Engineering Composite Technician

Actalent; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Engineering Technician for an on-site, contract-to-hire role in San Clemente, CA. You will contribute to advanced composite and metallic aerospace structures through hands-on manufacturing, testing, and problem-solving.

You will work with engineering, operations, and program teams to develop processes, verify quality, and support prototype builds from development through LRIP while adhering to AS9100 and NADCAP standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an engineering/tech in aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience with carbon fiber and fiberglass prepregs.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, blueprints, travelers, and manufacturing docs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes for composite layup and assembly.
• Support LRIP programs for aerospace vehicles and structures.
• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, and production aids.

Skills

Composite technician

Carbon fiber prepregs

Engineering drawings

Precision measurement tools

Prototype / LRIP work

Tools

FARO Arm

Laser Tracker

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician - Advanced Aerospace Composites

Job Description

This Engineering Technician role focuses on manufacturing, assembling, troubleshooting, testing, and integrating advanced composite and metallic aerospace products and vehicles. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, and Operations teams to support prototype development and low-rate initial production programs. The position offers a highly visible, hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to process development, tooling improvements, manufacturing problem-solving, testing activities, and assembly operations across the full product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes for composite layup, drilling, trimming, finishing, and assembly operations.
• Support prototype and low-rate initial production (LRIP) programs for advanced aerospace vehicles, aerostructures, and unmanned systems.
• Assist with the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and production aids.
• Verify new manufacturing processes and provide recommendations for process improvements and optimization.
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, bills of material, travelers, work instructions, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Perform composite bonding, assembly, repair, and integration activities on composite and metallic aerospace structures.
• Conduct drilling, trimming, and installation of aerospace fasteners in accordance with engineering and quality requirements.
• Support autoclave operations and other composite manufacturing processes involving prepreg materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
• Assist with hydraulic proof testing, environmental testing, and related test activities, including setup and execution.
• Support shop floor scheduling, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and help ensure production activities meet program timelines.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and internal quality standards in all manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Use precision measurement tools and inspection equipment to verify part dimensions and assembly quality.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, support R&D and prototype builds, and collaborate with engineers to resolve technical problems.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized manufacturing work areas and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Actively participate in a hands-on environment where technicians contribute to process development, tooling improvements, testing, and manufacturing innovation.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience as an Engineering Technician, Composite Technician, Manufacturing Technician, or Aerospace Technician in aerospace, aviation, defense, motorsports, marine, automotive, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience working with carbon fiber and fiberglass prepreg composites.
• Hands-on experience performing composite layup, bonding, trimming, drilling, assembly, and repair activities.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, travelers, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience working with aerospace adhesives, bonding processes, and liquid shim applications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated hands-on assembly and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience supporting prototype, development, or low-rate production manufacturing programs.
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gauges.
• Bckgrnd in aerospace assembly, aerospace structures, aircraft assembly, aerostructures, or related aerospace mechanical and structural work.
• Experience in composite manufacturing, composite fabrication, and composite repair in a production or R&D environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience assisting with manufacturing process development, verification, and validation.
• Experience supporting the development and improvement of tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing aids.
• Experience with hydraulic proof testing, environmental testing, or strain gage application.
• Exposure to aerospace composite aerostructures or unmanned systems.
• Metrology experience, including operation of FARO Arm, Laser Tracker, or Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
• Familiarity with R&D lab environments, prototype builds, and prototype project support.
• Experience working with engineering and manufacturing engineering teams on process development and documentation.
• Comfort working with bills of material (BOM) and engineering documentation in an aerospace or advanced manufacturing setting.
• Bckgrnd in aerospace defense, aerospace structural, aerospace mechanical, or aerospace aircraft environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and program leadership.

Work Environment

You will work in an open manufacturing and production floor environment within a collaborative, hands-on aerospace setting. The team includes engineers, manufacturing engineers, program managers, and technicians who work closely together to support prototype development and low-rate initial production (LRIP) programs. The role involves frequent interaction with composite and metallic assemblies, including carbon fiber and fiberglass prepreg materials. You will regularly use specialized tools, fixtures, production equipment, and inspection equipment such as precision measurement tools and metrology systems. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-focused, offering direct involvement in advanced composite manufacturing, aerospace assembly, testing, and integration technologies across the full product lifecycle.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Clemente, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $47.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in San Clemente,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.