Shop Assistant

The Shop Assistant is a vital member of the Manufacturing Operations team, providing hands-on support across a wide range of shop and program activities. This role ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly by maintaining materials, equipment, and work areas, while also assisting with specialized tasks that directly support manufacturing and fabrication needs. The Shop Assistant must be highly adaptable, able to respond quickly to shifting priorities, and comfortable working under the direction of multiple leads throughout the company. In addition to general shop duties, this position provides direct support to Composite Fabricators, contributing to the production of advanced composite components using fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, and various resin systems. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Category: Manufacturing Operations

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: None

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching

Summary:

Founded in 1982 by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites is an aerospace company continually working to push boundaries, prove out ideas, and influence the future. We are a rapid prototyping and manufacturing facility, designing, building, and testing proof-of-concept and prototype vehicles. We have flown an average of one new aircraft type per year over our 40-plus year history such as Proteus, GlobalFlyer, SpaceShipOne, Model 401, and Stratolaunch.

Duties and Responsibilities may include, but not limited to:

• Prepare, stock, and clean resin pumps and stations, ensuring proper resin-to-hardener ratios.
• Replace resin drums and hardener barrels in refill stations.
• Maintain and refill safety cans with alcohol and acetone; clean and service dip tanks.
• Manage bulk dry stock inventory and keep shop program materials organized.
• Rotate and maintain contents of shop flammable cabinets.
• Stock Flox/Cabo/Micro bins as needed.
• Assist with trash removal in program areas when required.
• Support shop personnel with organization of program areas.
• Operate forklifts occasionally for various tasks.
• Collaborate with fabricators using fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, resin systems, and core materials to build composite components of varying sizes.
• Communicate effectively using company radios for timely coordination.
• Complete assignments requested through Maintenance Connection.
• Provide assistance to the Facilities Department with escorts, driving, and other tasks.
• Foster positive working relationships by demonstrating strong customer service.
• Take direction from multiple leads and successfully complete assigned tasks.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Valid California driver's license with eligibility to drive company vehicles.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and convert between them.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the company.

Essential Job Functions:

• Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach
• May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials (Ground Power Units, fuel bowsers, small aircraft) with a force up to 30 pounds
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard, test equipment, aircraft avionics)
• Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen, flight displays)
• Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to write for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
• May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, test hardware, etc.
• Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
• Ability to converse and communicate information with others
• Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentrations
• Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
• Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)