Composites Technician

AlleyCorp; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 48,216,000 - 68,880,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, seeks an experienced fabrication leader to guide composite parts production in a fast-paced, prototype-driven environment.

You will oversee layup, bagging, infusion, curing, and inspection, ensuring high quality and compliance with engineering drawings and procedures. Strong teamwork and communication are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience in a fast-paced, prototyping environment.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in the aerospace and/or automotive industry as an engineering technician.
• Solid understanding of mechanical and structural assembly techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and FAA guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct fabrication of composite parts and coach team members.
• Ensure procedures are followed and designs communicated clearly.
• Read engineering drawings and modify processes to meet specs.
• Lay up composites and perform bagging, vacuum infusion, bonding, cure cycles, and trimming.
• Inspect parts for defects and document results for traceability.
• Provide feedback to manufacturing engineers and design teams on buildability.

Skills

Leadership

Prototyping experience

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Catia

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What You'll Do:

• Work on Archer's most challenging composite structures; provide manufacturing input to help solve recurring issues
• Leads project activities and directs, coaches, mentors, employees in the fabrication of composite parts
• Manages assignment of fabrication team and allocates personnel appropriately to each assignment through verification of skill sets and competencies
• Accountable and responsible for ensuring that personnel are following procedures and that design requirements are properly communicated
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, modification documents, and test procedures.
• Lay up composite materials (e.g., prepreg, wet layup) according to engineering drawings and strict process specifications.
• Perform bagging, vacuum infusion, bonding, cure cycles, demolding, trimming, and finishing procedures while maintaining high quality standards.
• Inspect composite parts for defects (e.g., voids, delamination) and conduct repairs or refinishing as necessary.
• Maintain detailed documentation and records of material usage, process steps, and inspection results for certification traceability.
• Communicate regularly with manufacturing engineers and design teams, providing feedback on part buildability and potential process improvements.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, layup methods, resin systems, and cure processes.
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting technical drawings and process documentation
• Excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to safety in handling composite materials and chemicals.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, prototype-driven setting while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

What You Need:

• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience in a fast-paced, prototyping environment
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in the aerospace and/or automotive industry as an engineering technician.
• Solid understanding of mechanical and structural assembly techniques, including fastener installation, sealants, and alignment processes.
• Knowledge of aircraft safety procedures, tool control, foreign object debris (FOD) prevention, and industry regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering instructions, and FAA guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across various teams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with shifting priorities.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, work in confined spaces, and perform tasks that may expose you to hazardous materials

Bonus Qualifications:

• A&P certification or equivalent experience.
• Experience in Computer-Aided Design software (CAD) such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Catia, Etc.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve integration and/or mechanical issues.
• Experience working with electric aircraft, aircraft configuration management, and FAA conformity.
• New Product Development experience in Aerospace & Aviation

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $35-50/hr. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.