Composite Technician - Tooling

Layup Parts; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 59,236; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity option grants

Medical

Dental

Vision

Short and long-term disability

Life insurance

15 Days PTO + 9 Federal Holidays

Job summary

A technology-first manufacturing startup is seeking a Composite Technician to manufacture tooling and perform various fabrication tasks. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in composites manufacturing, a strong attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Responsibilities include inspecting tooling surfaces, complying with quality standards, and collaborating with engineering teams. This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $26 and $43, depending on experience and qualifications, with additional benefits such as equity options and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience as a technician in composites manufacturing.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Comfortable reading and interpreting process instructions.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture composite tooling and perform layups.
• Inspect tooling surfaces for defects.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams.

Skills

Composite manufacturing techniques

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Using measuring tools

Job description

Overview

At Layup Parts, our mission is simple: deliver composite parts faster. We’re a technology-first manufacturing startup transforming how composite parts are made for the aerospace, defense, and motorsports industries. Our customers are developing tomorrow's high-tech products, and we are building technology to accelerate their success. We value initiative, teamwork, and a get-it-done attitude. We’re building a crew of outstanding individuals who take pride in their work, learn from one another, and aren’t afraid to tackle challenges head-on.

What You’ll Do:

Responsibilities

• Composite Tooling & Fabrication:
• Manufacture composite tooling from plugs, masters, and patterns
• Perform wet layup, resin infusion, and prepreg lamination for tooling applications
• Lay up fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other reinforcements using templates, dimensions, or projection systems
• Mix, degas, and apply resins, gel coats, and surface coats as required
• Build and install vacuum bags, perform leak checks, and run assigned cure cycles
• Place and manage consumables including release film, peel ply, breather, thermocouples, and related materials

• Tool Preparation, Finishing & Sealing:
• Prepare and maintain tooling: sand, polish, seal, release, and maintain molds
• Demold tools and parts and perform trimming, sanding, polishing, and surface improvement
• Perform cosmetic refinement to meet surface finish and durability requirements
• Apply tool sealing systems, mold release agents, and surface treatments
• Support tooling repairs, rework, and ongoing maintenance as needed

• Inspection, Quality & Process:
• Inspect tooling surfaces for defects, print-through, porosity, and dimensional issues
• Follow travelers, drawings, and process documentation
• Document material usage, freeze/thaw status, cure data, and production activities in Layup’s internal systems
• Maintain clean, organized workspaces and tooling assets

• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
• Provide hands-on feedback to engineering for process and tooling design improvements
• Identify issues early and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• Be awesome! Be the kind of person you want to work with!
• Have 3+ years experience as a technician in composites manufacturing, and have an understanding of industry best practices
• Have a high sense of urgency, with a strong attention to detail and a resolve to deliver the highest quality.

• Identify and solve problems quickly and communicate issues clearly to leadership and engineering to prevent recurring issues.
• Be comfortable to read and interpret layup books, as well as working from process controlling work instructions.
• Be proficient in using common measuring and assembly tools such as calipers, scales, tape measures, torque wrenches, hand drills, etc.
• Be comfortable learning new methods and technologies, and incorporating them into your workflow.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for long periods and work hands-on in a production setting.

• Preferred:
• Have experience in aerospace and/or motorsport.
• Have experience in multiple aspects of the manufacturing process such as: operating ply cutter, mold finishing and releasing, mold maintenance, lamination, bagging, curing, de-molding, trimming and/or finishing.
• Have the flexibility to work extended hours/weekends when required to meet customer timelines.

Compensation & Benefits

$26 - $43 an hour

Actual base rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, candidate's relevant education, experience, knowledge and skill in the core subject matter of the position as well as relevant peripheral qualifications.

Benefits Include:

• Equity option grants with most full time offers
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short and Long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 15 Days PTO + 9 Federal Holidays

Layup is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

ITAR Requirements - To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.