Manufacturing Technician 1 (Composite)

Applied Composites; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Composites is seeking a Composite Lamination Technician for the 2nd shift. You will place resin pre-impregnated fabrics and tapes onto layup molds, consolidate prepregs and core, and ensure correct ply orientation.

You will prepare parts for autoclave transfer, maintain bag integrity, and follow manufacturing instructions to achieve high-quality layups. The role requires reading basic English, basic shop math, and adherence to aerospace quality standards.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of one year of previous experience.
• Knowledge of lay-up, prepregs, resin systems, cure processes.
• Ability to read and follow basic English instructions.

Responsibilities

• Reads and follows basic instructions and diagrams in English.
• Lay-up materials to molds and remove air pockets using hands, squeegees, and heat guns.
• Laminates prepreg plies with correct orientation, ensuring proper compaction and tolerances.
• Vacuum bag parts and ensure seals do not leak during cure.
• Prepare molds with release agents and follow QA standards.
• May train and mentor others; willing to move up with strong performance.
• Work 2nd shift with overtime as required.

Skills

Lay-up mastery

Vacuum bagging

Composites knowledge

Team communication

Time management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Composite Lamination Technician 1-2nd Shiftwho places resin pre-impregnated fabrics and tapes onto layup molds, consolidates precured face sheets and core, and knows fiber direction and ply orientation. Handles prepreg, adhesive, core, and other layup materials. Cuts vacuum bag materials and creates vacuum bags. Prepares parts for transfer to the autoclave department. Ensures layups and vacuum bags are prepared according to the requirements of manufacturing instructions. The technician learns quickly, works quickly, performs high-quality work, works well with others, and is focused on completing the task.

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 Responsibilities:

• Reads and follow basic instructions and diagrams in English
• Use basic shop math skills to record information such as freezer out-time and mixture weights
• Follow standard shop practices and quality standards in the aerospace industry
• Prepare molds using shop approved release agents
• Layup materials to molds and remove air pockets using approved hands, squeegees, and heat guns
• Occasionally mix resins and catalysts as specified
• Trim materials using scissors or knife without damaging the layup mold
• Perform physical and environmental checks and document work onto manufacturing travelers
• Laminates plies of prepreg with minimal supervision oversight, ensuring that the plies are well-compacted, correctly oriented, and comply to the stated tolerances
• Vacuum bag parts applying best-practices, ensuring that the vacuum bags do not leak during cure
• Performs all other duties as assigned
• Will train the right candidates that have desire to learn and want to move up
• Must be able to work 2nd Shift and required overtime

Job Specifications

Education

Requires a High School Diploma/GED or combination of relevant education and work experience may be substituted to meet educational requirements only

Years' Experience

Minimum of one (1) year previous experience

Skills

• Ability to lay-up and vacuum bag complex parts
• Possesses knowledge of composites and composite terms
• Awareness of the overall composites process (design, tooling, layup, cure, trim, assembly and inspection)
• Possesses excellent technical management and communication skills
• Ability to manage time to get work completed on schedule
• Ability to communicate process issues with leads, supervisors, and engineering
• Ability to coordinate work-flow with other departments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment performing accurate and quality products

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 - Affi...

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.