Aerospace Composite Technician - 3rd Shift

Applied Composites; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement plan matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Composites in Indianapolis is seeking a Composite Lamination Technician to lay up prepregs, vacuum bag parts, and prepare layups for autoclave curing. You will work with layup molds, ensure ply orientation, and follow manufacturing instructions to produce high‑quality aerospace components.

This night shift role requires precise shop math, attention to detail, and collaboration with leads, supervisors, and engineering. Training on 1st shift is available for 90 days.

Qualifications

• Reads and follows basic instructions and diagrams in English.
• Basic shop math to record information like weights and out-times.
• Follows aerospace quality standards and shop practices.
• Prepares molds with release agents per instructions.
• Lays up materials on molds and removes air pockets properly.
• Trims materials without damaging molds.

Responsibilities

• Laminates prepregs with proper orientation and compaction.
• Applies vacuum bags and ensures no leaks during cure.
• Performs shipping checks and documents work in travelers.
• Maintains attendance and may work nights/weekends as needed.
• Communicates issues with leads, supervisors, and engineering.

Skills

Lay-up and vacuum bagging

Knowledge of composites

Composites process awareness

Technical management

Time management

Communication with leads/engineering

Coordinate workflow

Work in fast-paced environment

Mechanical aptitude

Read designs & drawings

Problem-solving

Verbal & written communication

Dedication & attendance

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Composite Lamination Technician

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Composite Lamination Technician who places resin pre-impregnated fabrics and tapes onto layup molds, consolidates precured face sheets and core, and knows fiber direction and ply orientation. Handles prepreg, adhesive, core, and other layup materials. Cuts vacuum bag materials and creates vacuum bags. Prepares parts for transfer to the autoclave department. Ensures layups and vacuum bags are prepared according to the requirements of manufacturing instructions. The technician learns quickly, works quickly, performs high-quality work, works well with others, and is focused on completing the task.

About AC

We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

Job Responsibilities

• Reads and follows basic instructions and diagrams in English
• Uses basic shop math skills to record information such as freezer out-time and mixture weights
• Follows standard shop practices and quality standards in the aerospace industry
• Prepares molds using shop approved release agents
• Layup materials to molds and removes air pockets using approved hands, squeegees, and heat guns
• Occasionally mixes resins and catalysts as specified
• Trims materials using scissors or knife without damaging the layup mold
• Performs physical and environmental checks and documents work onto manufacturing travelers
• Laminates plies of prepreg with minimal supervision oversight, ensuring that the plies are well-compacted, correctly oriented, and comply to the stated tolerances
• Vacuum bag parts applying best-practices, ensuring that the vacuum bags do not leak during cure
• Performs all other duties as assigned
• Maintains regular, consistent, and punctual attendance; may need to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s), and additional hours as necessary

Job Specifications

Education

Requires a High School Diploma/GED or combination of relevant education and work experience may be substituted to meet educational requirements only.

Years of Experience

Minimum of one (1) year previous experience.

Skills

• Ability to lay-up and vacuum bag complex parts
• Possesses knowledge of composites and composite terms
• Awareness of the overall composites process (design, tooling, layup, cure, trim, assembly and inspection)
• Possesses excellent technical management and communication skills
• Ability to manage time to get work completed on schedule
• Ability to communicate process issues with leads, supervisors, and engineering
• Ability to coordinate workflow with other departments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment performing accurate and quality products
• Possesses high mechanical aptitude
• Ability to follow instructions explicitly or innovate, depending on situation
• Possesses strong problem-solving skills
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to read design specifications and technical drawings
• Ability to handle multiple projects and to work alongside peers
• Ability to manage time to get work completed on schedule
• Dependable and accountable with strong attendance, time-management skills, and a consistent work ethic

Shift

Monday - Friday, 11:30 PM - 8:00 AM.

Must be able to train on 1st shift (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday) for at least 90 days.

Benefits

At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affimative Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.