Lead, Production (Winding)

Applied Composites; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Composites in San Diego, CA is seeking a Lead Winding Specialist to lead the Filament Winding Department, operate winding machines and software, and ensure quality and on-time delivery.

The role emphasizes safety, adherence to procedures, and continuous improvement, with five years of experience and a HS diploma preferred.

Competitive hourly pay $32–$38, full benefits, and equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in winding/filament processes.
• Knowledge of aerospace composites manufacturing standards and procedures.
• Ability to read engineering prints and follow written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Filament Winding Department and supervise the winding crew.
• Operate winding machine and related software.
• Ensure all final processing of composite parts meets quality standards.
• Monitor data from gauges for pressure, temperature, and material thickness.
• Identify and report issues and cost-saving opportunities in the winding process.
• Drive department process improvements and lean initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

Safety focus

Read English instructions

Communication

Problem solving

Strong math skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Winding machine

Winding software

Calipers

Micrometers

Tape measures

Job description

Lead, Production (Winding)

Full Time San Diego, CA, US

Salary Range: $32.00 To $38.00 Hourly

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Lead Winding Specialist who provides leadership to their team through sharing knowledge and showing support to drive motivation. The successful candidate understands procedure requirements and sets expectations for the team. Safety, Quality, Schedules, and Compliance are monitored and maintained daily.

TheLead Winding Specialist leads the Filament Winding Department at AC. This role will be operating the winding machine and winding software and will be responsible for all aspects of the final processing of composite parts.

About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

Job Accountabilities:

• Accountable for holding the team to standards set forth by the manager & supporting supervisor with the daily direction of the Filament Winding crew.
• Must be able to read basic instructions and diagrams in English.
• Operating winding machine and operate winding software.
• Responsible for all aspects of final processing for composite parts.
• Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
• Identify operating problems, decide what to do about them, and report accordingly.
• Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set‑up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment to identify abnormalities.
• Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
• Control and adjust the parameters to maintain the appropriate pressure, temperature, and flow rate of the molten fiberglass through the spray jets.
• Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order before or after its use.
• Ensures crew follows standard operating procedures and quality checks.
• Coordinates cell changeovers across all machines
• Responsible for the accurate reporting of production output
• Identifies and communicates problems and cost savings solutions in the winding process.
• Actively participates in department process improvement and efficiency.
• Monitors and/or mixes resin and coatings
• Any other duties assigned, and further responsibilities as directed.

Education:

Education: A Secondary Certificate/High School Diploma or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations

Years Experience:

Years Experience: Requires a minimum of five (5) years of experience

Skills:

• An individual assuming a leadership role on the floor is considered to have a minimum Level 2 qualification.
• Knowledgeable and well-versed in composites and composites terms. Understand the overall composites manufacturing process (design, tooling, layup, cure, trim, assembly, and inspection)
• Wet filament winding experience preferred and willing to train.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and engineering prints.
• Ability to use calipers, micrometers, and tape measures to verify part dimensions and accuracy.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to properly prioritize and pay close attention to details.
• Able to work and lead with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Strong emphasis on safety quality and productivity
• Must know basic shop math skills.
• Familiar with standard shop practices and quality standards in the aerospace industry
• Ability to do accurate work at a fast pace.
• Implements lean manufacturing principles.
• Able to lead the team to a common goal.
• Ability to produce works in which errors are difficult to detect and would normally result in loss of customer business, material, or equipment to resolve.
• Ability to efficiently schedule workflow throughout the department.
• Driver in lean implementation

Benefits:

At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Aff…

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.