Senior Composite Technician – Aerospace Prototyping

Archer; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. We are seeking a fabrication lead to oversee composite structures in a fast-paced prototype environment.

You will lead fabrication teams, ensure procedures are followed, read engineering drawings, and drive process improvements while maintaining high quality and safety standards. Strong CAD experience and aerospace background are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in a fast-paced, prototyping environment.
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace and/or automotive industry as an engineering technician.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and structural assembly techniques, including fastener installation, sealants, and alignment processes.
• Knowledge of aircraft safety procedures, tool control, foreign object debris (FOD) prevention, and industry regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering instructions, and FAA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Work on Archer’s most challenging composite structures; provide manufacturing input to help solve recurring issues
• Leads project activities and directs, coaches, mentors, employees in the fabrication of composite parts
• Manages assignment of fabrication team and allocates personnel appropriately to each assignment through verification of skill sets and competencies
• Accountable and responsible for ensuring that personnel are following procedures and that design requirements are properly communicated
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, modification documents, and test procedures.
• Lay up composite materials (e.g., prepreg, wet layup) according to engineering drawings and strict process specifications.
• Perform bagging, vacuum infusion, bonding, cure cycles, demolding, trimming, and finishing procedures while maintaining high quality standards.
• Inspect composite parts for defects (e.g., voids, delamination) and conduct repairs or refinishing as necessary.
• Maintain detailed documentation and records of material usage, process steps, and inspection results for certification traceability.
• Communicate regularly with manufacturing engineers and design teams, providing feedback on part buildability and potential process improvements.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, layup methods, resin systems, and cure processes.
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting technical drawings and process documentation
• Excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to safety in handling composite materials and chemicals.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, prototype-driven setting while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Reading drawings

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Catia

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. We are seeking a fabrication lead to oversee composite structures in a fast-paced prototype environment.

You will lead fabrication teams, ensure procedures are followed, read engineering drawings, and drive process improvements while maintaining high quality and safety standards. Strong CAD experience and aerospace background are preferred.