Composites Technician

ALTEN Technology•Simi Valley, CA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Composites Technician supports the fabrication, bonding, and assembly of composite airframe structures for next generation unmanned aircraft systems. This role sits at the intersection of prototype build and production ramp, contributing to layup, cure, trim, and bonded assembly operations for a new aircraft program as it transitions from development builds into low rate initial production.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED equivalent, or equivalent certificate from a technical or trade school
3+ years of hands on composite fabrication experience in an aerospace, defense, motorsports, or marine environment
Demonstrated proficiency with wet layup and prepreg layup methods
Working knowledge of vacuum bagging, debulking, and cure cycle execution
Experience with composite bonding and secondary assembly using structural adhesives
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ply schedules, and work instructions
Proficiency with composite trimming, drilling, and finishing equipment
Familiarity with material handling requirements for prepreg and adhesive systems including out time and freezer control
Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and basic shop equipment
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work standing for extended periods
Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR

Nice To Haves

Composite fabrication or bonding certifications, or completion of a formal composites training program, is desired
Experience supporting an LRIP to rate production transition is strongly desired
Familiarity with AS9100, Nadcap, or equivalent aerospace quality systems is desired
Exposure to NDI methods such as ultrasonic or thermography inspection is desired
Experience with composite tooling fabrication and mold maintenance is desired
Familiarity with unmanned aircraft, R/C aircraft, or lightweight airframe structures is a plus
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and shop floor documentation systems
Excels in a fast paced, deadline driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Takes ownership of quality and consistency on parts that go directly into flight hardware

Responsibilities

Performs hand layup operations including wet layup, prepreg, and out of autoclave processes for airframe structures, fairings, wing skins, spars, and control surfaces
Cuts, kits, and stages composite materials per ply schedules, layup books, and engineering drawings
Builds and debulks laminate stacks, applies vacuum bagging systems, and verifies bag integrity prior to cure
Runs autoclave and oven cure cycles, monitors thermocouple and vacuum data, and documents cure records for traceability
Performs demold, trim, drill, and sand operations on cured parts using composite specific tooling and equipment
Executes bonded assembly operations using aerospace grade adhesives including co cure, co bond, and secondary bonding
Fabricates and maintains composite tooling including molds, mandrels, caul plates, and layup fixtures
Performs dimensional inspection and basic non destructive inspection including visual, tap test, and coupon verification
Identifies and documents defects such as porosity, delamination, resin starvation, and fiber wrinkling, and performs approved rework and repair
Manages freezer and out time tracking for prepreg and adhesive materials in accordance with material specifications
Works directly with manufacturing and design engineering to red line work instructions, improve layup techniques, and resolve build issues on the floor
Supports first article builds and process qualification activities as the program moves toward rate production
Maintains a clean, safe, and organized composite fabrication area including clean room discipline and PPE compliance
Other duties as assigned