Composite Bonder Technician - Entry & Level 1

Northrop Grumman • Palmdale, CA

5d • $43,400 - $78,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is hiring an Aircraft Composite Bonder Technician at the Entry or Level 1 level to support its Manufacturing Operations Organization at the Palmdale, California site. The role involves hands-on bonding and repair of composite, metal, and laminate materials and assemblies, with an emphasis on attention to detail, quality, and teamwork. A Secret clearance is required to start, and the position involves travel 10% of the time. Relocation assistance is not available.

The technician reads and interprets blueprints; prepares materials and applies bonding agents; and operates autoclaves, hydraulic presses, ovens, and related controls to complete bonding cycles under specified heat, pressure, and timing conditions. The technician also finishes and seals bonded work, monitors product quality, performs repairs according to inspection and rework instructions, and contributes to continuous improvement in production methods, equipment performance, and team effectiveness.

The position requires the ability to work either first shift (5:00 AM–3:30 PM) or second shift (4:12 PM–2:42 AM), as well as other work schedules. Candidates must be able to perform physically strenuous, repetitive tasks, access confined spaces, pass a new-hire physical and respiratory evaluation, and meet respirator requirements. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain the required government clearance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Entry Level: At least 3 months of composites experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing, or maintenance environment; alternatively, an AFAB student must have a GPA of at least 3.0 upon completing Aircraft Fabrication courses, or the candidate must be in an A&P certificate program.
• Level 1: At least 9 months of composites experience in an aerospace, military, manufacturing, or maintenance environment; alternatively, a GPA of at least 3.0 upon completing Aircraft Fabrication courses, or A&P certificate courses.
• Ability to perform strenuous and repetitive physical work, including bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working with arms overhead.
• Ability to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment.
• Ability to pass a medical/respiratory evaluation, obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance, and comply with respirator-fitting requirements.
• Ability to pass a new-hire physical before starting.
• Ability to work first shift (5:00 AM–3:30 PM), second shift (4:12 PM–2:42 AM), and any work schedule.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret or Top-Secret Clearance and Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company; U.S. citizenship is required for clearance.
• Basic computer skills, including navigating Windows operating systems, accessing the internet, completing online training modules, and learning on-the-job software.
• Must successfully complete and pass ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance within a reasonable period as defined by the company.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with structural subassemblies such as rudders, flaps, and stabilizers.
• Fiberglass experience.
• RV or motorhome work experience.
• Boat repair experience.
• Completion of an A&P certificate program.
• Completion of AFAB Certification (115—Structures, 120—Composites, 110—Blueprints, 130—Ethics).
• Active Government Secret Clearance with a background investigation completed within the last six years.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints.
• Bond dissimilar composite, metal, or laminate materials and assemblies into semi-finished or finished products.
• Lay out articles and cut parts or materials to size.
• Apply liquid or solid bonding agents.
• Operate autoclaves, hydraulic presses, and ovens to complete bonding cycles.
• Set and operate controls for heat, pressure, and timing according to material and bonding-agent specifications.
• Sand, deburr, and smooth work areas; apply sealing resins to cut or exposed edges.
• Monitor and verify the quality of finished products.
• Repair composite, metal, or laminate bonded products using inspection and rework instructions.
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement in production methods, equipment performance, and team effectiveness.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• Depending on the position, eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED