Composite Technician and Specialist

MSU Jobs•Starkville, MS

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking a composite technician and specialist based at their Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) in Starkville, MS. The chosen candidate will serve in a multi-faceted role as a composite technician and an area specialist in a state-of-the-art large-scale composite prototyping facility. He or she will execute, develop, and improve composite manufacturing technologies that are easily transferred to industry partners for implementation, following site AS9100 quality and safety requirements. Further, he or she will serve in a specialist role that encompasses achieving and maintaining Subject Matter Expertise and leadership in one or more critical areas of the facility, including, but not limited to, composite training (k12-industrial WFD), additive manufacturing, advanced CNC machining, inventory management, equipment management, quality management, safety management, or facilities management. Salary Grade : 15 Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges. Department Profile: The ACI is a highly respected university and industry applied research asset focused on pioneering transformational composite technologies in a variety of critical sectors. The Institute is equipped and positioned to support disruptive, transdisciplinary programs that address fundamental upstream and broader downstream needs in aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, energy, and other critical markets. The Institute dramatically enhances MSU’s ability to design, fabricate, and test various full-scale, light-weight composite vehicles and components. The ACI serves as the focal point of inter-departmental research and education by providing exposure to industry focused advanced research in a cooperative environment working directly with technology leading experts. The Institute also operates the co-located Mississippi Advanced Composites (MAC) Training Center focused on providing advanced classroom and hands-on composites training in an industrial environment, at industrial scale, with industrial equipment to deliver engineers and technicians prepared to contribute on day-one at manufacturing sites.

Requirements

High School Diploma
4 years relevant experience
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience approved by Human Resources Management.
Strong work ethic with an open, innovative mind
Customer focused and task-oriented, prioritizing safety and quality
Willing, ready, and eager to learn new skills
Multi-level and flexible communication skills
Patience, determination, and persistence to troubleshoot client issues
Problem-solving and analytical skills with a consistent “can-do” attitude
Self-motivated team player that appreciates alternative opinions
Ability to troubleshoot equipment or situations
Flexible and prepared to adapt to new or modified tasks and/or requirements
Thrive in a team environment and work well with others while maintaining the ability to work independently
Knowledge of composite fabrication techniques, including lay-up, mold preparation, handling and forming of pre-impregnated materials, vacuum bag application and testing and the curing cycle process for both oven and autoclave.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer based programs.
Skill in handling, using and storing materials and components used in manufacturing
Ability to perform basic math and geometry/trigonometry, including angle measurement and calculation, conversion of fractions to decimal equivalents, etc.
Ability to use basic measuring tools including tape measure, calipers, and scales.
Ability to hand-work composites through use of small hand tools including routers, die grinder, band saw, Dremel tool, etc.
Ability to work alone and to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in high-pressure, meticulous environment where quality and cleanliness are crucial.
Training/Education beyond high school in a technical field
Training and experience in machining and welding components.
Competency in plumbing, carpentry, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

Perform kitting, lay-up, bagging, curing, and final assembly of composite parts.
Prepare tools and molds for lay-up
Work with dry carbon fiber and glass fiber based materials.
Cut, layup, form and assemble dry fabrics to produce preforms as directed.
Perform resin infusion processing of dry fiber preforms as directed.
Complete all planning paperwork throughout the production process.
Perform daily housekeeping of work area.
Conduct tours, demonstrations, and presentations in support of ACI public relations, marketing, business development, and outreach programs.
Oversee fabrication and test apparatus
Provide design input to enhance research and manufacturing equipment.
Oversee assembly and/or installation of equipment and instrumentation
Coordinate fabrication by outside vendors to assure acceptability of products.
Develop infrastructure to facilitate provision of electrical, thermal, and mechanical services to high bay and laboratories.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Serve as lead hands-on trainer working closely with Lead Training Engineer
Provide diverse multi-level hands-on training to include elementary, middle, and high school programs; community college programs; undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, and faculty programs; and industrial new-entry and re-entry workforce programs.
Develop palatable and trainable curricula for all levels of trainees
Maintain a stocked and prepared training area and assist with coordination of training schedules
Possess, or willing to get, a Commercial Drivers License
Operate, maintain, and improve state-of-the-art 5-axis machining capability
Evaluate and develop novel advanced composite tooling via subtractive manufacturing
Serve as SME/Trainer for MAC Training Center
Engage and collaborate with other Machining SMEs at partnering facilities (e.g., industry partners, training center, community colleges, sister MSU institutes and centers)
Serve as SME for additive manufacturing equipment and related technologies
Work closely with AM lead engineer to develop and assess new AM technologies
Train engineers, technicians, and students to operate ACI AM equipment
Provide hands-on support for all AM R&D programs