Composite Technician

JGA Space & Defense

Huntersville (NC)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Health savings account

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

JGA Space & Defense in Huntersville, NC, is seeking a skilled Aerospace Composite Technician to fabricate, assemble, and finish advanced composites for aerospace, space, and defense applications. The role covers layup, vacuum bagging, curing, bonding, machining support, and inspections per AS9100 standards.

The position offers first and second shift options with standard 10‑hour days, potential overtime, and a focus on quality, traceability, and safe manufacturing practices.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required.
2–5 years of composite manufacturing experience preferred.
Experience reading engineering drawings and manufacturing instructions.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and travelers.

Responsibilities

Perform composite layup with prepregs, dry fiber, honeycomb core, and other materials.
Execute vacuum bagging, debulking, curing, and autoclave/hydroclave processing operations.
Prepare molds, tooling, fixtures, and materials for fabrication activities.
Trim, drill, sand, and finish components to drawings and tolerances.
Perform bonding, assembly, and quality traceability activities.
Support production with troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Reading engineering drawings

Teamwork

Detail orientation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Autoclave

Vacuum bagging equipment

Hydroclave processing equipment

Job description

Aerospace Composite Technician

Location: Huntersville, NC

Department: Operations / Manufacturing

Reports To: Composites Fabrication & Assembly Operations Manager

Company Description

JGA Space & Defense is a leading manufacturer of advanced composites and precision machined components for aerospace, space, and defense industries. Founded as Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions, JGA evolved from high-performance racing to provide mission-critical solutions for national security and space exploration. With decades of expertise in solid rocket motor hardware such as rocket nozzle insulators and assemblies, the company is dedicated to advancing the U.S. defense supply chain. Operating from its Huntersville, North Carolina facility, JGA supports next-generation technologies for space and defense applications. JGA Space & Defense is seeking six (6) skilled Aerospace Composite Technician professionals to join our growing manufacturing team. We are hiring for both first and second shift opportunities to support current production requirements and future business growth.

We are seeking:

Three (3) Composite Technicians – First (Day) Shift
Three (3) Composite Technicians – Second (Night) Shift

While we will make every effort to accommodate your preference, shift placement will ultimately be based on business needs, qualifications, and position availability.

First (Day) Shift

Schedule: Monday – Thursday
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Work Schedule: Four (4) 10-hour shifts per week
Meal Break: One (1) hour unpaid lunch break

Second (Night) Shift

Schedule: Monday – Thursday
Hours: 3:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Work Schedule: Four (4) 10-hour shifts per week
Meal Break: Thirty (30) minute unpaid meal break
Shift Differential: Employees assigned to second shift receive an additional $3.00 per hour above the applicable base hourly rate.

Important:

We are specifically seeking candidates who are interested in and available to work the shift for which they apply. If you are applying for a second-shift position, please ensure you are able and willing to work the scheduled hours. Candidates selected for second shift will be expected to remain on that shift based on business needs.

Candidates must be available to work the shift for which they are selected.

Position Summary

The Aerospace Composite Technician is responsible for the fabrication, assembly, processing, and finishing of advanced composite components used in aerospace, space, and defense applications. This role performs composite layup, vacuum bagging, autoclave/hydroclave processing, bonding, machining support, and inspection activities in accordance with engineering specifications, manufacturing work instructions, and AS9100 quality requirements. The ideal candidate possesses hands‑on experience working with aerospace‑grade composite materials and demonstrates a strong understanding of composite manufacturing processes, quality standards, and traceability requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Composite Fabrication & Processing

Perform composite layup of prepreg, dry fiber, honeycomb core, and other advanced composite materials according to engineering drawings and manufacturing work instructions.
Execute vacuum bagging, debulking, curing, and autoclave/hydroclave processing operations.
Prepare molds, tooling, fixtures, and materials for composite fabrication activities.
Trim, drill, sand, route, machine, and finish composite components to engineering specifications and tolerances.
Perform adhesive bonding, potting, and assembly of composite structures and subassemblies.
Operate cutting, trimming, and fabrication equipment safely and effectively.

Quality & Compliance

Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, work instructions, and travelers.
Perform in-process inspections to verify dimensional accuracy and workmanship standards.
Ensure full traceability of materials, components, and manufacturing activities.
Accurately complete manufacturing documentation and quality records.
Support AS9100, customer, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Identify and report nonconforming material, workmanship, or process deviations.

Production Support

Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to resolve production issues.
Assist in troubleshooting composite fabrication and curing processes.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with 5S and safety standards.

Qualifications

Required

High School Diploma or GED.
2–5 years of composite manufacturing experience or equivalent.
Experience with vacuum bagging and composite layup techniques.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing instructions.
Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Preferred

Aerospace, defense, or space industry experience.
Experience with autoclave or hydroclave processing.
Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems.
Experience with adhesive bonding and composite assembly.
Familiarity with composite trimming, drilling, and finishing operations.
Experience working with carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb core, and aerospace‑grade prepreg materials.
Forklift and overhead crane experience.

Work Environment

Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, composite materials, dust, adhesives, solvents, and curing equipment.
Required use of PPE including safety glasses, gloves, respirators (as required), and hearing protection.
May require overtime and weekend work based on production schedules and customer demand.

Compensation & Benefits