Non Metallic Materials Lab Technician

Cessna Aircraft Company; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

80 hours PTO

120 hours vacation

12-13 paid holidays

6 weeks parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

On-site clinic

Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

Bell in Fort Worth, TX seeks a Non-Metallic Materials Lab Technician II to advance composites, adhesives, and coatings for rotorcraft and aerospace systems. You will work with engineers and analysts to develop test methods, analyze data, and improve processes.

You’ll perform lay-up, curing operations, specimen preparation, and mechanical testing across broad temperatures, generating detailed reports and ensuring data integrity.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in engineering or materials.
• Experience with composites and testing processes.
• Knowledge of adhesives, primers, and composite materials.

Responsibilities

• Support lay-up, bagging, curing operations including autoclave setup.
• Prepare composite test specimens with tight tolerances.
• Perform adhesive bonding and surface prep for test panels.
• Set up static and fatigue tests across ranges and temperatures.
• Document observations and develop technical reports.
• Lead test requests and coordinate with customers/suppliers.

Skills

Composite materials

Mechanical aptitude

CNC milling

Adhesives & primers

Autoclave operation

Mechanical testing

Technical writing

Reading drawings

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

CNC Mill

Surface Grinder

Wafer Saws

Platen Press

Band Saws

Hydraulic Metal Shear

Autoclave equipment

Job description

Job Description - Non Metallic Materials Lab Technician (344823)

Job Number:

344823

We're more than aviation experts, we're pioneers. We challenge what's possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

Non-Metallic Materials

Bring your experience and ideas and help us advance non-metallic materials technologies for next-generation rotorcraft and aerospace systems. You'll work with lab technicians, design engineers, and analysts to characterize composites, polymers, adhesives, and coatings, and translate test data into actionable design and certification decisions.

This role will be an integral part of the Non-Metallic Materials Lab team, working closely with internal customers, suppliers, and subcontracted test facilities. You'll hone your technical abilities on significant materials engineering challenges—developing test methods, analyzing results, and improving processes—all while gaining experience in cross-functional collaboration, documentation, and technical communication.

What you'll be doing as a Non-Metallic Materials Lab Technician II

Support composite and metal bonded panel fabrication by performing lay-up, bagging, and curing operations, including autoclave set-up, operation, and run monitoring to meet process specifications and quality requirements.

Prepare composite test specimens by machining, drilling, trimming, and end-tabbing to tight dimensional tolerances, ensuring consistency and traceability for subsequent mechanical testing.

Execute adhesive bonding operations using both paste and film adhesives, including surface preparation and primer application, to produce high-quality bonded assemblies and test panels.

Set up and conduct static and fatigue mechanical tests on a variety of coupon configurations, with and without strain gauges or extensometers, across a wide temperature range, ensuring accurate data collection and test integrity.

Perform destructive testing and evaluation of production aircraft components, document observations and failures, and develop detailed technical reports that summarize methods, results, and engineering conclusions.

Lead test requests and other mini-projects from initiation through completion, coordinating resources, interfacing with customers and suppliers as needed, and ensuring on-time delivery of test results and documentation.

Skills You Bring To this Role

• Associate's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical training, experience and/or certification.
• 1+ years of experience working with composite materials.
• Possess a mechanical aptitude
• Ability to use all equipment commonly used for composite specimen preparation including; CNC mill, Surface Grinder, Wafer Saws, Platen Press, Band Saws, Hydraulic Metal Shear
• Technical knowledge of the use and application of adhesives, sealants, primers and composites.
• Ability to perform composite layup, bagging and curing, machining, bonding, including the ability to set-up and run an autoclave.
• Possess working knowledge of mechanical testing using automated equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Possess above average level of technical writing abilities and demonstrate ability to use advanced computer software tools.
• Be able to read and interpret material and process specifications computerized drawings and associated parts lists.

You'll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule

Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups

And so much more

It's time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let's make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.

Skills You Bring To this Role

• Associate's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical training, experience and/or certification.
• 1+ years of experience working with composite materials.
• Possess a mechanical aptitude
• Ability to use all equipment commonly used for composite specimen preparation including; CNC mill, Surface Grinder, Wafer Saws, Platen Press, Band Saws, Hydraulic Metal Shear
• Technical knowledge of the use and application of adhesives, sealants, primers and composites.
• Ability to perform composite layup, bagging and curing, machining, bonding, including the ability to set-up and run an autoclave.
• Possess working knowledge of mechanical testing using automated equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Possess above average level of technical writing abilities and demonstrate ability to use advanced computer software tools.
• Be able to read and interpret material and process specifications computerized drawings and associated parts lists.

What we offer you in return

• You'll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
• 120 hours Vacation time
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• 6 weeks parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health insurance
• On-site clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and licensed counselor
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
• And so much more

It's time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let's make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

ITAR and / or EAR Statement - SELECT ALL 3 values to add full statement to job posting This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The ITAR/EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Non-U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export-restricted information.