AFP Operator I-2nd shift

Firefly Aerospace; Town of Texas, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement Machine Operator to join our advanced composites manufacturing team at Briggs, TX. You will set up and run the AFP machine, load materials, and ensure precision and quality in aerospace components.

This role requires attention to detail, ability to troubleshoot, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement. Join a fast-paced environment focused on cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing, with strong collaboration across

Qualifications

• Experience operating AFP or CNC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of composite materials and AFP processes.
• Attention to quality and ability to analyze data.
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance.
• Familiarity with robotics in automated placement.

Responsibilities

• Configure AFP machine for production runs with proper alignment.
• Load and manage composite materials with correct tension.
• Operate the AFP machine and monitor performance.
• Inspect produced parts for conformance to specifications.
• Record process parameters and machine data accurately.
• Follow safety guidelines and collaborate with maintenance.

Skills

AFP operation

Composite materials

Quality assurance

Technical aptitude

Time management

Team player

Robotics knowledge

Process improvement

Analytical skills

Certifications / CNC

Tools

Siemens 840D controllers

CNC tooling

Maintenance basics

Job description

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.
• 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.

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.

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.