Composite Technician

Ascent Aerospace•Santa Ana, CA

90d•$22 - $38

About The Position

Under limited supervision, with detailed instruction and intermittent review, the Composite Technician performs routine tasks in a manufacturing environment in preparation for fabrication, curing, build-up, and assembly of composite materials. The position supports a team-oriented culture of continuous improvement and operational and process excellence at Coast Composites. The technician may lead a small team on a specific job, keeping the team on task, meeting timeframes, following standard processes, and managing work-cell materials and equipment. The role also involves making composite parts and molds, performing supervised repairs, preparing and curing parts, assembling components, operating manufacturing equipment as needed, following work instructions and quality standards, and maintaining equipment and an orderly work area. The position may require travel to other sites and weekend work to meet business demands.

Requirements

Composites-specific manufacturing knowledge, skills, and abilities.
1–3 years of composites-specific manufacturing experience.
5 or more years of layup, lamination, and bagging experience.
Basic math skills and ability to read dimensional layouts and use inspection equipment such as rulers and calipers.
Excellent manual dexterity and physical ability to climb in and out of tools and work on hands and knees for most of a shift.
Knowledge of machinery and its use, including drills, hand sanders, jigsaws, and table saws.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, prioritize, and handle multiple projects.
Excellent attention to detail.
Must meet export-control requirements as a U.S. person under ITAR.
Must successfully pass an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
Ability to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; see, talk, hear, touch, feel, and reach with hands and arms; and frequently walk and stand for short periods.
Ability to lift and move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.

Nice To Haves

Problem-solving skills, including identifying and resolving problems promptly and gathering and analyzing information skillfully.
Interpersonal skills, including maintaining confidentiality, remaining open to others’ ideas, and willingness to try new things.
Clear and persuasive oral communication, including group presentations and conducting meetings.
Written communication skills, including editing for spelling and grammar, presenting numerical data effectively, and reading and interpreting written information.
Quality-control skills, including accuracy, thoroughness, and monitoring one’s own work.
Adaptability to changes, competing demands, delays, and unexpected events.
Dependability, including punctuality, following instructions, responding to management direction, and seeking feedback to improve performance.
Commitment to promoting and observing safety and security procedures and properly using equipment and materials.
Safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area.

Responsibilities

Lead a small team on specific jobs, keeping work on task and within the given timeframe, ensuring standard processes are followed, and managing work-cell materials and equipment.
Work with leads, supervisors, and engineers to solve problems and improve processes.
Perform composite repairs under supervision of more senior staff.
Fabricate composite molds and parts according to instructions and drawings.
Lay up dry fabric; prepare, de-mold, vacuum bag, and infuse composite parts according to instructions and drawings.
Polish, deburr, and grind composite parts; clean tools and use acetone and release materials as instructed.
Drill, ream, and countersink parts.
Vacuum bag parts for room-temperature, oven, and autoclave cure or de-bulk.
Assemble parts, components, and sub-assemblies.
Operate manufacturing-related equipment as needed, such as forklifts, laser projectors, ovens, autoclaves, ply cutters, and helium testing equipment.
Follow written work instructions and verify that products meet quality standards.
Perform general equipment maintenance, including checking equipment at the start of each shift.
Maintain an orderly work area by returning tools, equipment, and materials to storage areas.
Observe applicable laws, regulations, and obligations when conducting business on behalf of the company.
Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
Participate in training and develop skills under the guidance of senior staff.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.