Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician Hardware

Frontdoor Defense; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Lyten in Indianapolis is seeking a Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician to scale a new motorsports CFRP facility. You will lead end-to-end fabrication—from layup on molds to demolding—own autoclave operations, and manage material inventory to deliver premium CFRP parts for top-tier racing programs.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and 5+ years of hands-on experience with prepregs and autoclave processing.

Qualifications

• Experience with prepregs and autoclave processing.
• Must have hands-on composite manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end CFRP fabrication from layup to demolding.
• Own autoclave operations and cure cycles; monitor temperatures and pressures.

Skills

Composite layup

Autoclave operation

Vacuum bagging

Inventory management

Leadership on the shop floor

Education

Bachelor's degree in unrelated field

Tools

Industrial autoclave equipment

Job description

Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician

Scale CFRP manufacturing processes for a high-performance motorsports facility in Indianapolis

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Compensation: $38 - 57 USD / hour

About The Role

Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician

We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Senior Composite Manufacturing Technician to play a foundational role in scaling our new motorsports composite facility in Indianapolis. You will be the backbone of the shop floor, directly responsible for producing premium Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) parts that meet the ultra-exacting standards of top-tier motorsports.

In this role, you will lead the end-to-end fabrication process—from precision layup on molds to demolding finished parts—while taking ownership of our autoclave operations and material inventory. Because we are building this business from the ground up, we are looking for a proactive leader who leads by example, takes pride in their craft, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance racing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Composite Fabrication & Layup:
  • Execute precision layups of prepreg carbon fiber and other advanced materials onto complex molds for high-performance motorsports components.
  • Perform meticulous vacuum bagging, debulking, and leak testing to ensure zero defects during the cure cycle.
  • Safely and carefully demold cured CFRP parts, ensuring the integrity of both the part and the precision tooling.
  • Perform surface preparation, trimming, and basic finishing of composite parts.
• Autoclave Operations & Management:
  • Manage the loading and unloading of parts into and out of the autoclave.
  • Set up, monitor, and record cure cycles (temperature, pressure, and vacuum curves).
  • Ensure the autoclave is running smoothly by conducting routine inspections, troubleshooting minor issues, and coordinating with maintenance/vendors for major servicing.
• Materials & Shop Management:
  • Own the inventory management of the composites shop. Ensure all prepreg materials, resins, cores, and vacuum bagging consumables are properly stocked and ordered ahead of time.
  • Strictly track and log freezer life and out-life for all temperature-sensitive prepreg materials.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment (5S methodologies).
• Team Leadership & Quality Support:
  • Act as a leading technician on the floor, providing guidance, support, and troubleshooting expertise for the manufacturing of complex parts.
  • Collaborate with composite design engineers and managers to refine manufacturing processes, improve ply-books, and increase throughput.
  • Perform visual and dimensional quality checks to ensure parts meet the stringent aerodynamic and structural requirements of motorsports.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Bachelor's degree in unrelated field AND 5+ years of hands-on experience in advanced composite manufacturing, specifically working with prepreg carbon fiber and autoclave processing.
• Technical Skills:
  • Expertise in complex structural layup, vacuum bagging techniques, and debulking.
  • Direct experience operating and monitoring industrial autoclaves or industrial ovens.
  • Deep understanding of composite material behavior, cure cycles, and the importance of tracking material out-life.
• Leadership/Autonomy: Proven ability to work independently, manage shop resources, and lead specific builds or projects on the floor.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform physical tasks associated with laying up and demolding large/complex composite structures.
• Work Ethic: Strong attention to detail, high quality-standards, and the agility to adapt to the fast-changing timelines typical in the motorsports industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience manufacturing composite parts for top-tier motorsports (IndyCar, IMSA, F1, NASCAR, NHRA).
• Experience operating automated ply-cutting tables (e.g., Zünd, Eastman).
• Familiarity with tracking inventory and ordering supplies using an ERP system (like NetSuite) or structured inventory software.
• Experience in tool prep, tool sealing, and tool release processes.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs (e.g., material spools, powder containers, fixtures).
• Stand and walk for much of the workday; bend, reach, and work inside printer enclosures.
• Wear required PPE, including safety glasses and gloves, and a respirator for powder-based work (medical clearance and fit testing required).
• Work in a manufacturing setting with heated equipment, ventilated printer areas, noise, and typical plant conditions.
• Occasional extended hours or weekend coverage to support long builds.

Compensations Range:

The expected base salary range for this position is between

$37.93 - $56.88

The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise.

In addition to base pay this position is eligible for tier based bonus and equity, healthcare, dental, vision, corporate discounts, paid holidays, PTO and sick time, 401K, employee relocation plan (if applicable)

Lyten is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled.