Composite Technician

The PAC Group; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The PAC Group in North Kingstown, RI seeks a Composite Technician to fabricate and assemble advanced composite structures for next‑generation electrified products. The role emphasizes hands‑on manufacturing, prototype support, and close collaboration with design and testing teams.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in aerospace/defense composites, strong skills in prepreg, layup, cure processes, and precision measurement.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years hands-on experience manufacturing composite structures in aerospace/defense/advanced sectors.
• Experience with prepreg and wet layup; vacuum bagging and thermal/autoclave or oven curing.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, GD&T, and process specs; use precision measurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, and finish composite components using prepreg, layup, bagging, infusion, and related methods.
• Operate and maintain composite manufacturing equipment including ovens, autoclaves, vacuum systems, trimming tools.
• Read drawings and layup schedules; support prototype, test, and production builds; ensure safety and quality.

Skills

Composite fabrication

Reading engineering drawings

GD&T

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Cure processes

Quality documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical/vocational certification

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Depth gauges

Autoclave operation

Job description

Job Title:Composite Technician
Location:North Kingstown, RI
Level:Medium
Client Facing:Yes

About PAC Group:

At The PAC Group (PAC), we specialize in engineering consulting, program management, and operational excellence—delivering high-impact solutions in more than 20 countries. We’re proud to partner with the world’s leading companies in automotive, aerospace, industrial, and technology sectors, providing strategic guidance and hands‑on execution that drive innovation and efficiency. Whether we’re launching advanced manufacturing systems, deploying digital simulation tools, or scaling global operations, PAC thrives at the intersection of technology, engineering, and problem‑solving.

Joining PAC means joining a dynamic, fast‑paced, and global team that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Role Purpose:

The Composite Technician is responsible for the hands‑on fabrication, assembly, repair, and testing of advanced composite structures and components used in next‑generation electrified products. This role plays a critical part in supporting prototype development, design validation, and production readiness. The ideal candidate combines deep composites manufacturing expertise with a practical, problem‑solving mindset and thrives in a fast‑paced startup environment where quality, safety, and innovation are paramount.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fabricate, assemble, and finish composite components and structures using prepreg, wet layup, vacuum bagging, infusion, and other advanced composite manufacturing techniques.
• Perform mold preparation, material cutting, layup, curing, demolding, trimming, bonding, and finishing operations.
• Operate and maintain composite manufacturing equipment, including ovens, autoclaves, vacuum systems, trimming tools, and inspection equipment.
• Maintain cleanroom/shop standards, calibrate shop tools, and ensure safety and material handling protocols (OSHA, resin safety) are strictly followed.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, 3D piles, specifications, technical work instructions, and composite layup schedules.
• Support development, prototype, and production builds of new model.
• Collaborate with design engineers to iterate rapidly on prototype tooling, fixtures, and part modifications in a dynamic environment.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and testing engineers to identify and resolve build issues and improve manufacturability.
• Perform structural bonding, mechanical assembly, and integration of composite components with metallic and electrical systems.
• Trim, drill, deburr, and assemble cured composite and multi‑material subassemblies to tight engineering tolerances using precision hand and power tools.
• Conduct in‑process and first‑article inspections using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges) to verify part geometry and structural integrity.
• Document manufacturing activities to ensure compliance with quality standards and engineering requirements.
• Identify defects and perform composite repairs as required using approved techniques and procedures.
• Maintain strict adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and material handling procedures.
• Assist in developing manufacturing processes, tooling concepts, and build documentation for future production.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, throughput, and reliability.
• Support test activities as needed, including troubleshooting and modifications.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience manufacturing composite structures in aerospace, defense, motorsports, marine, or other high‑performance industries.
• Demonstrated experience with composite fabrication methods including:
• Prepreg and wet‑layup
• Vacuum bagging and thermal/autoclave or oven curing
• Structural bonding
• Experience working with carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb core, and sandwich‑panel constructions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, work instructions, and process specifications.
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools and fabrication equipment.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, cure processes, and quality requirements.
• Experience maintaining accurate manufacturing records and quality documentation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high‑quality workmanship.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational certification.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg), and perform hands‑on manufacturing activities.
• Eligibility to work in the applicable country.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building flight hardware for commercial, military, eVTOL, UAV, space, or advanced air mobility programs.
• Previous experience in an aerospace startup or rapid product development environment.
• Familiarity with FAA, EASA, AS9100, or equivalent aerospace quality standards.
• Experience operating autoclaves and developing composite cure cycles.
• Composite certification from a recognized technical institution or aerospace organization.
• Experience with non‑destructive inspection (NDI/NDT) methods.
• Knowledge of tooling design, mold fabrication, and manufacturing process development.
• Experience integrating composite structures with electrical, battery, propulsion, or high‑voltage systems.
• Ability to support prototype builds and transitions into low‑rate or full‑scale production.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Basic exposure to CAD/CAM software (such as CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD) for reviewing ply geometries and digital models.
• Experience building composite molds, plugs, or master patterns from scratch.
• Aircraft maintenance, airframe, or aerospace manufacturing background.

The salary range for this position is dependent upon experience, education, and qualifications.

Pay Range

$38 - $42 USD