Production Technician - 1st Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA) with公司贡献

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Huntington Beach, CA, seeks a Production Technician to fabricate composite components, inspect quality, and support lean manufacturing initiatives. You will handle tape wrapping, molding, and hand layup, interpreting engineering drawings and specs, with a focus on safe operation and on-time delivery.

The role requires 1–2 years of hands-on experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing, strong measurement skills, and ability to work independently while following

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of hands-on composite fabrication in aerospace, defense, marine, or related manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of composite materials, fabrication methods, and quality requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
• Experience using measuring equipment and inspection tools.
• Ability to apply established procedures and job skills to complete assigned work.
• Ability to work independently on routine assignments and seek guidance for new or unusual situations.
• Ability to recognize process deviations and take corrective action within established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs composite production processes including tape wrapping, cutting, compression molding, hand layup, trimming, and assembly operations.
• Reviews engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications to determine required production methods and processes.
• Mixes, measures, and applies resins, adhesives, and bonding materials according to established specifications.
• Performs structural and secondary bonding operations in accordance with manufacturing requirements.
• Conducts visual and dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments to verify product quality.
• Operates and monitors ovens and other processing equipment following established procedures.
• Completes work orders, travelers, and production documentation accurately and thoroughly.
• Identifies and reports process deviations, quality concerns, and equipment issues while supporting corrective actions within established procedures.
• Participates in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Maintains equipment and work areas to support safe, organized, and efficient operations.

Skills

Composite fabrication

Reading drawings

Inspection with tools

Quality standards

Lean manufacturing

Tools

Measuring instruments

Ovens

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

The Production Technician supports the production of high-quality composite components by performing hands‑on fabrication, assembly, inspection, and processing activities. This role contributes to efficient manufacturing operations by following established procedures, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring products are built in accordance with engineering and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Performs composite production processes including tape wrapping, cutting, compression molding, hand layup, trimming, and assembly operations.
• Reviews engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications to determine required production methods and processes.
• Mixes, measures, and applies resins, adhesives, and bonding materials according to established specifications.
• Performs structural and secondary bonding operations in accordance with manufacturing requirements.
• Conducts visual and dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments to verify product quality.
• Operates and monitors ovens and other processing equipment following established procedures.
• Completes work orders, travelers, and production documentation accurately and thoroughly.
• Identifies and reports process deviations, quality concerns, and equipment issues while supporting corrective actions within established procedures.
• Participates in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Maintains equipment and work areas to support safe, organized, and efficient operations.

Required Qualifications

• 1–2 years of hands‑on composite fabrication experience in aerospace, defense, marine, or related manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of composite materials, fabrication methods, and quality requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
• Experience using measuring equipment and inspection tools.
• Ability to apply established procedures and job skills to complete assigned work.
• Ability to work independently on routine assignments and seek guidance for new or unusual situations.
• Ability to recognize process deviations and take appropriate corrective action within established procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and stand for extended periods.

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Hourly Rate

$23 - $35 USD

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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