Automated Fiber Placement Technician

Janicki Industries, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with employer matching

Paid time off and holidays

Education reimbursement

Shift options

Premium pay for off-shifts

Job summary

Janicki Industries, Inc. seeks an Automated Fiber Placement Technician to operate Electroimpact AFP systems and maintain high-precision composite parts in a state-of-the-art facility in Washington state.

The role requires reading ply schedules, controlling materials, and ensuring quality. Candidates should have basic AFP experience, understanding of fiber orientation, and capable English communication; US citizenship or permanent residency and eligibility for security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• US citizen or US permanent resident status with ability to obtain clearance.
• 1+ year experience operating AFP/CNC/robotic equipment preferred.
• Strong English communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate Electroimpact AFP machines and handle setup and loading programs.
• Load prepregs, manage material tension, and verify ply sequences.
• Perform dry runs, calibrations, and material path verifications.
• Monitor fiber placement quality and troubleshoot as needed.
• Document logs, machine data, and defect records.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement instructions and changes.

Skills

AFP operation

Machine control

Quality awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Electroimpact AFP

Virtek

LAP

Job description

Janicki Industries is an innovative, family-owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries.

We are looking for an Automated Fiber Placement Technician to join our growing team. This position is located on‑site in Hamilton, Washington State.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining AFP equipment—specifically Electroimpact AFP systems to fabricate high‑precision composite parts and structures for aerospace applications. This role requires proficiency in machine control interfaces, composite layup processes, and quality assurance methods in a high‑performance manufacturing environment. The position requires execution of the following essential job functions:

• Operate Electroimpact AFP machines, including system setup, loading programs, and verifying proper alignment of materials and tooling
• Use Electroimpact's proprietary interface and control software to manage ply sequences, tow paths, and machine diagnostics
• Load and manage material such as prepreg spools into the Electroimpact AFP head, ensuring proper tension and tracking
• Perform dry runs, calibrations, and material path verifications using the Electroimpact laser projection system (e.g., Virtek or LAP)
• Monitor the AFP process for fiber bridging, tow drops, overlaps, and gaps, ensuring adherence to ply boundaries and fiber orientation
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing technicians to implement work instructions, part programs, and configuration changes specific to Electroimpact systems
• Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of Electroimpact AFP equipment, including tow placement heads, compaction rollers, and vision systems
• Perform post‑process documentation including fiber placement records, machine logs, and defect tracking
• Support process optimization by providing feedback on Electroimpact machine performance, downtime issues, and layup strategies

Behavior: The incumbent must work well under pressure, meeting and completing multiple deadlines. The incumbent shall, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors. Being at work on time and maintaining good attendance is a condition of employment and is an essential function of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3). This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Preferred but not required: 1+ years of experience operating AFP, CNC, robotic, or other automated equipment in aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, machining, or related technical fields.

Candidates with strong mechanical aptitude, technical coursework, or hands‑on experience (school projects, trade programs, internships, military experience, maker/DIY background) are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with Electroimpact AFP systems or similar automated composite layup machines is a plus, but training will be provided for motivated candidates.

Ability to read or willingness to learn to read engineering drawings, ply schedules, and manufacturing documentation. Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills, or demonstrated ability to learn mechanical systems, tools, and equipment. Understanding of fiber orientation angles and composite layup quality standards preferred but not required. Comfortable learning structured processes, documenting work, and following quality and safety procedures. Must have effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Wage range for this role is between $20 - $45 an hour plus a discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off‑shifts, off‑site work, and access pay. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job‑related and non‑discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities.

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off‑shifts
• Premium pay for security clearance if applicable

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer. Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Aff… . Additionally, as a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment.