AS 9100, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Adhesives, Aerospace and Defense, Antenna, Autoclave, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Cleanroom, Composite Materials, Continuous Improvement, Contract Requirements, Corrective Action, Documentation, Engineering Drawing, Film, Government Contracts, Government Requirements, Identify Issues, Leadership, Load Testing, Machine Tool, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Mentoring, Metrology, Quality Metrics, Radio Frequency, Research & Development (R&D), Resin, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Standards, SolidWorks, Technical Leadership, Testing, United States Citizen
About Opterus
Established in 2018, Opterus Research and Development is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable systems. We're transforming the aerospace and defense industry by combining our patented high-strain composites with origami-inspired designs to create high-performance structures, including rollable booms, RF antennas, solar arrays, and other next-generation systems.
Position Overview
Opterus is seeking a highly experienced Senior Composite Technician to lead the fabrication, processing, and assembly of advanced composite structures for next generation aerospace applications. This is a senior, hands-on technical role for someone with deep expertise in composites manufacturing – ideally a technician who has spent years mastering prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, cure processes, tooling, and high precision composite assemblies.
The ideal candidate brings 7-10+ years of composite manufacturing experience, exceptional technical judgment, and the ability to independently solve complex fabrication challenges in a fast paced R&D and flight hardware environment. This person will serve as a technical leader on the production floor and a mentor for less experienced technicians.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead fabrication and assembly of advanced composite structures, including complex layups, multi-material assemblies, and tight tolerance R&D and flight hardware
- Perform prepreg material handling, including identification of material condition, fiber orientation, tack, resin content, and suitability for process steps
- Assist in the development and execution of advanced vacuum bagging strategies, cure setups, and autoclave/oven cycles to ensure repeatable, high-quality laminates
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing plans with minimal oversight
- Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for-manufacture challenges, and validate new materials and processes
- Build, maintain, and improve composite tooling, including molds, mandrels, and fixtures
- Provide input to improve manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, work order steps, and quality checkpoints
- Operate and maintain specialized composite fabrication equipment (e.g., custom ovens, precision cutters, metrology tools, and clean‑room environments)
- Perform inspection of composite components (visual, tap test, dimensional, etc.) and ensure compliance with aerospace quality and safety standards
- Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for fabrication issues, material deviations, and process nonconformances
- Train and mentor Level I–III technicians, setting the standard for craftsmanship, precision, and shop professionalism
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in tooling design, layup methodology, material flow, and production efficiency
Required Qualifications
- 7-10+ years of hands-on composite fabrication experience (aerospace experience strongly preferred)
- Proficiency in prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, debulk/cure cycles, and composite assembly techniques
- Strong knowledge of composite material systems (prepreg, dry fiber, adhesives, film adhesives, core materials, etc.)
- Proven ability to independently execute complex layups and assemblies with high precision and low rework rates
- Ability to identify material type or condition through handling (e.g., frozen vs. Out-time expired prepreg, resin system distinctions)
- Ability to lead troubleshooting, mentor teams, and provide technical direction
- Strong understanding of AS9100 practices, clean‑room operation, and aerospace quality standards
- Capable of working from engineering drawings, CAD, and work instructions
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, iterative R&D environment where processes evolve quickly
- U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident (due to government contract requirements)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-strain composites, deployable structures, or spaceflight hardware
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, load testing, etc.)
- CNC machining, metrology, or precision alignment experience
- CAD experience (e.g., SolidWorks)
- Experience with First Article builds
Compensation and Benefits
- Annual salary range of $74,000 - $90,000, based on experience and qualifications
- Flexible work schedules (i.e., traditional, 9/80, or 4/10 schedule)
- Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances
- 401K matching up to 4%
- 9 paid holidays
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement