AFP Operator I

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision plans

Parental leave

Relocation benefits

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in the United States seeks an experienced Composite AFP Machine Operator to join our manufacturing team. You will configure and run Automated Fiber Placement equipment, loading composite materials with correct tension and alignment, while ensuring safety and quality.

You will inspect parts, perform routine maintenance, and work with engineers to optimize processes. Relies on strong attention to detail, teamwork, and timely delivery of results.

Qualifications

• Must operate AFP machines or CNC-controlled equipment with accuracy.
• Strong understanding of composite materials and their behavior in AFP processes.
• Maintain high-quality standards and attention to detail in production.
• Troubleshoot machine issues and perform basic maintenance.
• Manage time effectively to meet production schedules.
• Collaborate with engineers and colleagues to achieve goals.

Responsibilities

• Configure and prepare the AFP machine for production runs, ensuring proper alignment and tooling setup.
• Manage storage, preparation, and loading of composite materials with correct tension and alignment.
• Safely operate the AFP machine and monitor performance to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect produced composite parts to verify conformity to specifications and standards.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot AFP machine issues with maintenance techs as needed.
• Seek opportunities to improve production processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
• Maintain production records including process parameters, material usage, and machine performance data.
• Adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for all team members.

Skills

Machine operation

Composite materials knowledge

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 that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

RESPONIBILITIES

• 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

• generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• parental leave
• relocation benefits
• educational reimbursement
• short term disability
• flexible PTO options

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. 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 origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24‑hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.