Composite Technician

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego, CA, seeks a manufacturing technician to support lay-up, mold prep, and assembly of composite materials in a busy production environment.

You will follow blueprints, templates, and process sheets to cut, route, and assemble parts, and assist in surface preparation and painting of components. A HS diploma and 2+ years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent with two or more years of related experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend blueprints and other drawings; perform simple mathematical calculations.
• Experience using hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Ability to work in a loud environment and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Respirator certification may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of molds and forms.
• Mark and cut tape, woven material, honeycomb, adhesive and related materials following templates and dimensions.
• Route, drill, trim, and sand to blueprint dimensions; vacuum bag parts for room temperature cure.
• Assist lay-up of composite materials to mold; assemble aircraft components using adhesives, rivets, and fasteners.
• Prepare surfaces and paint components; apply epoxy paints and coatings; maintain clean work area.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Hand tools

Measurement with calipers

Mathematical calculations

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Rollers

Paper cutters

Scissors

X-acto knives

Electric heat gun

Job description

Job Summary

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.

Job Summary

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 general supervision, with some detailed instructions and intermittent review, working in a loud manufacturing environment with a variety of epoxy agents, this position performs repetitive or standard procedures and assists in the fabrication, curing, build-up and assembly of various types of composite materials where required information is readily available, methods and sequences have been pre-determined, and tooling is provided. Works with blueprints, templates, sample parts, process sheets and other authorized information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Route, drill, trim, and sand to blueprint dimensions and tolerances. Vacuum bag parts for room temperature cure.
• Assist in the lay-up of composite materials to mold.
• Fit and smooth successive layers of materials as necessary to secure build-up free from wrinkles, air pockets and voids following directions and instructions.
• Assemble Aircraft components using structural adhesives, rivets and threaded fasteners.
• Prepare surface and paint composite and metal components including bodywork, contour shaping and sanding. Apply spray application of epoxy paints, urethane and water-based epoxy coatings, using a high-volume low-pressure spray gun.
• Assist in the development of shop aids to facilitate fabrication, trimming and assembly as required.
• Check expiration dates of materials prior to use, prepare proper mixes of resins and catalysts.
• May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures.
• Maintain records as required. Support quality process by maintaining work area in an orderly condition by returning tools, equipment and materials to storage area.
• 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 and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires High School diploma or equivalent and two or more years of related experience.
• Must be able to verbally communicate, read and comprehend written and verbal instructions, detailed blueprints and other similar authorized drawings and documents, and be capable of doing simple mathematical calculations.
• Must be able to use hand tools, such as rollers, paper cutters, scissors, x-acto knives, electric heat gun and fixtures such as molds and mandrels.
• Ability to use measuring instruments such as scales and protractors and calipers.
• May require respirator certification.
• Must be able to work in a loud environment; work extended hours as required; and be able to lift assemblies weighing up to 50 lbs.

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly

Salary range: 48,160 - 71,598