Composite/Carbon Fiber Technician, Footwear Innovation

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical benefits

Job summary

Aquent in Beaverton, OR is seeking a skilled composites manufacturing specialist to support process development for a new footwear technology. You will lay up, mold, bond carbon fiber and glass fiber, prepare tooling, and run cure cycles while ensuring safety and quality.

This role requires hands-on experience with prepregs, vacuum bagging, curing, and finishing; CAD support for tooling design; and strong documentation, communication, and collaboration with global partners.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in composites manufacturing or a materials development role.
• Hands-on experience with carbon fiber, glass fiber, or composite materials.
• Know-how of prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, molding, curing, bonding, finishing.
• Ability to read technical drawings, specs and work instructions.
• Strong documentation, presentation and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Support process development for composite footwear components as the team scales a new technology.
• Lay up, mold, and bond carbon fiber, glass fiber, and composite prototypes per specs.
• Handle, mix, and apply epoxies, resins, and adhesives safely.
• Prep materials, tooling, jigs, and equipment ahead of each build.
• Cut, trim, and shape composite materials using hand and power tools.
• Run equipment including vacuum pumps, ovens, presses, and cure cycles.
• Use CAD to support part, tooling, jig, and fixture design.
• Inspect parts for quality and help resolve defects.

Skills

Composites manufacturing

Carbon fiber handling

CAD skills

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Support process development for composite footwear components as the team scales a new technology
• Lay up, mold, and bond carbon fiber, glass fiber, and composite prototypes following established procedures and specs
• Handle, mix, and apply epoxies, resins, and adhesives safely and correctly
• Prep materials, tooling, jigs, and equipment ahead of each build
• Cut, trim, and shape composite materials using hand and power tools
• Run equipment including vacuum pumps, ovens, presses, and cure cycles
• Use CAD to support part, tooling, jig, and fixture design
• Inspect parts for quality, flag defects or non-conformities, and help resolve them
• Perform part and material analysis on fabricated and tested components, using statistical analysis where it helps tell the story
• Document processes, build records, inspection reports, and material usage clearly and consistently
• Present findings and progress updates to the broader innovation team
• Collaborate with global partners, including occasional early morning or evening calls across time zones
• Follow safety protocols and keep a clean, organized lab

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in composites manufacturing or a materials development role
• Hands-on experience with carbon fiber, glass fiber, or composite materials (footwear or consumer product experience is a big plus)
• Working knowledge of prepreg layup, kitting, vacuum bagging, compression molding, curing, bonding, and finishing
• Solid knowledge of how to safely handle and work with epoxies
• CAD skills
• Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills
• A team player who is comfortable collaborating with engineers, designers, and global partners
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specs, and work instructions
• Strong attention to detail and a hands-on approach to troubleshooting
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs several times a day
• Flexibility for some early morning or evening calls with global partners
• Open to potential international travel

Nice to Have

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Composites Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field (preferred, not required)
• Statistical analysis experience (DOE, SPC, or similar)
• Experience scaling a new process or technology from prototype into production
• Background in footwear, apparel, or sporting goods product development

Why Aquent

Aquent offers contractors access to benefits, including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k), and paid sick leave where applicable. See the full details at aquent.com.