Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician

Lyten•Indianapolis, IN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Lyten is seeking a hands-on Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician to help scale its motorsports composite facility in Indianapolis. The role focuses on producing high-quality carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) parts for motorsports, managing fabrication from precision layup on molds through demolding, and taking ownership of autoclave operations and composite material inventory. The technician will help establish shop-floor practices, lead by example, and work in a fast-paced motorsports manufacturing environment. The position also supports manufacturing quality and process improvement by working with composite design engineers and managers, guiding other technicians, and ensuring parts meet motorsports aerodynamic and structural requirements. The work is in a manufacturing setting and includes physical shop-floor tasks, required PPE, and occasional extended hours or weekend coverage for long builds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and at least 5 years of hands-on advanced composite manufacturing experience, specifically with prepreg carbon fiber and autoclave processing.
Expertise in complex structural layup, vacuum bagging techniques, and debulking.
Direct experience operating and monitoring industrial autoclaves or industrial ovens.
Deep understanding of composite material behavior, cure cycles, and prepreg material out-life tracking.
Ability to work independently, manage shop resources, and lead specific builds or projects on the floor.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform physical tasks associated with laying up and demolding large or complex composite structures.
Strong attention to detail and high quality standards.
Ability to adapt to fast-changing motorsports timelines.
Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses and gloves, and a respirator for powder-based work; medical clearance and fit testing are required.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience manufacturing composite parts for top-tier motorsports such as IndyCar, IMSA, F1, NASCAR, or NHRA.
Experience operating automated ply-cutting tables such as Zünd or Eastman.
Familiarity with inventory tracking and supply ordering using an ERP system such as NetSuite or other structured inventory software.
Experience with tool preparation, tool sealing, and tool release processes.

Responsibilities

Execute precision layups of prepreg carbon fiber and other advanced materials onto complex molds for motorsports components.
Perform vacuum bagging, debulking, and leak testing before cure cycles.
Demold cured CFRP parts while protecting both parts and tooling.
Prepare surfaces, trim, and perform basic finishing of composite parts.
Load and unload parts in the autoclave.
Set up, monitor, and record autoclave cure cycles, including temperature, pressure, and vacuum curves.
Conduct routine autoclave inspections, troubleshoot minor issues, and coordinate major servicing with maintenance or vendors.
Manage composites shop inventory and ensure materials and consumables are stocked and ordered in advance.
Track and log freezer life and out-life for temperature-sensitive prepreg materials.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment using 5S methodologies.
Provide guidance, support, and troubleshooting expertise for complex part manufacturing.
Collaborate with composite design engineers and managers to refine manufacturing processes, improve ply-books, and increase throughput.
Perform visual and dimensional quality checks to ensure parts meet motorsports aerodynamic and structural requirements.