Composite Layup Technician

Composite Layup Technician

Kaman Air Vehicles is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Composite Layup Technician to join our team. This role involves working hands-on with composite materials and components in a fast-paced, quality-focused aerospace environment. The Rotor Blade Layup Technician manufactures, assembles, and repairs rotor blade components using established work instructions, process specifications, and engineering requirements. This role performs composite ply cutting and kit preparation, hand layup, bonding, tool preparation, vacuum bagging, oven and autoclave cures while maintaining strict quality, safety, and documentation standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Composite manufacturing and assembly

• Perform composite rotor blade layup operations in molds and tools per engineering drawings, ply schedules, and process specifications.
• Assemble and bond shaped components using adhesives and composite materials; apply bonding films, adhesives, and core materials per specification.
• Support dry-fit activities, vacuum bagging, and autoclave and oven cure preparation and execution per controlled processes.

Material cutting, kitting and control

• Cut composite plies and dry fabrics using hand tools and/or automated cutting equipment (e.g., CNC cutting tables) and verify ply orientation, patterns, and sequence per kit drawings and cut files.
• Verify and document material traceability, shelf life, and storage conditions (including freezer management).
• Label, package, and organize kits and production materials with complete documentation to support downstream layup and assembly.

Quality, repair and documentation

• Maintain strict control of foreign object debris (FOD) prevention throughout the build.
• Use precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, gauges, templates) to verify in-process quality and conformance.
• Accurately record production data and complete required documentation in accordance with quality system requirements (travelers, cure records, inspections, and ERP/MRP entries).

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, process sheets, and verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ply schedules, and process specifications.
• Comfortable use of hand and power tools (e.g., mallets, scissors, knives, sanders, drills) safely and effectively.
• Basic computer literacy for production recording and documentation.
• Team-oriented, accountable, and detail-focused.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3+ years of experience in composite kit cutting, layup, vacuum bagging, and autoclave operations (aerospace preferred).
• Familiarity with material control requirements (traceability, shelf-life and out-time controls, and freezer management).
• Working knowledge of composite materials, resin systems, and curing processes (training available for qualified candidates).
• Strong manual dexterity and ability to execute precision layup and kit cutting work consistently.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequent bending, reaching, and fine motor work.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods.

Benefits

At KAV, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

KAV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a "U.S. person" as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.