Job Summary:
The Composites Manufacturing Technician under the direction of the Aerospace Department is a hands-on role responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of aerospace composite manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, autoclave processing, trimming, inspection preparation, and related production processes. This position serves as the technical and operational leader for aerospace manufacturing personnel and is responsible for ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in compliance with customer, regulatory, and quality requirements.
The Composites Manufacturing Technician plays a key, hands-on role in supporting the startup, and ongoing operation of GP&C's aerospace manufacturing capabilities onsite. This role will assist in developing work instructions, training personnel, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily activities of Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator roles and ensuring production schedules, quality requirements, and operational objectives are achieved.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily onsite aerospace manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly activities.
- Assist in the implementation on the operational plan for the composite lay-up cell for Aerospace.
- Assist with VARTM (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) closed-mold composite manufacturing process.
- Direct the daily activities of the Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator.
- Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor productivity to ensure production schedules and customer requirements are met.
- Coordinate workflow between cutting, lay-up, curing, autoclave processing, trimming, and inspection activities.
- Onsite monitoring of staffing and production requirements and communicate resource needs to Aerospace Leadership.
- Provide hands-on, onsite technical guidance and daily direction to aerospace manufacturing personnel.
- Assist Aerospace Leadership with coaching, mentoring, and evaluating personnel to ensure compliance with manufacturing procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
- Assist with startup, installation, and operational readiness activities for the aerospace lay-up cell, cutting table, autoclave, and supporting equipment.
- Support the development and implementation of manufacturing processes, production controls, work instructions, and training programs during startup activities.
- Ensure compliance with all aerospace manufacturing procedures, quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate production activities to support customer delivery schedules and program milestones.
- Support Aerospace Leadership with process qualification, validation, and first article activities.
- Assist Engineering and Quality teams with process development, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
- Support Aerospace Leadership with developing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
- Facilitate in training, coaching, and mentoring aerospace manufacturing personnel on proper manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and process controls.
- Verify personnel competency and readiness before performing critical aerospace manufacturing operations independently.
- Monitor production performance, throughput, quality metrics, and schedule attainment; identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Ensure production targets, customer delivery commitments, and quality objectives are achieved.
- Support material control, tooling readiness, and equipment maintenance activities.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer, safety, environmental, and company requirements.
- Participate in audits, customer visits, and qualification activities as required.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Adhere to safety, environmental, and quality system requirements.
- Adhere to all safety protocols, including PPE usage and handling hazardous materials (resins).
- Adhere to all safety regulations and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention policies.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Education:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field highly preferred.
- Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of composite manufacturing experience in an industrial or manufacturing industry required.
- Preferred but not required a minimum of 2 years leadership, lead, trainer, or related experience.
- Aerospace composites manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with autoclave composites operations and vacuum bagging required.
- Process documentation experience preferred.
- Skills:
- Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, and autoclave operations.
- Understanding of aerospace quality systems and manufacturing requirements.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and technical documents.
- Knowledge of composite materials, tooling, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple manufacturing activities simultaneously.
- Ability to lead and develop manufacturing personnel in a team-oriented environment.
- Working knowledge of production scheduling, workforce coordination, and manufacturing workflow management.
- Personal Attributes:
- Strong hands-on troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to train and develop manufacturing personnel.
- Self-directed team player with strong follow through, attention to details, and initiative.
- Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated sound judgement and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to effectively communicate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Leadership teams.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership for production results.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) applications.
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems highly preferred.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
- This hands-on position primarily operates in an onsite manufacturing facility with manufacturing personnel on the production floor.
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, tools, composite materials, chemicals, heat, and noise.
- Adhere to proper personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform hands-on manufacturing activities for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on business needs.
- Must be a U.S. Person (Resident Alien or US Citizen) under 22 CFR 120 (due to ITAR Restrictions)
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. GP&C will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. GP&C will not seek an export authorization for this role.
QHSE Responsibilities:
At GP&C, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental responsibility in all aspects of our operations. We believe that the well-being of our employees, the quality of our products/services, and our environmental stewardship are integral to our success. We expect all employees to adhere to our QHSE protocols and actively participate in contributing to our growing QHSE culture as well as taking pride in their work and continuously seek ways to improve processes and deliverables