COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN LEAD with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Hollywood, MD seeks a Composite Technician Lead to oversee complex composite fabrication and repair on aircraft structures. The role demands expert lay-ups, curing, and trimming while guiding a team of technicians and collaborating with engineering, quality, and program teams.

You will train and mentor staff, promote safety and continuous improvement, and ensure schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements are met.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 7+ years in aerospace composites.
• Expert in complex lay-ups, curing, trimming, and repair operations.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret clearance.
• Skilled reading technical drawings and using precision tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced composite manufacturing operations and supervise technicians.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assign tasks to ensure schedules.
• Inspect assemblies, identify defects, and approve repairs per procedures.
• Train, mentor, and develop composite personnel for safety and quality.
• Support continuous improvement in safety and manufacturing processes.
• Assist management with production planning and resource balancing.

Skills

Team leadership

Technical mentoring

Quality assurance

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Safety oriented

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Torque wrenches

Pneumatic tools

Job description

Job Summary

Composite Technician Lead performs complex composite fabrication and repair work on aircraft structures and components while providing day-to-day technical leadership to the Composite team. This role requires expert proficiency in complex lay-ups, curing processes, and cutting/trimming operations, operating and working closely with leads, engineering, and quality teams. Additionally, this position supports workforce development through training, mentoring, and guidance of composite technicians while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Composite Technician Lead performs complex composite fabrication and repair work on aircraft structures and components while providing day-to-day technical leadership to the Composite team. This role requires expert proficiency in complex lay-ups, curing processes, and cutting/trimming operations, operating and working closely with leads, engineering, and quality teams. Additionally, this position supports workforce development through training, mentoring, and guidance of composite technicians while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Job Title

• COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN LEAD

Department

• FABRICATION

Reports To

• FABRICATION SUPERVISOR

Classification

• FULL-TIME

Clearance

• SECRET

Location

• HOLLYWOOD, MD

Duties/Responsibilities

Lead and perform advanced composite manufacturing operations, including hand lay-up (pre-preg and wet lay-up), vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, finishing, and repair of aircraft structures and components.Coordinate daily workflow, assign tasks, and provide technical guidance to Composite Technicians to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements are met.Execute and oversee composite repairs in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and approved repair procedures, ensuring build accuracy and structural integrity.Conduct in-process and final inspections of composite assemblies, identify defects or non-conformances, perform corrective actions when authorized, and ensure readiness for Quality Assurance review.Read, interpret, and assist others in understanding work instructions, technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.Serve as the primary point of contact for production issues within the composite area, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program teams to resolve technical and process challenges.Train, mentor, and develop composite personnel in manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and company procedures to support workforce growth and capability development.Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, tooling, and manufacturing processes.Perform work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment in escalating complex technical, personnel, quality, or schedule concerns.Assist management with production planning, resource utilization, and workload balancing to meet organizational objectives.Inspect completed parts for defects, perform minor repairs, and document results before presenting for final QA inspection. Read and interpret work instructions, technical drawings, and process documentation.Adhere to safety protocols when handling materials (resins, prepregs, solvents) and operate in controlled environments, ensuring all work is completed within quality, safety, and time standards.Perform most tasks independently, escalating complex or cross-functional issues.Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Composites manufacturing or repair experience in aerospace, defense, or similar industries.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Proficient in reading technical drawings and skilled with tooling and equipment: calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, pneumatic tools.
• Strong attention to detail, quality orientation.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with cross functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced working environment.
• Recurring FOD training and awareness, upon hire and annually.
• Must be able to obtain a DOT physical and haul trailers to and from offsite locations.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiar With Military Aviation Operations Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times, more with assistance.

Work environment consists of various office and manufacturing settings with may have exposure to noise, varying temperatures, smells, and chemicals.

Ability to traverse manufacturing facility.

Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate's qualifications and work location, where applicable.