ASSOCIATE TECHNICIAN - TECHNICIAN - Mechanical Systems - Composite Fabrication

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks a motivated team member for the composites lab, performing filament winding operations and layups to meet client needs. You will fabricate composite parts per engineering drawings and procedures, collaborating with scientists and engineers to ensure parts meet specifications.

The role requires a high school diploma, up to 5 years of related fabrication experience, and basic measuring with calipers or micrometers.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–5 years of experience fabricating composite materials.
• Experience with hand and power tools; basic measuring tools.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and fabrication specs.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the entire composite fabrication process.
• Mix resin, prepare molds, fabricate parts, cure, trim.
• Maintain clean labs and equipment.
• Follow PPE and chemical-handling procedures.
• Document work and follow quality checklists.
• Adhere to drawings, travelers, and procedures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Power tools

Measuring tools

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

Who We Are:

Join our Composite Fabrication team! At SwRI, you'll work in multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians to explore innovative science and technology in a classified &R&D environment. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Objectives of this Role:

• Be a motivated team member in the composites lab performing filament winding operations and layups to meet client driven needs and deadlines.
• Fabricate custom composite parts in accordance with engineering drawings, technical procedures, and written or verbal instructions.
• Collaborate directly with team members, scientists and engineers to ensure composite parts meet or exceed specifications.
• Bring a positive attitude, strong attention to detail, and a team-first mindset.
• Be willing to learn new tools and methods, and take on new tasks that support the broader team when needed.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Involved in entire composite fabrication process.
• Mixing resin, preparing molds and mandrels, fabricating composite parts, oven curing, trimming/grinding, and assembling.
• Responsible for the daily/weekly cleaning of equipment and lab space as well as maintaining a neat and orderly work environment.
• Use PPE (respirators, gloves, safety glasses, etc.) and follow chemical-handling procedures.
• Assist team members as needed and learn new processes and procedures.
• Communicate issues with parts, tools, or documents to leads/supervisors.
• Visually inspect parts for defects (voids, delamination, wrinkles).
• Measure dimensions with basic tools (calipers, tape measures, gauges).
• Document work performed on travelers/routers and follow quality checklists.
• Follow work instructions, travelers, and engineering drawings.
• Adhere to company procedures, industry standards, and customer requirements.

Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 0-5 years: Experience fabricating composite materials (pre-preg, wet layups, and/or filament winding).
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with experience using hand tools, power tools, and standard mechanical measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, etc.).
• Working independently or as part of a team to follow engineering drawings and fabrication specifications.
• Basic computer and data entry skills.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.