Composite Technician

AscendArc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 39,950 - 59,236; Full time

Job summary

AscendArc in Beaverton, Oregon is seeking a Composite Technician to join their Manufacturing team. In this entry-level position, you will develop components for a revolutionary satellite communications system, involving hands-on work with composite materials and manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn composite terminology and methods. The role offers a base hourly rate of $29 to $43, depending on experience and skill level.

Qualifications

• Entry level up to ~8 years of experience in composite manufacturing.
• Familiarity with composite terminology and methods.
• Comfortable with hand tools and shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute composite build workflows including mold prep and lay-up.
• Fabricate prototype and production components.
• Operate composite manufacturing equipment and tools.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Ability to read drawings

Tools

Hand tools

CAD software

Vacuum systems

Job description

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Manufacturing team as a Composite Technician developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground‑breaking and fast‑paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Execute composite build workflows: mold prep, lay‑up (pre‑preg and/or wet), vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, sanding, and finishing.
• Fabricate prototype and production composite components: structural assemblies, panels, housings, mounting structures.
• Operate composite manufacturing equipment (ovens/autoclaves, vacuum systems, cutting/lay‑up tools) and hand‑tools.
• Work with CAD or drawings to verify lay‑up schedules, tooling and part geometry; collaborate with design/structural engineers to close the CAD‑to‑hardware loop.
• Support process documentation: Build Instructions, lay‑up records, cure cycles, inspection logs.
• Setup and maintain clean manufacturing environment, molds, tooling, jigs, fixtures for composites work.
• Inspect your work: ensure fiber orientation, resin distribution, vacuum integrity, cure quality meet specs. Flag non‑conformances, participate in root‑cause and correction.
• Iterate rapidly: prototypes move fast, so you must adapt builds, suggest tooling improvements, refine manufacturing steps for future builds.
• Cross‑skill: may assist in metallic machining/fabrication, assembly of hybrid metal–composite hardware if required.

Qualifications

• Entry level up to ~8 years of experience in composite manufacturing, lay‑up, or structural fabrication for aerospace, marine, automotive or similar high‑performance environment.
• Familiarity (or willingness to learn quickly) with composite terminology and methods: pre‑preg/autoclave or vacuum bagged wet lay‑up, mold release agents, peel‑ply/breather, lay‑up schedule, cure cycle.
• Mechanical aptitude: comfortable with hand tools, shop environment, trimming/finishing composite parts, working to tight tolerances.
• Basic experience or interest in tooling, fixtures, jigs for composite manufacturing.
• Ability to read drawings, follow build instructions, and work with process documentation (BOMs, lay‑up sheets, work instructions).
• Attention to detail, particularly in composite builds: fiber orientation, void‑control, surface finish.
• Proactive with problem‑solving: see a potential build issue, flag it, iterate the process.
• Comfortable in a hardware‑centric, fast‑paced startup atmosphere where prototypes turn into test articles and flight hardware.
• Able to lift ~25lbs, stand for prolonged periods, work in shop/cleanroom environments.

Pay Rate

The base hourly rate for this position is $29-43/hr.

When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

Legal Eligibility to Work

Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H‑1B, TN, O‑1, etc.) for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor or legally protected status.