Composite Technician - Aerospace

WingXpand; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WingXpand is building the next generation of smart plane drones and robotics systems for defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. We are seeking a skilled technician to fabricate composite aircraft components with precision using vacuum bagging, wet layup, and carbon fiber/ fiberglass processes.

You will prepare molds and tools, perform layups, cure, demold, and finish parts, ensuring quality and adherence to drawings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year hands-on experience with vacuum bagging and wet layup composites.
• Experience with fiberglass and carbon fiber.
• Ability to perform the full composite fabrication process independently.
• Experience with sanding, trimming, and finishing composite parts.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on shop environment.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate composite aircraft components using wet layup and vacuum bagging processes.
• Work with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and epoxy resin systems.
• Prepare molds, tools, and materials for composite layups.
• Perform vacuum bagging, curing, demolding, and trimming operations.
• Complete post-processing including sanding, finishing, and surface prep.
• Support painting, coating, and cosmetic finishing of composite parts.
• Inspect finished parts for quality, structural integrity, and defects.
• Follow engineering drawings and work instructions to build precision parts.
• Independently manage the full composite build process from mold prep through final finishing.
• Work closely with engineers to improve manufacturability and production processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Self-motivated

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Vacuum bagging

Wet layup

Fiberglass handling

Carbon fiber handling

CNC machines

3D printing

Job description

About WingXpand

WingXpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast. As WingXpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.

At WingXpand®

Locations

Chicago, IL (Schaumburg, IL)

Type

Full Time | Part-Time | Contractor

About WingXpand

WingXpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast. As WingXpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.

Position Description

WingXpand is building the next generation of smart plane drones that expand what’s possible in defense, disaster response, and commercial applications. Our aircraft rely heavily on advanced composite structures, and we’re looking for a skilled technician who enjoys building things with precision and craftsmanship. If you enjoy working with carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composite materials and want to be part of a team building real flying systems, we’d love to talk.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate composite aircraft components using wet layup and vacuum bagging processes
• Work with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and epoxy resin systems
• Prepare molds, tools, and materials for composite layups
• Perform vacuum bagging, curing, demolding, and trimming operations
• Complete post-processing including sanding, finishing, and surface prep
• Support painting, coating, and cosmetic finishing of composite parts
• Inspect finished parts for quality, structural integrity, and defects
• Follow engineering drawings and work instructions to build precision parts
• Independently manage the full composite build process from mold prep through final finishing
• Work closely with engineers to improve manufacturability and production processes

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ year experience of hands-on experience with vacuum bagging and wet layup composites
• Experience working with fiberglass and carbon fiber
• Ability to perform the full composite fabrication process independently
• Experience with sanding, trimming, and finishing composite parts
• Comfortable working in a hands-on shop environment
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working with prepreg composites
• Familiarity with oven curing processes
• Experience with painting, coatings, and surface finishing
• Aerospace, UAV, marine, or automotive composite experience
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical work instructions
• Familiarity with CNC machines, lathes, or other fabrication equipment
• Experience with 3D printing (FDM or resin) and post-processing techniques
• Ability to read technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation
• Experience in a startup or fast-paced production environment
• Passion for drones, robotics, aerospace systems, or building advanced hardware
• Hands-on experience assembling RC aircraft, robotics kits, or similar electromechanical systems

What Else You Need To Know

To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, applicant must be a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).

If you are a self-motivated, results-driven individual with a passion for innovation and technology, we want to hear from you!