Manufacturing Technician 1 (Autoclave)

APPLIED COMPOSITES•Brea, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Composites is seeking an Autoclave Technician I to support manufacturing advanced composite components for the aerospace and defense industries. This hands-on role prepares tools and molds, loads and unloads autoclaves and ovens, operates equipment using approved cure programs, monitors cure cycles, and completes production documentation. The position is based on-site in Brea, California, is full-time and non-exempt, and works first shift. The pay range is $18.00–$24.00 per hour. The role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to follow manufacturing, safety, and quality procedures. The technician performs routine production assignments with general supervision after appropriate training, and works with production instructions, equipment, tools, chemicals, materials, and documentation. Candidates with relevant experience in aerospace composites, industrial equipment operation, heat treatment, or other process-controlled manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR: a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee. Applied Composites describes itself as a provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling for aerospace, defense, and space-system markets, and says it supports employee development and provides resources for employees to thrive.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.
Minimum of 0–1 years of manufacturing or related industrial experience; previous experience is preferred but not required.
Ability to read, understand, and follow written work instructions, production travelers, diagrams, and process specifications in English.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools and manufacturing equipment safely.
Basic computer skills for equipment operation, data entry, and production documentation.
Ability to follow established manufacturing, safety, and quality procedures.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, quality work.
Ability to recognize and report equipment abnormalities, process deviations, and potential quality concerns.
Manual dexterity and ability to handle tools, materials, and components accurately.
Ability to manage assigned production tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
Ability to perform routine production assignments with general supervision following appropriate training.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
U.S. person status as defined by ITAR: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of relevant manufacturing or industrial experience, particularly in aerospace composites, autoclave operations, industrial ovens, heat-treatment equipment, or similar process-controlled manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing practices and quality requirements.
Experience preparing molds, tooling, or vacuum bagging systems.
Previous forklift operating experience; training may be provided.
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or related technical education in manufacturing or industrial operations.
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Prepare tools, molds, and related equipment for composite curing according to approved work instructions.
Apply chemicals and mold-release agents in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
Load and unload tools, molds, and composite parts into and out of autoclaves and ovens.
Select or enter approved cure-cycle recipes in autoclave controllers according to production travelers, work instructions, and process specifications.
Operate and monitor autoclaves, ovens, and associated equipment to ensure compliance with approved cure-cycle requirements.
Perform vacuum bag leak checks and monitor vacuum integrity during cure operations.
Read and follow production schedules, cure charts, travelers, build manuals, and manufacturing instructions.
Prepare masters and molds according to engineering documentation and quality requirements.
Remove cured parts from tools and mandrels and prepare parts for subsequent inspection or processing.
Perform routine inspection and maintenance of autoclave and oven tooling and accessories, including hoses and thermocouples.
Monitor equipment and production for abnormalities, deviations, or suspected nonconforming conditions and promptly notify the Lead or Manager.
Complete production records, equipment entries, and related documentation accurately.
Safely operate forklifts to move tools and materials when trained and authorized.
Identify process-improvement opportunities and communicate observations to the Lead or Manager.
Use hand tools and production equipment safely and appropriately.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company standards.
Follow company safety policies, work procedures, and equipment safety requirements.
Handle chemicals and materials according to applicable Safety Data Sheets and company procedures.
Report unsafe conditions, equipment abnormalities, suspected nonconforming products, and potential compliance concerns promptly.
Maintain confidentiality and security of company and customer information.
Cooperate with applicable safety, quality, and compliance investigations.
Perform other duties as assigned.