Laboratory Technician

Salary Range: $54,967 - $67,000 DCS is seeking a highly skilled Engineering Laboratory Technician to perform work of a specialized nature, demonstrating a high level of technical depth and recognized attainment in composite research and manufacturing. Operating with a high degree of independence, the successful candidate will apply critical judgment to plan, organize, and execute complex technical tasks. This position requires extended hands-on technical experience and development, resulting in an intimate grasp of specialized and complex areas of work. As a senior member of the team, you will be expected to lead key engineering projects, mentor junior laboratory personnel, and ensure strict compliance with institutional safety and quality standards. While general direction and assignments will be provided in broad technical terms by the Branch Head, you will be expected to independently execute these tasks, resolve complex challenges, and provide technical leadership to the laboratory team. Essential Job Functions: Composite Manufacturing & Technical Operations. Independently operate, troubleshoot, and optimize specialized composite laboratory equipment, including autoclaves, ovens, and filament winders, to manufacture complex composite parts. Perform advanced fit-up, alignment, and assembly of precision components, ensuring strict compliance with all engineering and manufacturing specifications. Prepare and apply various types of high-performance adhesives, resins, and EPDM insulation materials in advanced bonding processes. Lead the development, refinement, and execution of composite layup techniques using prepreg materials to ensure high-quality and repeatable production. Design, assemble, and maintain critical laboratory tooling (such as mandrels) to ensure production readiness, accuracy, and precision. Independently inspect and verify finished hardware against technical manufacturing drawings and specifications, proactively resolving any discrepancies. Experimental Testing, Data Analysis & Design Support. Conduct various tests or experiments that may require making minor modifications to test setups or procedures. Use subjective judgment in measurements, select and prepare appropriate equipment, and record highly accurate test data. Construct specialized components, subunits, or simple experimental models. Adapt existing equipment to meet custom testing parameters, troubleshoot malfunctions, and execute corrective repairs. Extract and compile a variety of engineering data from field notes, manuals, lab reports, and instrument readouts. Process this data, identify errors or inconsistencies, and select optimal methods for data presentation. Assist engineers in design modifications by compiling relevant technical data, material specifications, and equipment performance history. Evaluate previous operational failures and modifications, using judgment and initiative to recognize gaps or inconsistencies in technical data, and seek out reliable sources to clarify information. Laboratory Governance, Safety & Quality Assurance. Initiate, draft, update, and disseminate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for filament winding operations and other core composite manufacturing processes. Ensure absolute compliance with all laboratory safety policies and procedures; lead routine safety audits and comprehensive hazard assessments. Manage the disposition and disposal of hazardous materials in strict compliance with environmental and safety regulations, maintaining a safe working environment. Perform and oversee preventive maintenance checks on laboratory equipment to ensure operational integrity; diligently log and maintain equipment records for audit traceability. Lead the laboratory's adherence to ISO 9001 certification standards, including managing external audits and maintaining process control documentation. Mentorship & Technical Leadership. Mentor, train, and guide junior laboratory technicians in filament winding operations, equipment utilization, and advanced composite manufacturing techniques. Provide continuous technical guidance to team members to ensure adherence to industry best practices, organizational quality standards, and safety protocols. Serve as the primary technical resource in composite manufacturing, resolving complex technical challenges and providing expert solutions to the team. Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration. Communicate effectively with engineering peers, management, suppliers, and external customers to relay critical technical information and project requirements. Prepare detailed written technical reports, including process specifications, comprehensive part travelers, and regular program status updates. Present clear, concise oral briefings to management and key stakeholders conveying technical progress, milestones, and strategic recommendations. Collaborate actively with cross-functional engineering and project teams to ensure alignment with overall project goals and organizational objectives. Required Skills: U.S. Citizenship is required due to the sensitivity of customer requirements. Associate's degree/Technical Certificate with 5 + practical experience, to include laboratory testing, manufacturing, or maintenance. Will also consider a High school diploma with 7 plus years practical experience, to include laboratory testing, manufacturing, or maintenance. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance throughout the duration of employment. To be successful in this role, candidates must demonstrate a blend of deep technical expertise, leadership capability, and rigorous attention to safety and quality standards. Technical & Professional Qualifications. Proven experience independently operating autoclaves, ovens, filament winders, and handling prepreg materials. Proven judgment and initiative in identifying inconsistencies or gaps in technical data, analyzing historical equipment failures, and supporting design modifications. Strong skills in the precision fit-up of assemblies and the design/maintenance of manufacturing tools such as mandrels. Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems and a strong track record of adhering to and enforcing lab safety policies. Demonstrated ability to lead projects, mentor junior technicians, and resolve complex technical challenges as a subject matter expert. Excellent technical writing skills (for SOPs, travelers, and reports) and the ability to confidently present briefings to senior leadership.