Composites Fabricator & Assembler I-III (Active Clearance Required)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Trims, grinds, drills and sands composite parts to precise dimensions. Mixes and applies appropriate adhesives to bond parts. Assemble components to form subassemblies per documentation directions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Each successive level of Composite Assembler builds on the identified knowledge, skills and abilities listed for the previous level(s) Composite Assemblers.

• Builds, fabricates, cures, and assembles various types of plastic, ceramic andicomposite products and assemblies; including bonded and mechanically-fastened assemblies.
• Interprets and follows manufacturing orders, and assures coordination of parts and subassemblies to exacting tolerances when required in building assemblies, incorporates design and/or modification changes.

• Builds laminated assemblies by determining proper placement, and laying upicomposite plastic and metal parts and adhesives onto tools or molds.
• Prepares parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections, checks seals on completed bagged parts for leaks.
• Assemblies compiling parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an autoclave, oven or platen press in order to obtain desired set and cure.
• Operates autoclave controls to obtain and maintain proper temperature, pressure and time cycle in accordance with engineering materials process specifications; corrects defects as required.
• Trims, grinds, drills and sands composite parts to precise dimensions.
• Mixes and applies appropriate adhesives to bond parts.
• Operates shop related machinery including, but not limited to, ovens, pneumatic tools, common hand tools and scales. Handles, applies, stores and disposes of composite materials, adhesives, sealants, resins and solvents.
• Reads and understands technical drawings.
• Repairs damaged composite areas, utilizing a variety of composite repair methods including damage area detection, precise damage removal and preparation, wet layup repair, pre-preg repair, heat blanket, local vacuum bagging, temporary Caul plate fabrication and installation and repair finishing.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Composite Fabricator/Assembler I

• Works under close supervision.
• May work from engineering drawings.
• Builds laminated assemblies by determining proper placement, and laying upicomposite, plastic and metal parts and adhesives onto tools or molds.
• Prepares, abrades and bonds composite and metal-to-composite assemblies.
• Rivets both solid and blind rivets.
• May install electronic components.
• Performs hand layout of features for trimming and drilling in parts or assemblies.
• Meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards.

Composite Fabricator/Assembler II

• Works under limited supervision.
• May work from engineering drawings, rough sketches, manuals and/or appropriate engineering direction.
• Prepares, abrades and bonds composite and metal-to-composite assemblies.
• Rivets both solid and blind rivets.
• May install electronic components.
• Performs hand layout of features for trimming and drilling in parts or assemblies.
• Capable of performing wet layups.
• Meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards.
• Trains and mentors new employees in proper trimming, abrading and bonding techniques, with supervisory approval.

Composite Fabricator/Assembler III

• Works under minimal supervision.
• Meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards.
• Ability to work at any work center in the department.
• Trains and mentors new employees in proper trimming, abrading and bonding techniques.
• May fabricate prototype parts from sketches.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Compensation:

$24.00 - $32.00 Hourly

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed below apply to all levels of Composite Fabricator & Assembler. Each successive level of Composite Fabricator & Assembler has additional knowledge, skills and abilities listed.

• This position requires an active Secret Clearance with reinvestigation within the last five years.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.

Composite Fabricator/Assembler I

• Must be able to demonstrate accurate basic math skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate good attention to detail resulting in the production of high quality parts.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to use hand tools.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of process specifications.
• Precise measuring experience is a plus.

Typical qualifications for this level include:

• Documentation skills in reading and writing various forms of documentation.
• Basic Computer Skills.
• Ability to differentiate between various types of composite materials .
• Ability to operate equipment used within department.
• Ability to read and follow processes and procedures.
• Ability to use powered and non-powered tools to perform cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.

Composite Fabricator/Assembler II

• Must be able to perform basic lamination repairs.
• Must be able to use precision measuring devices.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of process specifications.

Typical qualifications for this level include an intermediate level of:

• Math Skills, - Maintain the ability demonstrate skills equivalent to Blueprint I and shop math.
• Documentation skills in reading and writing various forms of documentation.
• Computer Skills.
• Materials Knowledge.
• Ability to operate equipment used within department.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow processes and procedures.
• Ability to use powered and non-powered tools to perform cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.

Composite Fabricator/Assembler III

• Must be able to use precision measuring devices.
• Must be able to interpret and work from industry specs.
• Must be able to handle and repair work.
• Must be proactive in looking for process improvements.
• Works directly with engineering to develop new components and or troubleshoot problems.
• Works directly with Manufacturing Engineering to refine manufacturing documentation and technics.

Typical qualifications for this level include an advanced level of:

• Math Skills - Maintain the ability demonstrate skills equivalent to Blueprint I and shop math.
• Documentation skills in reading and writing various forms of documentation.
• Computer Skills.
• Materials Knowledge.
• Ability to operate equipment used within department.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow processes and procedures.
• Ability to use powered and non-powered tools to perform cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• This position requires an active Secret Clearance with reinvestigation within the last five years.

Composite Assembler I

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing production.
• Composite background is a plus.

Composite Assembler II

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Preferably minimum of 2 years hands-on experience in composite manufacturing.

Composite Assembler III

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Preferably minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in composite manufacturing.
• Experience with aircraft fuselage a definite plus.
• Experience with Vacuum Bagging, and various forms of Lamination repair.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

None.