COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN LEAD

Platform Aerospace•Hollywood, MD

6d•$38 - $47•Onsite

About The Position

The Composites Technician Lead performs complex composite fabrication and repair work on aircraft structures and components while providing day-to-day technical leadership to the Composite team. The role requires expertise in complex lay-ups, curing processes, and cutting and trimming operations, and close coordination with leads, Engineering, and Quality teams. The lead also supports workforce development through training, mentoring, and guidance of composite technicians while promoting safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The position is in the Fabrication department, reports to the Fabrication Supervisor, is classified as full-time, requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance, and is located in Hollywood, Maryland.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and at least 7 years of relevant experience.
Composites manufacturing or repair experience in aerospace, defense, or similar industries.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
Proficiency in reading technical drawings.
Skill with calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, and pneumatic tools.
Strong attention to detail and quality orientation.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Complete recurring FOD training and awareness upon hire and annually.
Ability to obtain a DOT physical and haul trailers to and from offsite locations.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with military aviation operations.

Responsibilities

Lead and perform advanced composite manufacturing operations, including pre-preg and wet hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, finishing, and repair of aircraft structures and components.
Coordinate daily workflow, assign tasks, and provide technical guidance to Composite Technicians to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements.
Execute and oversee composite repairs in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and approved repair procedures, ensuring build accuracy and structural integrity.
Conduct in-process and final inspections of composite assemblies; identify defects or non-conformances, perform corrective actions when authorized, and ensure readiness for Quality Assurance review.
Read, interpret, and help others understand work instructions, technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
Serve as the primary point of contact for production issues in the composite area and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program teams to resolve technical and process challenges.
Train, mentor, and develop composite personnel in manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and company procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, tooling, and manufacturing processes as part of continuous improvement initiatives.
Work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in escalating complex technical, personnel, quality, or schedule concerns.
Assist management with production planning, resource utilization, and workload balancing.
Inspect completed parts for defects, perform minor repairs, document results, and present parts for final QA inspection.
Follow safety protocols when handling resins, prepregs, and solvents and operate in controlled environments, completing work within quality, safety, and time standards.
Perform other duties as necessary or required.