Senior Composite Technician

Senior Composite Technician

Originally established as Fibreworks Composites in 2009 by Guenther Steiner and Joe Hofmann, we grew to become the largest privately-owned composite manufacturer in the U.S. In 2019, we launched Composite Factory, an AS9100 / ISO-certified sister company serving the Aerospace, Aero Structures, Aviation, Defense, and Medical industriessectors that demand the highest levels of traceability, certification, and quality. Now fully operating under the Composite Factory name, we have united our teams, experience, and capabilities under one brand.

Rooted in motorsports, we are fully vertically integrated, bringing engineering, machining, tool-making, and production under one roof to deliver advanced Composite Structures with speed, precision, and unmatched quality. Join a team pushing the boundaries of advanced composites and building the future of the industry!

The Senior Composite Technician is a highly skilled technician responsible for producing advanced composite components using pre-impregnated carbon fiber materials and precision-controlled curing processes. This role performs complex prepreg layups, vacuum bagging, autoclave/oven curing, structural bonding, precision trimming, and finishing of high-performance parts used in aerospace, motorsports, defense, and other advanced industries. Senior laminators accurately interpret engineering drawings, ply schedules, and process specifications with minimal oversight while identifying and resolving technical challenges throughout the build process. This position also supports engineering, quality, and tooling teams; ensures full compliance with AS9100/ISO standards; and plays an important role in mentoring junior technicians and driving continuous improvement within a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced prepreg layups of carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, and hybrid composites with consistent accuracy and adherence to engineering specifications.
• Prepare, seal, and release molds and tooling, including complex multi-part molds, ensuring proper surface condition and readiness for production.
• Conduct precision vacuum bagging operations, including leak-checking, bag setup for autoclave, oven, or hot-bonder cures, and accurate placement of breather, release films, and thermocouples.
• Execute structural bonding and secondary bonding using adhesives and adhesive films for complex assemblies such as spars, ribs, bulkheads, fuselage panels, and chassis structures.
• Trim, drill, sand, countersink, and finish cured composite parts to tight aerospace tolerances using pneumatic tools and precision measuring equipment.
• Perform composite structural repairsincluding scarfing, patching, core replacement, and surface restorationin accordance with engineering or FAA-approved procedures.
• Read, interpret, and execute work from CAD models, engineering drawings, ply books, SRMs, maintenance manuals, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Build, assemble, and integrate composite structures and subassemblies using jigs, fixtures, and alignment tools to ensure proper geometry and fit.
• Conduct both in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and visual/tactile methods to ensure compliance with AS9100/ISO quality requirements.
• Maintain strict material traceability, accurately completing production documentation, cure records, and nonconformance notes.
• Support prototype builds, first-article components, and special projects by collaborating with engineering, quality, planning, and tooling teams.
• Train, mentor, and guide composite technicians on proper layup sequencing, bagging methods, bonding procedures, safety practices, and quality expectations.
• Participate in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and 5S initiatives to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance workflow.
• Operate autoclaves, ovens, hot bonders, cutting equipment, and other shop machinery safely and consistently.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, ensuring adherence to PPE, chemical handling, and equipment operating procedures.

What You Will Bring to the Team:

• 35 years' experience in composite manufacturing, preferably in aerospace or high-performance applications.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, autoclave/oven curing, trimming, bonding, and finishing in aerospace, motorsports, or high-performance manufacturing.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, ply schedules, SRMs, and manufacturing work instructions with minimal guidance.
• Proven capability performing structural composite repairsincluding scarfing, core replacement, patching, and reinforcementusing engineering-approved methods.
• Advanced knowledge of autoclave, oven, and hot-bond curing processes, including proper bag setup, cure-cycle monitoring, and documentation.
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and templates to meet tight-tolerance requirements.
• Experience working with honeycomb, foam, and core materials, including cutting, shaping, bonding, and integrating core structures into composite assemblies.
• Ability to mentor, train, and guide junior laminators in proper techniques, quality standards, and safety practices.
• Strong collaboration skills with engineering, quality, planning, and leadership teams to resolve issues and support continuous improvement.
• Consistent ability to produce high-accuracy, high-quality composite components with exceptional attention to detail and adherence to AS9100/ISO standards.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safety, documentation accuracy, and meeting production deadlines.
• Availability as needed to meet production requirements and timelines.
• Due to ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident.

Our Investment in You:

• Relocation Reimbursement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• 401(k) matching after 6 months tenure
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and sick days
• Employee referral program
• $3 Shift differential for 2nd shift employees
• Potential to earn quarterly discretionary bonuses based on company performance
• Discounts on select services/products
• Climate-controlled work environment

Hours of Operation:

Normal business hours: 1st Shift: 7:00AM 4:00PM; 2nd Shift: 4:00PM 1:00PM; Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and holidays as scheduled by leadership.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Depending on the position and assigned duties, working conditions and physical requirements may include, but are not limited to:

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, or sitting
• Climbing, balancing, bending, reaching, handling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, or pulling
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving materials, products, tools, or equipment
• Using computers, machinery, material-handling equipment, hand tools, power tools, or other job-related equipment
• Performing work that requires hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and the handling of small parts or components
• Working around moving mechanical equipment and in areas with varying noise levels, temperatures, fumes, airborne particles, dust, chemicals, or other manufacturing-related conditions
• Wearing required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, protective footwear, respirators, or other designated PPE
• Using close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision, color recognition, and the ability to adjust focus when required by the position

The specific work environment and physical requirements will depend on the essential functions of the position. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Composite Factory is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.