Composite Fabrication Technician

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

4d•$30 - $57

About The Position

Do you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, customer-focused environment? Are you a self-starter and passionate about attention to detail and fine finishing work? Can you interpret requirements to build working models and prototypes? Do you have a background in design and possess a sense of scale and the ability to visualize in three dimensions? Do you have a background in using different materials & processes to manufacture molds and fixtures for building and assembling composite hardware? Do you have experience using power tools and manual machining tools for trimming and assembling hardware? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a Composite Fabrication Technician to provide support in the design, fabrication, assembly, and delivery of advanced composite and adhesive bonded prototypes. As a Composite Fabrication Technician, you will: Be responsible for the hands-on fabrication, assembly, and finishing of advanced composite structures in support of research, prototyping, and low-rate production efforts. You will possess a strong working knowledge of composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid, and associated resins, adhesives, and core materials. You will interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications to build high-quality components while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and process controls. Perform a variety of composite fabrication processes, including wet layup, prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, and autoclave or oven curing. You will be expected to prepare molds and tooling, cut and kit composite plies, apply release systems, and execute layups with attention to fiber orientation, ply sequencing, and material handling requirements. Familiarity with composite trimming, drilling, bonding, and surface finishing techniques is essential, as is the ability to troubleshoot processing issues and recommend corrective actions. Be involved in building prototype and production composite parts such as panels, shells, stiffened structures, and bonded assemblies for structural, aerodynamic, or protective applications. Work may include integrating composite components with metallic or polymer substructures, performing secondary bonding operations, and supporting fit-up and assembly activities. You may also assist engineers and researchers during process development, material trials, and design-for-manufacturability efforts. Support inspection, documentation, and continuous improvement activities. This includes conducting in-process inspections, recording fabrication data, maintaining equipment and tooling, and contributing to the refinement of fabrication procedures. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment focused on delivering reliable, high-performance composite solutions.

Requirements

Hold a High School Diploma or higher.
Have at least 5+ years of experience working with composite materials, adhesives, foams, fabrication methods, tooling, and machining.
Experience using CAD software for dimensional analysis and simple designs.
Experience in operating controllers for computer-controlled autoclaves, ovens, and other processing equipment.
Experience with manual machining methods such as using die grinders, router tables, band saws, cutting wheels, and drill press.
Experience using MS Word and Excel to generate word documents and spreadsheets.
Excellent verbal communication skills with other technicians, engineers and customers.
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret security level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Have an Associates or Bachelor's Degree.
Have experience in prototyping using different materials and manufacturing processes outside of composites.
Have experience programming and running a CNC router for machnining composites and tooling.
Have experience using CAD to generate mold and fixture designs.

Responsibilities

Be responsible for the hands-on fabrication, assembly, and finishing of advanced composite structures in support of research, prototyping, and low-rate production efforts.
Perform a variety of composite fabrication processes, including wet layup, prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, and autoclave or oven curing.
Be involved in building prototype and production composite parts such as panels, shells, stiffened structures, and bonded assemblies for structural, aerodynamic, or protective applications.
Support inspection, documentation, and continuous improvement activities.