Manufacturing Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Composite Technician I

Job Description

The Composite Technician I fabricates, assembles, and repairs advanced composite structures using materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. Working under supervision, this role involves reading and interpreting blueprints, preparing molds, performing material lay-up, curing, and finishing processes, and assembling components through trimming, drilling, bonding, and fastening to meet precise engineering specifications. The technician ensures product quality through detailed inspections, collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve assembly challenges, and maintains a safe, clean, and organized work area while following all safety procedures and documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, and repair composite structures using materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass according to engineering specifications.
• Read and interpret detailed blueprints and other authorized drawings to determine material requirements, lay-up sequences, and assembly steps.
• Precisely align and fit composite parts and subassemblies to ensure proper orientation, fit, and dimensional accuracy.
• Apply structural adhesives, sealants, and bonding agents to join composite components using proper techniques to achieve strong, durable bonds and prevent contamination.
• Install mechanical fasteners such as rivets, bolts, and screws using hand and power tools, verifying torque values and placement against specifications.
• Integrate hardware such as inserts, bushings, and brackets, and mate composite parts with metallic and non-metallic elements to build complex assemblies.
• Prepare bonding surfaces by sanding, cleaning, and treating as required to ensure optimal adhesion and structural integrity.
• Set up and use assembly jigs, fixtures, and templates to maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability during assembly processes.
• Perform basic functional checks, including fit, movement, and alignment, and conduct preliminary inspections prior to final quality inspection.
• Assist in the preparation of molds and forms used for composite lay-up and curing processes.
• Mark and cut tape, woven material, honeycomb, adhesives, and similar materials using templates, guides, or specific dimensions and sequences as instructed.
• Perform routing, drilling, trimming, and sanding operations to achieve blueprint dimensions and tolerances.
• Use vacuum bagging, autoclave, and related composite manufacturing processes as required to fabricate and cure parts.
• Maintain accurate records of assembly steps, process parameters, and any deviations from standard procedures, and communicate issues to supervisors or engineering teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and fabrication teams to resolve assembly challenges and contribute to process improvements.
• Support the quality process by keeping the work area in an orderly condition and returning tools, equipment, and materials to proper storage after use.
• Follow all applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and operating procedures whenever conducting work on behalf of the organization.
• Work safely at all times, adhering to established safety procedures, including the proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Lift and handle assemblies weighing up to 50 pounds while maintaining safe material handling practices.
• Work extended hours or different shifts as required to support production schedules.

Essential Skills

• Experience working with or strong familiarity with assembly, fabrication, or mechanical work.
• Hands-on experience with composite materials and processes, including lay-up, lamination, and vacuum bagging.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed blueprints and other authorized drawings and documents.
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and to read and comprehend written and verbal instructions.
• Capability to perform simple mathematical calculations required for measurements and layout.
• Proficiency using hand tools such as rollers, paper cutters, scissors, X-Acto knives, electric heat guns, and fixtures such as molds and mandrels.
• Ability to use measuring instruments including scales, protractors, and calipers.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment that may be loud and fast-paced.
• Ability to lift assemblies weighing up to 50 pounds safely.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours and multiple shifts as required.
• Strong work ethic and consistent work history demonstrating reliability and stability.
• Attention to detail and manual dexterity necessary for precision composite assembly and finishing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or working with aerospace composite components.
• Familiarity with carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass, and related advanced composite materials.
• Experience with vacuum bagging techniques and curing processes.
• Prior exposure to quality-controlled manufacturing environments with documented processes.
• Potential to obtain or maintain respirator certification if required for specific tasks.
• Comfort collaborating with engineering, quality, and fabrication teams to troubleshoot and improve processes.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and documentation of work performed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team focused on producing high-quality, advanced composite structures in a technically challenging and rewarding environment. The organization emphasizes safety, precision, and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to grow your skills in modern composite manufacturing. You will work alongside experienced professionals in engineering, quality, and fabrication, gaining exposure to advanced processes and technologies used in high-performance applications. The structure of multiple shifts and extended-hour opportunities can provide flexibility and additional earning potential, while a strong emphasis on organization and process discipline supports a stable, professional work setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment that focuses on advanced composite structures and aerospace-related components. The facility operates multiple shifts, with one shift running approximately from 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and another from 2:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and may require extended hours to support production needs. The work area can be loud and involves the use of hand tools, power tools, fixtures, molds, mandrels, vacuum bagging equipment, autoclaves, and various measuring instruments such as scales, protractors, and calipers. You will regularly handle composite materials including carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass, prepreg materials, adhesives, and honeycomb cores. The environment emphasizes safety and cleanliness, with expectations to maintain an orderly workspace and follow all operating procedures and safety guidelines, including the potential use of respirators and other personal protective equipment as required.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.64 - $22.64/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.