COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN LEAD

JOB TITLE: COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN LEAD

DEPARTMENT: FABRICATION

REPORTS TO: FABRICATION SUPERVISOR

CLASSIFICATION: FULL-TIME

CLEARANCE: SECRET

LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD, MD

Job Summary:

Composite Technician Lead performs complex composite fabrication and repair work on aircraft structures and components while providing day-to-day technical leadership to the Composite team. This role requires expert proficiency in complex lay-ups, curing processes, and cutting/trimming operations, operating and working closely with leads, engineering, and quality teams. Additionally, this position supports workforce development through training, mentoring, and guidance of composite technicians while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and perform advanced composite manufacturing operations, including hand lay-up (pre-preg and wet lay-up), vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, finishing, and repair of aircraft structures and components.
• Coordinate daily workflow, assign tasks, and provide technical guidance to Composite Technicians to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements are met.
• Execute and oversee composite repairs in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and approved repair procedures, ensuring build accuracy and structural integrity.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections of composite assemblies, identify defects or non-conformances, perform corrective actions when authorized, and ensure readiness for Quality Assurance review.
• Read, interpret, and assist others in understanding work instructions, technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for production issues within the composite area, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program teams to resolve technical and process challenges.
• Train, mentor, and develop composite personnel in manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and company procedures to support workforce growth and capability development.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Perform work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment in escalating complex technical, personnel, quality, or schedule concerns.
• Assist management with production planning, resource utilization, and workload balancing to meet organizational objectives.
• Inspect completed parts for defects, perform minor repairs, and document results before presenting for final QA inspection.
• Read and interpret work instructions, technical drawings, and process documentation.
• Adhere to safety protocols when handling materials (resins, prepregs, solvents) and operate in controlled environments, ensuring all work is completed within quality, safety, and time standards.
• Perform most tasks independently, escalating complex or cross-functional issues.
• Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED and 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Composites manufacturing or repair experience in aerospace, defense, or similar industries.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Proficient in reading technical drawings and skilled with tooling and equipment: calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, pneumatic tools.
• Strong attention to detail, quality orientation.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with cross functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced working environment.
• Recurring FOD training and awareness, upon hire and annually.
• Must be able to obtain a DOT physical and haul trailers to and from offsite locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiar with military aviation operations

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times, more with assistance.
• Work environment consists of various office and manufacturing settings with may have exposure to noise, varying temperatures, smells, and chemicals.
• Ability to traverse manufacturing facility.

Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate's qualifications and work location, where applicable.