance methods in a high-performance manufacturing environment. The position requires execution of the following essential job functions: Operate Electroimpact AFP machines, including system setup, loading programs, and verifying proper alignment of materials and tooling Use Electroimpact's proprietary interface and control software to manage ply sequences, tow paths, and machine diagnostics Load and manage material such as prepreg spools into the Electroimpact AFP head, ensuring proper tension and tracking Perform dry runs, calibrations, and material path verifications using the Electroimpact laser projection system (e.g., Virtek or LAP) Monitor the AFP process for fiber bridging, tow drops, overlaps, and gaps, ensuring adherence to ply boundaries and fiber orientation Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing technicians to implement work instructions, part programs, and configuration changes specific to Electroimpact systems Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of Electroimpact AFP equipment, including tow placement heads, compaction rollers, and vision systems Perform post-process documentation including fiber placement records, machine logs, and defect tracking Support process optimization by providing feedback on Electroimpact machine performance, downtime issues, and layup strategies Behavior: The incumbent must work well under pressure, meeting and completing multiple deadlines. The incumbent shall, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors Being at work on time and maintaining good attendance is a condition of employment and is an essential function of the job
Requirements
- Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3).
- This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed.
- Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.
- Minimum requirement for all positions is a high school diploma or GED
- 1+ years of experience operating AFP, CNC, or similar automated equipment in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing
- Familiarity with Electroimpact AFP systems or similar automated composite layup machines
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, ply schedules, and aerospace manufacturing standards
- Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills specific to automated manufacturing machinery
- Understanding of fiber orientation angles, tow path programming, and composite layup quality standards
- Must have effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language
Responsibilities
- Operate Electroimpact AFP machines, including system setup, loading programs, and verifying proper alignment of materials and tooling
- Use Electroimpact's proprietary interface and control software to manage ply sequences, tow paths, and machine diagnostics
- Load and manage material such as prepreg spools into the Electroimpact AFP head, ensuring proper tension and tracking
- Perform dry runs, calibrations, and material path verifications using the Electroimpact laser projection system (e.g., Virtek or LAP)
- Monitor the AFP process for fiber bridging, tow drops, overlaps, and gaps, ensuring adherence to ply boundaries and fiber orientation
- Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing technicians to implement work instructions, part programs, and configuration changes specific to Electroimpact systems
- Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of Electroimpact AFP equipment, including tow placement heads, compaction rollers, and vision systems
- Perform post-process documentation including fiber placement records, machine logs, and defect tracking
- Support process optimization by providing feedback on Electroimpact machine performance, downtime issues, and layup strategies
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
- Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
- HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
- 401k with employer matching
- Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
- Education reimbursement program
- Several shift options
- Premium pay for off-shifts
- Premium pay for security clearance if applicable
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
