Composite Technician

First Search Inc.; Bloomfield (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston is seeking a Composite Manufacturing Specialist/Technician to lead hands-on fabrication of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and epoxy components for fixed-wing UAVs and aircraft. Collaborate with engineers to develop workflow, space, and prototypes for flight-ready parts.

The role requires expertise in layup, mold-making, vacuum bagging, RTM, and autoclave processes, plus a commitment to safety, documentation, and top-tier quality.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in composite fabrication across aerospace or related sectors.
• Strong portfolio of past composite components and structural parts.
• Skilled in mold-making, layup, vacuum bagging, and finishing techniques.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Self-driven with reliability and deadline focus.
• Excellent organization and shop discipline.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate high-quality composite components (wings, fairings, structural elements) using carbon fiber, Kevlar, and epoxy systems.
• Design and build molds for composite layups, including plug construction, tool prep, and vacuum bagging.
• Work with RTM, autoclave modeling, and compression molding techniques.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop workflows, workspaces, and specialized tools.
• Perform field repairs, part modifications, and rapid design iterations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment with focus on quality.
• Maintain documentation for fabrication processes and material usage.

Skills

Composite fabrication

Aerospace experience

Attention to detail

Self-driven

Shop discipline

Documentation and reporting

Tools

CNC machining

Hand tools

General shop equipment

Mold-making equipment

Job description

Our client, LiquidPiston is transforming aerospace propulsion with its breakthrough rotary engine technology. As we expand into fixed-wing UAV and aircraft applications, we’re building a world-class manufacturing team to deliver advanced aerospace components with precision and performance in mind. Join us in pioneering the future of flight.

Position Overview

They're seeking a Composite Manufacturing Specialist/Technician to lead the hands‑on fabrication of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and epoxy components for fixed‑wing UAVs and aircraft. The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in composite layup and mold‑making, with an eye for craftsmanship and a passion for high‑performance materials. This role involves working closely with engineers to develop a dedicated composite manufacturing space, processes, and prototypes—turning ideas into flight‑ready parts.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate high-quality composite components (e.g., wings, fairings, and other structural elements) using carbon fiber, Kevlar, and epoxy systems
• Design and build molds for composite layups, including plug construction, tool prep, and vacuum bagging
• Comfortable with hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), autoclave modeling, and compression molding techniques.
• Collaborate with engineering staff to develop manufacturing workflows, workspaces, and specialized tools
• Perform field repairs, composite part modifications, and rapid design iterations
• Ensure a clean, safe, and organized shop environment with a focus on consistent, top-tier fabrication quality
• Maintain documentation for fabrication processes, material usage, and design changes

Qualifications

• Proven hands‑on experience in composite fabrication—ideally from aerospace, marine, motor sports, or performance product sectors
• Strong portfolio showcasing past projects and physical components (photos required)
• Skilled in mold‑making, layup, vacuum bagging, and finishing techniques
• High attention to detail with a commitment to producing both mechanically sound aesthetically pleasing parts
• Self‑driven, reliable, and focused on quality and committed to deadlines
• Excellent organization, cleanliness, and shop discipline are essential

Preferred Skills

• Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and structural optimization of composite components
• Comfort with CNC machining, hand tools, and general shop equipment
• Familiarity with small aircraft or UAV structures and aerodynamic design principles