Senior Composite Technician - Vista, CA

Carbon by Design; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Carbon by Design is seeking a Senior Composite Technician in Vista, CA to lead fabrication and assembly of advanced composite structures. You will mentor junior technicians, support engineering during new product development, and troubleshoot complex manufacturing processes.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, and productivity, with responsibilities spanning process improvements, documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 12 years of composite manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong attention to craftsmanship and detail.
• Team-oriented with ability to train others.

Responsibilities

• Lead fabrication and assembly of composite parts using various layups, bonding, and curing techniques.
• Train and mentor technicians on composite processes, tooling, safety, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D on prototype and new product development.
• Identify and resolve technical issues in manufacturing processes and tooling.
• Maintain documentation of process improvements and lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with procedures and customer specifications.
• Contribute to process optimization, tooling design, and material selection.

Job description

SENIOR COMPOSITE TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: SENIOR COMPOSITE TECHNICIAN

REPORTS TO: PRODUCTION MANAGER

FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: FULL-TIME

Position Summary:

The Senior Composite Technician plays a critical role in the fabrication, assembly, and development of advanced composite structures. This position leads by example in executing hands‑on work, training junior technicians, supporting engineering in new product development, and troubleshooting complex manufacturing processes. The Senior Composite Technician is a key team leader on assigned projects, ensuring quality, efficiency, and innovation in composite manufacturing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the fabrication and assembly of composite parts using various layups, bonding, and curing techniques (e.g., pre‑preg, vacuum bagging, autoclave, oven cure).
• Train and mentor technicians on composite processes, tooling, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and R&D teams during prototype and new product development phases.
• Identify and resolve technical issues in manufacturing processes, tooling, and part quality.
• Maintain detailed documentation of process improvements, deviations, and lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures and customer specifications.
• Provide input on process optimization, tooling design, and material selection.
• Lead by example in adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Support project planning and resource coordination with supervisors and production leads.
• Always be aware of FOD & Tool control
• Continuously demonstrate 5S Application
• Adheres to the highest practicable safety and housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• U.S. Person status required do to export control
• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• 12 years of Composite manufacturing experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Must be able to verbally communicate, read and comprehend written and verbal instructions in English
• Capable of doing simple mathematical calculations
• Must be well organized, flexible, and able to work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Must thrive in a team‑oriented and deadline‑driven environment
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and blueprints
• Ability to communicate effectively with co‑workers and the management team

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may have to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds at times. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee must regularly possess manual dexterity to put parts or pieces together quickly and accurately. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme heat and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.