Composite Technician 1 na Scaled Composites

The Composite Technician 1 plays a crucial role in a dynamic research and development setting, focusing on the fabrication of composite structures. Collaborating closely with both shop and engineering teams, the technician will play a pivotal role in the fabrication and assembly processes, with potential involvement in supporting flight test activities, as required. Proficiency in handling epoxy resin systems in both wet and pre-preg configurations, expertise in working with materials such as fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber, foam core, and honeycomb core, will be essential in the creation of high-quality composite components and structures.

Category: Manufacturing

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: Secret

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching 

Summary: 

Founded by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites is a 40+ year-old aerospace company continually working to push boundaries, prove out ideas, and influence the future. We are a rapid prototyping and manufacturing facility, designing, building, and testing proof-of-concept and prototype vehicles. We have flown an average of one new aircraft type per year over our 42-year history such as Proteus, GlobalFlyer, SpaceShipOne, Model 401, and Stratolaunch.

Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: 

• Collaborating closely with leads and engineers to execute precise directives for the manufacturing of composite components and structures.
• Assisting engineering in reviewing MOT’s, blueprints and/or sketches as needed.
• Assisting in planning and scheduling program needs.
• Comprehending the fundamentals of composite component and structures construction.
• Fabricating composite components per MOT, blueprint, sketch, and SP without supervision, and without buying off your own work in order to sustain the integrity of the 2 stamp and our quality process.
• Assisting shop personnel in the fabrication of tooling and any specialized set-up required to manufacture the composite components and structures.
• Evaluating and identifying composite component and structures for defects and imperfections to ensure they meet company and customer standards. (2C).
•  Completing dimensional checks of components with calibrated measuring devices to ensure correct dimensions, as called out by blueprint/sketch.
• Assisting or assigned to programs that may have the need for a Composite 2 Stamp.
• Performing specific inspections during and after fabrication/assembly per M.O.T call outs.
• Suggesting techniques prior to and during layup and the assembly process.
• Thoroughly inspecting the MOT for complete tracking information as well as proper steps are completed and stamped off prior to any buy off.
• Completing appropriate documentation for parts inspected.
• Reporting defects, issues, and concerns to the respective Lead, Engineer and Quality Assurance Representative
• Discussing inspection results with those responsible for the products and recommends necessary corrective actions.

Basic Skills and Qualifications:

• Understanding various, opposing approaches to solving a problem and using judgement to compromise on the best solution.
• Comprehending all specialized hand and bench tools required to manufacture composite components and structures.
• Must be proficient in all items listed in the Structures Progression Chart.
• Proficient in reading and working to MOT/schematic/blueprint and basic math functions.
• Ability to operate precision measuring devices, hand tools, and bench equipment.
• Proficient in the use of measuring tools such as scales, calipers, and micrometers.
• Good communication skills, to include reading and following verbal and written instructions.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously with limited supervision when introducing new materials or processes.
• Ability to adapt to configuration changes common in research and development.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced research and development environment and able to work within a team atmosphere.
• Ability to assist in planning work sequence of operations.
• Anticipates, evaluates, and identifies potential problems and / or raises concerns before starting a process or procedure

Education and Experience:

• 2+ years’ experience and proficiency in the use of fabrication equipment (grinders, jig saws, skill saws, drills, band saws, disc grinders, table saws, drill presses and planers.)

Essential Functions:

• Office/Shop setting (completed)
• Occasional lifting up to 50+ lbs., with assistance
• Standing 60% of the day
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for an assigned task.
• Occasional work with composite materials such as epoxy resin systems, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam/core products. Will also work closely with chemicals, such as acetone and alcohol.
• May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials weighing up to 30 pounds. 
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate e computer keyboard) 
• Work on varied work surfaces/environments, including but not limited to working in a busy shop environment, cold room, or in/on aircraft structures including raised platforms including but not limited to ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.
• Work may be performed inside or outside of buildings. May be exposed to changing weather conditions (i.e. article or aircraft testing operations).
• Must be able to pass and maintain ‘pass’ status on OSHA-approved Pulmonary Fitness Test (PFT) in order to wear a respirator for prolonged periods of time.
• Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen)
• Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time 
• Ability to write for extended periods of time 
• Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
• May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. 
• Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
• Ability to converse and communicate information with others
• Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
• Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
• Must have sufficient agility to work in the interior of an aircraft structure. Will need to bend, stoop, squat, and/or kneel to occasionally work in cramped, tiring, and uncomfortable positions.
• Must be able to read and understand SDS.