Composite Technician
Fabricate, lay up, vacuum-bag cure and assemble composite aircraft parts with epoxy resins and adhesives.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Hands-on composite fabrication for remotely piloted aircraft, from mold prep through epoxy spray coating.
Might not be for you. Repetitive production work in a loud shop with epoxy agents and respirator use — not R&D.
Adjacent materials roleFabrication, curing, lay-up of composite materials; vacuum bag parts; epoxy agents, resins and catalysts; structural adhesives
- Seniority
- Technician
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Industry
- Aerospace
- Role
- Manufacturing / Production
Role details
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. Under general supervision, with some detailed instructions and intermittent review, working in a loud manufacturing environment with a variety of epoxy agents, this position performs repetitive or standard procedures and assists in the fabrication, curing, build-up and assembly of various types of composite materials where required information is readily available, methods and sequences have been pre-determined, and tooling is provided.
Works with blueprints, templates, sample parts, process sheets and other authorized information. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in the preparation of molds and forms. Mark and cut tape, woven material, honeycomb, adhesive and similar materials following templates, guides or specific dimensions and sequences. Route, drill, trim, and sand to blueprint dimensions and tolerances. Vacuum bag parts for room temperature cure. Assist in the lay-up of composite materials to mold. Fit and smooth successive layers of materials as necessary to secure build-up free from wrinkles, air pockets and voids following directions and instructions.
Assemble Aircraft components using structural adhesives, rivets and threaded fasteners. Prepare surface and paint composite and metal components including bodywork, contour shaping and sanding. Apply spray application of epoxy paints, urethane and water-based epoxy coatings, using a high-volume low-pressure spray gun. Assist in the development of shop aids to facilitate fabrication, trimming and assembly as required. Check expiration dates of materials prior to use, prepare proper mixes of resins and catalysts. May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures. Maintain records as required.
Support quality process by maintaining work area in an orderly condition by returning tools, equipment and materials to storage area. Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. Additional Functions: Other duties as assigned or required. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.