Lead Composite Layup Technician

Description

About Us

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is a leading provider of thermal management solutions for aerospace, defense, data centers, energy, and industrial applications. For more than 20 years, ACT has engineered and manufactured innovative technologies that solve complex thermal challenges in demanding environments. Our team is driven by continuous innovation, teamwork, and collaboration, delivering reliable solutions that support critical missions and next-generation technologies worldwide.

The Lead Composite Layup Technician is responsible for fabricating composite parts through accurate placement, orientation, and bonding of materials into molds or tooling in accordance with engineering drawings, ply books, work instructions, and quality requirements. In addition to pre-cure manufacturing activities, this role provides leadership to assigned technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Technical

• Perform hand layup of composite materials, including prepregs, fabrics, adhesives, and films
• Cut, kit, and stage materials per job requirements
• Follow ply books, travelers, engineering drawings, and work instructions
• Ensure proper fiber orientation, ply sequence, material placement, and part configuration
• Apply resins, adhesives, and bonding films as required
• Perform vacuum bagging, debulking, and preparation for curing processes
• Maintain material handling controls, including freezer life, out-time tracking, and cleanliness requirements
• Inspect work for conformity to specifications prior to cure
• Complete required manufacturing and quality documentation
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and quality system requirements
• Support rework and continuous improvement activities

Leadership

• Provide daily direction and task assignments
• Serve as the technical resource for troubleshooting layup and lamination issues
• Train and mentor technicians on proper techniques, safety practices, and quality standards
• Monitor workflow to ensure schedule adherence and efficiency
• Coordinate with production supervisors, engineering, and quality to resolve issues
• Promote a safe, organized, and compliant work environment
• Provide input on performance feedback and serve as acting supervisor when required

Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ply books, and work instructions
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity
• Understanding of composite materials, fiber orientation, and lamination techniques preferred
• Ability to work in controlled environments, including PPE requirements
• Basic math and measurement skills

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Prior experience in composite layup, aerospace manufacturing, or related field preferred
• On-the-job training may be provided for entry-level candidates

ACT offers competitive pay, excellent benefits (medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, company-paid life & disability insurance, 401(k) match, and profit-sharing), and a supportive team environment.

ACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

ACT participates in E-Verify.

California Applicants: ACT collects personal information for hiring purposes. California residents may have rights under the CCPA/CPRA. Contact HR at barbara.rockwell@1-act.com.