Manufacturing Technician 1 (Autoclave)

Applied Composites; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Composites is seeking an Autoclave Technician to support production, prepping tools, processing molds through cure cycles, de‑tooling, and completing required paperwork and routine maintenance. The technician determines proper cure procedures, monitors industrial aerospace autoclaves and ovens, and manages related equipment.

You will monitor autoclaves, set cure times, handle materials, and adhere to lean manufacturing principles in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to read safety rules and work instructions.
• Good manual dexterity for small parts.
• Proven problem-solving with limited precedent.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Load tools/parts into autoclaves and ovens.
• Maintain autoclave/oven tools and sensors.
• Determine cure procedures for parts/tools.
• Perform leak checks during cure cycles.
• Read work instructions and schedules.
• Apply chemicals and releases as required.
• Prepare parts for lay-up and de‑tooling.
• Identify process improvements using lean principles.
• Work accurately in a fast-paced, low-scrap setting.
• Operate forklift to move parts/tools.
• Use autoclave computer to set cure times.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Reading/interpretation of documents

Problem-solving

Oral & written communication

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Forklift operation

Autoclave control software

Job description

Autoclave Technician

AC is seeking an Autoclave Technician to support production through tool preparation, processing molds through cure cycles, de‑tooling, and completion of necessary paperwork and routine maintenance. The technician determines proper cure procedures, monitors industrial aerospace autoclaves and ovens, and manages related equipment.

Job Accountabilities

• Load tools and parts into and out of industrial aerospace autoclaves and ovens
• Maintain autoclave and oven tools (e.g., hoses and thermocouples)
• Determine proper cure procedures for parts and tools as required
• Maintain bag leak checks during cure cycle
• Read work instructions, production schedules, and cure charts
• Apply appropriate chemicals and releases as required
• Remove parts from tools or mandrels and prep for lay‑up
• Detect errors and possible areas of improvement using lean manufacturing principles
• Perform work accurately and efficiently in a fast‑paced environment with minimal scrap or errors
• Use standard aerospace shop practices
• Operate forklift to move/load parts and tools
• Operate autoclave computer to set cure times and start/stop ovens

Job Specifications

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

Years of Experience: 1–3 years of relevant experience.

Skills

• Previous experience in a fast‑paced production environment with high quality requirements; experience in military, aerospace, or medical equipment highly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating/manufacturing instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Proven track record of supporting stringent deadlines and handling multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Good manual dexterity for working with small parts.
• Skilled problem‑solver: exercises judgment to identify and solve problems with little or no precedent.
• Effective oral and written communication.

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 – Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR, defined as U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (green card holders), political asylum seekers, or refugees.