Engineering Technician - Composite Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

FLAG’s  mission is to show our contractors & clients the best this industry can offer by upholding our principles of leadership, service, and exceptionalism.

For a Best-in-Class experience, partner with FLAG and allow us to demonstrate how we’re changing the industry, and how we can do the same for you.

We are looking to hire an Engineering Technician  in the city of Santa Fe Springs, CA.  This is a Direct Hire  opportunity to join an aerospace manufacturing company!

Department: Manufacturing/ Process Engineering

Hourly Range: $30- $40/hour

Reporting To: Engineering Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Composite Manufacturing Engineering Technician provides hands-on technical support for the fabrication, assembly, and process optimization of advanced composite structures and components. Working directly alongside manufacturing engineers and shop-floor technicians, this role assists in converting engineering designs, work instructions, and materials specifications into repeatable, high-quality composite manufacturing processes.

ITAR REQUIREMENT: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Execution & Fabrication Support

• Execute layups, tape wrapping, and vacuum bagging procedures for high-performance structural components using carbon fiber, fiberglass, silica, and phenolic resin systems.
• Prepare, set up, and operate thermal curing equipment, including autoclaves, curing ovens, hydroclaves, and press-bonding equipment.
• Perform post-cure operations including deflashing, trimming, drilling, sanding, and detail assembly according to close-tolerance engineering drawings.
• Assist engineering in tool preparation, mold maintenance, and first-article fabrication for new product introductions (NPI).

Process Engineering & Documentation

• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models (SOLIDWORKS), bill of materials (BOMs), and shop routers/planning sheets.
• Draft, redline, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), manufacturing work instructions (MWIs), and processing logs.
• Identify manufacturing bottlenecks, scrap drivers, and process variations, providing feedback to engineers to improve yields and cycle times.
• Document material traceability, batch numbers, freezer time tracking, and out-time logs for prepreg materials in compliance with quality systems.

Quality & Testing

• Perform dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) and templates.
• Support non-destructive testing (NDT) operations (e.g., ultrasonic inspection, tap testing) and physical/mechanical coupon testing.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action investigations for nonconforming hardware or process discrepancies.

EHS & Shop Floor Maintenance

• Maintain cleanroom / layup area standards (Foreign Object Debris/Damage [FOD] control, temperature, and humidity monitoring).
• Ensure strict adherence to safety guidelines, chemical handling protocols (SDS), and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators.

Qualifications
Required:

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree or trade school certificate in Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or Aerospace Technology preferred.
• Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience in composite fabrication, layup, or composite repair within aerospace, defense, automotive, or industrial manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in reading and interpreting complex engineering blueprints, ply books, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated skill with pneumatic tools, power tools, precision measuring devices, and manual shop equipment.
• Knowledge of composite materials, resins, vacuum bagging techniques, and cure cycles.

Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, high attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing concepts, 5S methodology, and Continuous Improvement practices.
• Basic proficiency with CAD software (SOLIDWORKS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP/SAP) systems.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Willingness to work in cleanroom environments and around epoxy adhesives, resins, and hazardous chemicals using required protective gear.
• Ability to lift and maneuver tooling and material, working safely throughout our manufacturing facilities. Lift/move up to 50 lbs. without assistance, or greater than 50 lbs. with assistance from another person or with appropriate lift/move apparatus.
• Will move around the manufacturing floor to perform tasks where needed.
• Able to work effectively under pressure of deadlines.
• Able to work full time, at least 8 hours a day and 5 days a week.
• Good vision required (with or without corrective lenses).