Composite Finishing Lead

Composite Factory

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 industries—sectors 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!

Position Overview

The Finishing Lead will assist the Production Supervisor in organizing and maintaining production within the Finishing Department, including trimming, bonding, mold making, and pattern preparation. The Lead will help oversee the daily operations, train and mentor Finishing Technicians, ensure adherence to quality standards, and promote a positive and safe work environment. Additionally, the Lead will support inventory control, minimize material waste, and enforce company policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Production Supervisor in introducing new parts and processes to employees.
• Lead, assist, and train less experienced Finishing Technicians in trimming, bonding, assembly, and pattern/mold preparation.
• Supervise Finishing Technicians in the absence of the Finishing Manager, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Offer constructive feedback on work products, techniques, and paperwork to promote continuous improvement and productivity.
• Assist in verifying the quality and functionality of production parts at the beginning of the production run.
• Ensure all bonding and assembly procedures are followed strictly to maintain quality and safety.
• Conduct the final inspection of bonded assemblies, documenting findings and performing quality control tests (e.g., pressure testing).
• Assist with material inventory control by alerting the Finishing Manager when materials are running low, and help manage material waste.
• Reinforce the adherence to proper procedures, notifying the Finishing Manager of any discrepancies in work performance or procedural issues.
• Ensure the work area is organized, clean, and meets safety standards. Reinforce cleaning procedures with employees when needed.
• Ensure that all employees are wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and address any PPE violations.
• Assist in monitoring manufacturing times for new parts/molds.
• Take responsibility for daily balancing in GSS.
• Provide feedback to the Production Supervisor and leadership on ways to increase operational efficiency.
• Advise management on best manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Attend and participate in the morning production meeting.
• Fulfill all responsibilities and duties typically assigned to a Finishing Technician.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures, workplace policies, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring to the Team

• High school diploma, General Educational Development (GED), or equivalent required.
• Must be able to pass required respirator fit testing and remain clean-shaven in areas where a tight-fitting respirator seals to the face, in accordance with OSHA standards.
• Must be able to wear a tight-fitting respirator for the duration of the assigned shift, as required by the position.
• Successfully complete all applicable respiratory protection requirements, including a medical evaluation and respirator fit testing.
• Complete annual fit testing, with additional medical evaluations as required.
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in composite manufacturing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Positive, "can-do" attitude with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in challenging situations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints/drawings.
• Must be able to use small hand tools, including sanders, rivet guns, drills, manual routers, adhesive applicators, calipers, gauges, and other measuring devices.
• Availability as needed to meet production requirements and timelines.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful Permanent Resident in compliance with ITAR regulations.

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
• 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: 7:00AM – 4:00PM; Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and holidays as scheduled by leadership. This position is required to work on-site during scheduled business hours. Any exceptions for remote or work-from-home arrangements must be reviewed and approved in advance by the employee's manager.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• 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.