Composite Fabrication Technician

Do you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, customer-focused environment?

Are you a self-starter and passionate about attention to detail and fine finishing work?

Can you interpret requirements to build working models and prototypes?

Do you have a background in design and possess a sense of scale and the ability to visualize in three dimensions?

Do you have a background in using different materials & processes to manufacture molds and fixtures for building and assembling composite hardware?

Do you have experience using power tools and manual machining tools for trimming and assembling hardware?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Composite Fabrication Technician to provide support in the design, fabrication, assembly, and delivery of advanced composite and adhesive bonded prototypes.

As a Composite Fabrication Technician, you will:

• Be responsible for the hands-on fabrication, assembly, and finishing of advanced composite structures in support of research, prototyping, and low-rate production efforts. You will possess a strong working knowledge of composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid, and associated resins, adhesives, and core materials. You will interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications to build high-quality components while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and process controls.
• Perform a variety of composite fabrication processes, including wet layup, prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, and autoclave or oven curing. You will be expected to prepare molds and tooling, cut and kit composite plies, apply release systems, and execute layups with attention to fiber orientation, ply sequencing, and material handling requirements. Familiarity with composite trimming, drilling, bonding, and surface finishing techniques is essential, as is the ability to troubleshoot processing issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Be involved in building prototype and production composite parts such as panels, shells, stiffened structures, and bonded assemblies for structural, aerodynamic, or protective applications. Work may include integrating composite components with metallic or polymer substructures, performing secondary bonding operations, and supporting fit-up and assembly activities. You may also assist engineers and researchers during process development, material trials, and design-for-manufacturability efforts.
• Support inspection, documentation, and continuous improvement activities. This includes conducting in-process inspections, recording fabrication data, maintaining equipment and tooling, and contributing to the refinement of fabrication procedures. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment focused on delivering reliable, high-performance composite solutions.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a High School Diploma or higher.
• Have at least 5+ years of experience working with composite materials, adhesives, foams, fabrication methods, tooling, and machining.
• Experience using CAD software for dimensional analysis and simple designs.
• Experience in operating controllers for computer-controlled autoclaves, ovens, and other processing equipment.
• Experience with manual machining methods such as using die grinders, router tables, band saws, cutting wheels, and drill press.
• Experience using MS Word and Excel to generate word documents and spreadsheets.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with other technicians, engineers and customers.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret security level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an Associates or Bachelor's Degree.
• Have experience in prototyping using different materials and manufacturing processes outside of composites.
• Have experience programming and running a CNC router for machnining composites and tooling.
• Have experience using CAD to generate mold and fixture designs.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.