Composite Operator - Level II - Wrap

GKN Aerospace Careers•Tallassee, AL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel, focusing on going further, faster, and greener. The company, with over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, serves over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers, achieving sales of £3.35 billion in 2023. They are committed to sustainability and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. The Composite Operator Level II (Wrap) position involves performing intermediate to advanced composite wrapping and layup operations for aerospace composite components. This role requires independent execution of wrap processes, ensuring material integrity and quality compliance, and supporting production efficiency. The Level II operator also acts as a technical resource for Level I operators and contributes to training, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
2 - 5 years of experience in composite manufacturing, wrap, or layup operations
Demonstrated experience working independently in a composite wrap environment
Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance requirements, with ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance if needed
Proficient knowledge of composite wrap and layup techniques
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, play books, process specifications, and work instructions
Strong attention to detail with a high level of quality ownership
Good manual dexterity and coordination for precision layup tasks
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic process and quality issues
Effective communication skills and ability to mentor less experienced operators
Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace manufacturing or regulated quality systems strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Independently perform composite wrap and layup operations using prepreg, dry fiber, or other composite materials on molds, mandrels, or tooling per engineering requirements
Execute ply placement, orientation, sequencing, and consolidation in accordance with work instructions, drawings, and specifications
Perform debulking, vacuum bagging, leak checks, and preparation of wrapped components for cure
Identify and correct common layup issues such as wrinkles, bridging, overlap errors, or fiber distortion
Utilize hand tools, fixtures, templates, rollers, and cutting equipment proficiently
Prepare composite materials including thawing, cutting, kitting, staging, and out time tracking
Ensure proper storage, identification, and traceability of materials throughout the wrap process
Apply release materials, breather, bleeder, peel play, films, and other consumables per process requirements
Maintain strict control of material handling to prevent contamination and FOD
Work independently from manufacturing plans, process specifications, drawings, and visual aids
Perform self-inspection of wrap and layup work to confirm compliance with quality requirements
Accurately complete production documentation, routers, inspection records, and electronic systems
Identify, document, and escalate nonconformances, defects, or process deviations
Support Quality and Engineering during inspections, investigations, and corrective actions
Comply with all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements, including chemical handling and PPE usage
Maintain clean, organized, and FOD free work areas in accordance with aerospace standards
Segregate and dispose of composite waste, consumables, and materials per company and regulatory guidelines
Provide guidance, technical support, and on the job training to Level I Composite Operators
Assist with cross training, skill development, and onboarding of new employees
Participate in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and process optimization activities
Support prototype builds, new product introductions, and development programs as required