Composite Technician and Specialist

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University in Starkville is looking for a Full-Time Composite Technician at the Advanced Composites Institute. This role involves combining technical expertise and hands-on training for a variety of stakeholders, including students and community members. Candidates must have a High School Diploma and 4 years of relevant experience. The technician will work in a dynamic environment focused on composite manufacturing and training with a commitment to quality and safety.

Qualifications

• 4 years relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Flexibility to learn new skills in a technical environment.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations.

Responsibilities

• Perform kitting, lay-up, bagging, curing, and final assembly of composite parts.
• Develop training curricula for various trainee levels.
• Engage and collaborate with industry partners on projects.

Skills

Composite fabrication techniques

Customer focused attitude

Problem-solving skills

Strong work ethic

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Basic measuring tools (tape measure, calipers)

5-axis machining equipment

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510528
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 194100 - Advanced Composites Institute
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Support Staff
Position Open Date: May 6 2026

Position Function

Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking a composite technician and specialist based at their Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) in Starkville, MS. The chosen candidate will serve in a multi‑faceted role as a composite technician and an area specialist in a state‑of‑the‑art large‑scale composite prototyping facility. He or she will execute, develop, and improve composite manufacturing technologies that are easily transferred to industry partners for implementation, following site AS9100 quality and safety requirements. Further, he or she will serve in a specialist role that encompasses achieving and maintaining subject‑matter expertise and leadership in one or more critical areas of the facility, including, but not limited to, composite training (K12‑industrial WFD), additive manufacturing, advanced CNC machining, inventory management, equipment management, quality management, safety management, or facilities management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Perform kitting, lay‑up, bagging, curing, and final assembly of composite parts.
2. Prepare tools and molds for lay‑up.
3. Work with dry carbon fiber and glass fiber based materials.
4. Cut, layup, form and assemble dry fabrics to produce preforms as directed.
5. Perform resin infusion processing of dry fiber preforms as directed.
6. Complete all planning paperwork throughout the production process.
7. Perform daily housekeeping of work area.
8. Conduct tours, demonstrations, and presentations in support of ACI public relations, marketing, business development, and outreach programs.
9. Oversee fabrication and test apparatus.
10. Provide design input to enhance research and manufacturing equipment.
11. Oversee assembly and/or installation of equipment and instrumentation.
12. Coordinate fabrication by outside vendors to assure acceptability of products.
13. Develop infrastructure to facilitate provision of electrical, thermal, and mechanical services to high bay and laboratories.
14. Perform related duties as assigned.

Area Specialist

Lead Hands‑on Trainer

1. Serve as lead hands‑on trainer working closely with Lead Training Engineer.
2. Provide multi‑level hands‑on training to include elementary, middle, and high school programs; community college programs; undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, and faculty programs; and industrial new‑entry and re‑entry workforce programs.
3. Develop palatable and trainable curricula for all levels of trainees.
4. Maintain a stocked and prepared training area and assist with coordination of training schedules.
5. Possess, or be willing to obtain, a Commercial Driver's License.

CNC Specialist

1. Operate, maintain, and improve state‑of‑the‑art 5‑axis machining capability.
2. Evaluate and develop novel advanced composite tooling via subtractive manufacturing.
3. Serve as SME/Trainer for MAC Training Center.
4. Engage and collaborate with other Machining SMEs at partnering facilities (e.g., industry partners, training center, community colleges, sister MSU institutes and centers).

Additive Manufacturing Specialist

1. Serve as SME for additive manufacturing equipment and related technologies.
2. Work closely with AM lead engineer to develop and assess new AM technologies.
3. Train engineers, technicians, and students to operate ACI AM equipment.
4. Provide hands‑on support for all AM R&D programs.

Supervisory Responsibility

May oversee student workers and graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma
Experience: 4 years relevant experience
Substitution allowed: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience approved by Human Resources Management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a high‑pressure, meticulous environment where quality and cleanliness are crucial.
• Training/Education beyond high school in a technical field.
• Training and experience in machining and welding components.
• Competency in plumbing, carpentry, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong work ethic with an open, innovative mind.
• Customer focused and task‑oriented, prioritizing safety and quality.
• Willing, ready, and eager to learn new skills.
• Multi‑level and flexible communication skills.
• Patience, determination, and persistence to troubleshoot client issues.
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills with a consistent “can‑do” attitude.
• Self‑motivated team player that appreciates alternative opinions.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment or situations.
• Flexible and prepared to adapt to new or modified tasks and/or requirements.
• Thrive in a team environment and work well with others while maintaining the ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of composite fabrication techniques, including lay‑up, mold preparation, handling and forming of pre‑impregnated materials, vacuum bag application and testing and the curing cycle process for both oven and autoclave.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer‑based programs.
• Skill in handling, using and storing materials and components used in manufacturing.
• Ability to perform basic math and geometry/trigonometry, including angle measurement and calculation, conversion of fractions to decimal equivalents, etc.
• Ability to use basic measuring tools including tape measure, calipers, and scales.
• Ability to hand‑work composites through use of small hand tools including routers, die grinder, band saw, Dremel tool, etc.
• Ability to work alone and to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work in a non‑temperature controlled manufacturing environment standing on a concrete floor for up to four hours at a time.
• Lift 25‑lb. from the floor and carry 100‑ft.
• Wear personal protective equipment most of the day, correctly.
• Climb up and down industrial work platforms with stairs.
• Respond quickly to sounds.
• See and respond to dangerous situations.
• Regularly crouch or stoop by bending at the knees, waist and or spine.
• Crawl and work with body weight on hands and knees.
• Reach down with arms extended while lying flat on stomach on an elevated work platform to manipulate composites materials, i.e. carbon fabric, nylon vacuum bag film placed on tool surface below, for extended period of time.
• Externally exposed to deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance at 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

Advertised: May 06 2026 Central Daylight Time

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