Composite Technician II

Opterus Research and Development; Loveland (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Short/Long Term Disability

401K

Paid holidays

On Forge Campus amenities

Job summary

Opterus Research and Development is seeking a dynamic Composite Technician II to join our growing production team in Loveland, CO. You will hand assemble lightweight spacecraft components such as rollable booms, deployable antennas, and solar arrays.

The role focuses on composite manufacturing, including layup, vacuum bagging, curing, and bonding. We value collaboration with engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver spaceflight hardware on schedule.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in composite manufacturing.
• Experience with hand layup and prepreg materials.
• Ability to follow technical drawings and work instructions.
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO9000 quality practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform composite production: material cutting, layup in master molds, vacuum bagging, curing, bonding for prototypes and spaceflight hardware.
• Follow drawings and documentation to build high-quality assemblies.
• Operate measuring and cutting tools to bond, laminate, and process composites.
• Maintain equipment and records per AS9100 requirements.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Vacuum bagging

Reading blueprints

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Calipers

Industrial ovens

Job description

About Opterus Research And Development

Established in 2015, Opterus is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable structures. We are on a mission to transform the aerospace and defense industry by helping our partners accomplish more in space with less. Opterus combines our patented high-strain composites with origami principles to design and manufacture high-performance rollable booms, RF structures, solar arrays, and other next-generation structures. Join us in shaping the future of space operations.

Title

Composite Technician II

Job Type

Full-Time

Pay Range

$28-38/hourly

Location

Based in Loveland, CO

Reports to

Operations Manager

About Opterus Research And Development

Established in 2015, Opterus is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable structures. We are on a mission to transform the aerospace and defense industry by helping our partners accomplish more in space with less. Opterus combines our patented high-strain composites with origami principles to design and manufacture high-performance rollable booms, RF structures, solar arrays, and other next-generation structures. Join us in shaping the future of space operations.

About The Position

Opterus is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Composite Technician to join our quickly growing production team. As a Composite Technician, you will have a hands-on role in manufacturing lightweight, high-performance spacecraft components, such as rollable booms, deployable antennas, and solar arrays. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in aerospace manufacturing or with composites, a natural ability to collaborate effectively with others, and a desire to learn and grow with our company.

Responsibilities

• Perform composite production processes, including material cutting, material layup within master molds, vacuum bagging, curing, bonding, etc., for prototypes and spaceflight hardware
• Follow work instructions, drawings, and related documentation to build high-quality composite assemblies
• Operate calibrated measuring tools, cutting tools, and various other equipment to bond, laminate, cut, vacuum-bag, cure, etc., composite materials
• Prepare and maintain equipment and materials needed for fabrication
• Maintain records of production activities to AS9100 requirements and report any inconsistencies
• Use proper PPE and safety equipment and procedures when handling materials and chemicals
• Work cross-functionally with engineers and other departments
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• US citizen or permanent resident
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• 2-4 years of experience in composite manufacturing
• Experience with hand layup, handling of prepreg composite materials, kitting of materials, vacuum bagging, tooling preparation, bonding, operating industrial ovens, post processing of composite products, hand tools (straightedge, safety blades, presses, calipers, small pneumatic and electrical tools, etc.)
• Basic understanding of applicable technical schematics, diagrams, blueprints, manuals, and/or publications; ability to complete installations per technical drawings
• Preferably an understanding of ISO9000 and AS9100 quality management systems
• Team-oriented with the ability to be a self-starter and work independently
• Ability to maintain a consistent and reliable schedule
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, etc.)

Compensation And Benefits

• Compensation range of $28-$38 hourly, based on experience and qualifications
• Choice of work schedule: 4/10 (Mon-Thurs) or 9/80 (every other Friday off!)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances
• Opterus pays 100% of employees' insurance premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
• 401K matching up to 4%
• 9 paid holidays
• Work within a community-oriented environment at Forge Campus. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, brewery, coffee shop, and multiple shared outdoor spaces

Are you missing qualifications or feeling overqualified? Opterus values diverse experiences, and we believe that everyone has unique strengths to offer. If you are passionate about learning, inspired by innovation, or enjoy dynamic roles, we want to hear from you!

Opterus Research and Development is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law