Lead Composite Technician - Aerospace Prototyping

Archer; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in Huntington Beach, CA is seeking an experienced fabrication leader to advance its aerospace composite program. You will lead a manufacturing team, oversee layups, curing, inspections, and documentation for certification traceability in a fast-paced prototype environment.

This role requires deep knowledge of composites, drawings, FAA guidelines, and a hands-on leadership style. You will ensure safety and high-quality output while driving process improvements.

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, 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project leadership

Composite layup

Reading drawings

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Catia

Job description

Archer in Huntington Beach, CA is seeking an experienced fabrication leader to advance its aerospace composite program. You will lead a manufacturing team, oversee layups, curing, inspections, and documentation for certification traceability in a fast-paced prototype environment.

This role requires deep knowledge of composites, drawings, FAA guidelines, and a hands-on leadership style. You will ensure safety and high-quality output while driving process improvements.