Composite Technician 26-38 Per Hour

The Composite Technician will play a hands-on role in manufacturing high-performance composite parts used in the structure and systems of autonomous defense equipment. This position focuses on large molds and infusion processes, including loading dry materials and stringers, installing vacuum manifolds, bagging, performing drop tests and leak detection, maintaining vacuum catch pots, and mixing resin and MEKP to precise ratios. The role directly impacts product reliability and performance in a fast-paced, innovative environment dedicated to cutting-edge maritime autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare molds and tooling for composite layup and infusion, ensuring all surfaces and materials meet required specifications.
• Perform precise hand layups using dry fiber materials, maintaining accurate ply orientation and layer placement.
• Set up and execute vacuum-assisted resin infusion processes, including installing vacuum manifolds, bagging, and monitoring system performance.
• Mix and handle resins, hardeners, MEKP, and other composite materials in accordance with established safety protocols and specified ratios.
• Ensure each fiberglass layer is installed to prevent bridging, wrinkling, and resin richness, and install core materials with minimal gaps.
• Conduct drop tests, perform leak detection, and maintain vacuum catch pots to support consistent, high-quality infusion results.
• Debur surfaces and prepare parts for dry loading fiberglass, including mixing putty and performing other surface-preparation tasks as needed.
• Interpret and follow technical drawings, layup schedules, schematics, diagrams, and process documentation using a tablet or computer.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and quality teams to refine part designs, improve manufacturability, and resolve production issues.
• Document work performed, record process details, and proactively identify process improvements or potential quality issues.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant workspace in a climate-controlled assembly environment.
• Work with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to industry-leading standards.
• Use power tools and mechanical assembly techniques as required to support composite fabrication and related production activities.
• Communicate clearly with team members, ask questions when needed, and contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

• At least 2+ years of recent experience working with ply orientation and the ability to interpret it accurately from drawings and blueprints.
• At least 2+ years of recent experience with vacuum bagging processes for composite parts.
• At least 2+ years of recent experience with pre-preg or pre-prep layup in molds and tooling.
• At least 2+ years of recent experience with fiberglass layup in molds and tooling.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, diagrams, engineering drawings, blueprints, layup schedules, and technical specifications.
• Hands-on experience with composite fabrication, including layup, infusion, and fiberglass work.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with mechanical assembly and power tools.
• Proficiency with MS Office and general computer skills, including using tablets or computers to access production documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting industry-leading quality standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment with changing priorities.
• Confident communication skills with the ability to speak up, ask questions, and seek clarification as needed.
• Problem-solving mindset and the ability to work through ambiguity and take initiative to figure things out.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs as required in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person.

• Military mechanical experience, particularly with maritime systems such as those used in the U.S. Navy.
• Experience with system integration involving maritime, defense, aviation, or aerospace products.
• Prior experience working in the early stages of a start-up company or similarly dynamic environment.
• Hobbies or personal projects involving mechanical work or hands-on fabrication in spare time.
• Experience with vacuum bagging, infusion techniques, and composite manufacturing in a production setting.
• Familiarity with production workflows, start-up culture, and defense or maritime industry environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications beyond basic MS Office use.

You will join a cutting-edge organization that is revolutionizing maritime autonomy with state-of-the-art unmanned surface vehicles and intelligent platforms. The company offers a modern, urban start-up atmosphere with a clear, purposeful mission that supports both commercial and defense customers. Team members benefit from a dynamic, positive, and highly collaborative culture where initiative, problem-solving, and continuous learning are encouraged and recognized. As the organization continues to grow and expand its product line, you will have opportunities to take on more responsibility, deepen your skills, and advance your career, including potential for project extensions and long-term roles. A comprehensive total rewards package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with a high employer-paid premium share, generous paid time off and holidays, paid parental leave, a 401(k) retirement plan, stock options, life and disability insurance, and performance-based bonus opportunities, giving you both professional growth and financial security.

Work Environment

The role is based in a climate-controlled assembly shop and corporate headquarters with a cutting-edge, urban, and modern start-up feel. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative, with a positive, team-oriented culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement. There are three openings on the day shift, working a schedule of five 10-hour days (Monday through Friday, approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), with additional hours available as needed on Saturdays. You will work with advanced composite manufacturing tools and equipment, including large molds, vacuum bagging systems, infusion setups, power tools, and digital documentation tools such as tablets and computers. The setting supports both commercial and defense-related projects, offering exposure to cutting-edge hardware, software, and artificial intelligence integrated into maritime platforms.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.