AFP Operator I

Firefly Aerospace; Briggs (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement Machine Operator to join its advanced composites manufacturing team at the Briggs, TX facility. The role focuses on setting up and operating an AFP system to produce high-quality aerospace components, with emphasis on materials handling, tooling, and process control.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineers, monitor machine performance, and implement improvements to enhance productivity while ensuring strict quality

Qualifications

• Experience operating Automated Fiber Placement Machines or CNC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of composite materials and AFP processes.
• Attention to detail with a track record of producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to troubleshoot machine issues and perform routine maintenance.
• Effective time management to meet production schedules.
• Collaborative mindset and clear communication with engineers.

Responsibilities

• Configure and prepare the AFP machine for production runs with proper alignment and tooling setup.
• Manage material loading and tension to ensure correct placement during AFP processing.
• Safely operate the AFP machine and monitor performance, adjusting to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect produced parts for conformity to specifications and document results.
• Perform routine maintenance and collaborate with maintenance staff to minimize downtime.
• Identify process improvements to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Document process parameters, material usage, and machine performance.

Skills

Machine Operation

Composite Materials

Quality Assurance

Technical Aptitude

Time Management

Team Player

Tools

Siemens 840D controllers

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch land and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond As the partner of choice for critical space missions Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24 hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing Headquartered in north Austin Texas Firefly is looking for passionate hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space

SUMMARY

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Automated Fiber Placement Machine Operator to join our advanced composites manufacturing team As an AFP Machine Operator you will be responsible for setting up and operating the state of the art Automated Fiber Placement Machine to produce high quality composite parts and structures Your expertise in operating this specialized equipment will play a crucial role in the production of cutting edge aerospace components This role is located at our rocket production facility in Briggs TX north of Cedar Park

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Configure and prepare the Automated Fiber Placement Machine for production runs ensuring proper alignment calibration and tooling setup
• Manage the storage preparation and loading of composite materials ensuring correct tension and alignment for optimal production results
• Safely operate the AFP Machine monitor its performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency throughout the production process
• Conduct regular inspections of the produced composite parts to verify conformity to specifications and standards making adjustments as needed to meet quality requirements
• Perform routine maintenance tasks and troubleshoot issues with the AFP Machine collaborating with maintenance technicians when necessary to minimize downtime
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve production processes reduce waste and increase machine efficiency without compromising product quality
• Maintain accurate production records including process parameters material usage and machine performance data
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and team members

Required Skills

• Machine Operation Demonstrated experience in operating Automated Fiber Placement Machines or similar CNC controlled manufacturing equipment
• Composite Materials Knowledge Proficient understanding of composite materials their properties and how they behave during the AFP process
• Quality Assurance Strong attention to detail and a track record of maintaining high quality standards in production processes
• Technical Aptitude Ability to troubleshoot machine issues perform routine maintenance and make minor adjustments to optimize production efficiency
• Time Management Effective time management skills to meet production schedules and deliver on time results
• Team Player Collaborative mindset working well within a team environment and communicating effectively with engineers and colleagues

Desired Composites Manufacturing Experience

• Prior experience working with composites manufacturing processes such as layup curing or composite assembly

Robotics Knowledge

• Familiarity with robotic systems and automation as AFP Machines often incorporate robotic arms for precision placement

Process Improvement

• Proven track record of implementing process improvements to enhance productivity and quality in manufacturing operations

Analytical Skills

• Ability to analyze data identify trends and suggest data driven improvements to the manufacturing process

Certifications

• Any relevant certifications in composites manufacturing CNC operation or machine programming would be a plus

Controls Experience

• Utilizing Siemens 840D controllers a plus

Benefits

• Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees including generous health dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles parental leave educational reimbursement short term disability and flexible PTO options

Eligibility & Compliance

• To conform to US Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State

Firefly Aerospace Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national originethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status