Composite Technician

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. seeks a Composite Technician Assembler to fabricate, assemble and repair advanced composite structures using carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass. You will read blueprints, prepare molds, perform lay-up, curing and finishing, and ensure quality through inspections.

Role requires experience with composites, manual dexterity, and adherence to safety procedures. 2nd shift from 2:30 pm to 12:00 am. Full-time hourly with salary range provided.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and five or more years of related experience.
• Knowledge of safety practices, OSHA, tools and materials used in the field.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings to understand customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Align and fit composite parts per engineering drawings and specifications.
• Apply structural adhesives, sealants, and bonding agents for joints.
• Install fasteners such as rivets, bolts, and screws with torque checks.
• Assemble complex structures by integrating hardware and mating components.
• Prepare bonding surfaces and use fixtures to ensure accuracy.
• Perform basic functional checks and document results.
• Record process parameters and deviations from standard procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and fabrication teams.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Composite materials

Bonding & joining

Mechanical fastening

Quality inspection

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Drill

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Under supervision, the Composite Technician Assembler is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and repairing advanced composite structures using materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. This role involves reading and interpreting blueprints, preparing molds, and performing material lay-up, curing, and finishing processes. The technician assembles components by trimming, drilling, bonding, and fastening parts to meet precise engineering specifications. They ensure quality through detailed inspections and collaborate with other teams to resolve assembly challenges. Maintaining a safe and organized work environment is essential, as is adherence to safety procedures and documentation requirements. This position requires strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and experience with composite materials or aerospace components.

This is a 2nd shift position from 2:30 pm to 12:00 am.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Part Alignment & Fit-Up: Precisely align and fit composite parts and subassemblies according to engineering drawings and specifications, ensuring proper orientation and fit between components.
• Bonding & Joining: Apply structural adhesives, sealants, and bonding agents to join composite components. Use proper techniques to ensure strong, durable bonds and prevent contamination.
• Mechanical Fastening: Install fasteners such as rivets, bolts, and screws using hand and power tools. Verify torque values and fastener placement according to specifications.
• Component Integration: Assemble complex structures by integrating hardware (inserts, bushings, brackets) and mating composite parts with metallic or non-metallic elements.
• Surface Preparation: Prepare bonding surfaces by sanding, cleaning, and treating as required to ensure optimal adhesion and structural integrity.
• Tooling & Fixtures: Set up and use assembly jigs, fixtures, and templates to maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability during assembly processes.
• Functional Testing: Perform basic functional checks (fit, movement, alignment) and preliminary inspections to verify assembly quality before final inspection.
• Documentation: Record assembly steps, process parameters, and any deviations from standard procedures. Communicate findings and issues to supervisors or engineering teams.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, quality, and fabrication teams to resolve assembly challenges and improve processes.
• Assist in the preparation of molds and forms.
• Mark and cut tape, woven material, honeycomb, adhesive and similar materials following templates, guides or specific dimensions and sequences following specific instruction.
• Route, drill, trim and sand to blueprint dimensions and tolerances.
• Maintain records as required.
• Support quality process by maintaining work area in an orderly condition by returning tools, equipment and material to storage areas.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Additional Functions: Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires High School diploma or equivalent and five or more years of related experience.
• Must be customer focused and desirable knowledge of safety practices, OSHA, tool, equipment and materials used in the field.
• Knowledge of surface preparation, material and techniques for surface finishing.
• Must possess ability to read and interpret drawings to understand customer requirements.
• Physical ability to lift to 50 lbs. and ability to work from ladders.
• Interpersonal skills and written communication skills to work as a team.
• Be able to interface with employees and upper management from other departments and effectively communicate status of job and estimated completion dates.

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly

Salary range: 56,180 - 83,518