Composite Technician I

Hiring for Entry Level to Experienced Composite Technicians
1st and 2nd shift - $21.64/HR - $25/HR

Job Description
The Composite Technician I supports the fabrication, assembly, and repair of advanced composite structures using materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. Working under supervision, this role focuses on reading and interpreting blueprints, preparing molds, and performing material lay-up, curing, and finishing processes to meet precise engineering specifications. The technician trims, drills, bonds, and fastens components, conducts detailed inspections to ensure quality, and collaborates with engineering, quality, and fabrication teams to resolve assembly challenges. Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and hands-on experience with composite materials or aerospace components, while maintaining a safe, organized work environment and following all safety and documentation procedures.
Responsibilities

• Precisely align and fit composite parts and subassemblies according to engineering drawings and specifications, ensuring correct orientation and proper fit between components.
• Apply structural adhesives, sealants, and bonding agents to join composite components using proper techniques to achieve strong, durable bonds and prevent contamination.
• Install mechanical fasteners such as rivets, bolts, and screws using hand and power tools, verifying torque values and fastener placement according to specifications.
• Integrate hardware such as inserts, bushings, and brackets, and mate composite parts with metallic and non-metallic elements to assemble complex structures.
• Prepare bonding surfaces by sanding, cleaning, and treating as required to ensure optimal adhesion and structural integrity.
• Set up and use assembly jigs, fixtures, templates, molds, and mandrels to maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability during assembly processes.
• Perform basic functional checks, including fit, movement, and alignment, and conduct preliminary inspections to verify assembly quality before final inspection.
• Assist in the preparation of molds and forms used in composite fabrication and lay-up processes.
• Mark and cut tape, woven material, honeycomb, adhesive, and similar materials following templates, guides, specific dimensions, and sequences as instructed.
• Route, drill, trim, and sand parts to blueprint dimensions and tolerances, ensuring components meet engineering and quality requirements.
• Record assembly steps, process parameters, and any deviations from standard procedures, and communicate findings and issues to supervisors or engineering teams.
• Maintain required records and documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Support the quality process by keeping the work area in an orderly condition, returning tools, equipment, and materials to proper storage after use.
• Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations whenever and wherever business is conducted on behalf of the company.
• Work in a safe manner at all times, following established operating procedures, safety practices, and guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, and fabrication teams to resolve assembly challenges and contribute to process improvements.
• Use appropriate hand tools such as rollers, paper cutters, scissors, X-Acto knives, electric heat guns, and related fixtures during composite lay-up and finishing.
• Use measuring instruments such as scales, protractors, and calipers to verify dimensions and ensure parts conform to specifications.
• Lift and handle assemblies weighing up to 50 pounds while following safe material-handling practices.
• Work extended hours when required to support production schedules and project deadlines.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with composite materials, assembly, fabrication, or mechanical work, preferably involving aerospace components or similar precision structures.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from detailed blueprints and other authorized drawings and documents.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Capability to perform simple mathematical calculations to support measurement, layout, and fabrication tasks.
• Proficiency using hand tools such as rollers, paper cutters, scissors, X-Acto knives, electric heat guns, and related fixtures including molds and mandrels.
• Ability to use measuring instruments such as scales, protractors, and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes including lay-up, lamination, vacuum bagging, prepreg handling, and autoclave or similar curing operations.
• Experience working with materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass, honeycomb core, and structural adhesives.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing or aerospace environment that may be loud and require extended hours.
• Physical ability to lift assemblies weighing up to 50 pounds in a safe and controlled manner.
• Strong work ethic and work stability, demonstrating reliability, consistency, and commitment to high-quality work.
• Attention to detail and manual dexterity to perform precise cutting, trimming, drilling, sanding, and bonding operations.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and maintain an organized, clean work area.
• Willingness and ability to obtain respirator certification if required for certain tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environments, particularly with advanced composite structures.
• Knowledge of mechanical fastening techniques, including proper torque application and fastener verification.
• Familiarity with component integration involving inserts, bushings, brackets, and mating composite parts with metallic and non-metallic elements.
• Experience using assembly jigs, fixtures, templates, molds, and mandrels to maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability.
• Understanding of surface preparation techniques, including sanding, cleaning, and treating bonding surfaces to enhance adhesion.
• functional testing of assemblies, including checks for fit, movement, and alignment prior to final inspection.
• Ability to document process parameters, assembly steps, and deviations, and to communicate effectively with engineering and quality teams.
• Comfort working within structured quality systems and following established documentation and record-keeping practices.
• Adaptability to a 9/80 work schedule and first-shift operations, with flexibility to work extended hours as needed.

Why Work Here?
You join a team that works on advanced, high-precision composite structures that support cutting-edge aerospace and technology applications. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and collaboration, giving you the opportunity to learn from experienced engineering, quality, and fabrication professionals. You benefit from a structured schedule that supports work-life balance while gaining hands-on experience with modern manufacturing processes and equipment. This role offers a strong foundation for career growth in composites and aerospace, with exposure to innovative materials, tools, and techniques in a supportive and professional setting.
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on advanced composite and aerospace components. You work on a first-shift schedule, typically from 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., following a 9/80 work pattern that provides regular extended weekends and predictable hours. The facility uses technologies and processes such as composite lay-up, lamination, vacuum bagging, prepreg handling, autoclave curing, routing, drilling, trimming, sanding, and functional testing. You regularly use hand tools including rollers, paper cutters, scissors, X-Acto knives, electric heat guns, and measuring instruments such as scales, protractors, and calipers. The environment can be loud, and you may be required to work extended hours to meet production needs. Some tasks may require respirator use and certification, and you are expected to follow all safety procedures, maintain an orderly work area, and wear appropriate work attire suitable for a manufacturing and shop-floor setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.64 - $21.64/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.


Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.