R&D Composite Tech

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a R&D Composite Tech.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. This position is located at our San Diego headquarters and reports to our Product Development Manager.

Position Summary:

The R&D Composite Technician plays a critical role in supporting product development programs from concept through build and troubleshooting. This hands-on position is responsible for executing prototype builds, providing input on material selection, manufacturing techniques, and tooling approaches to best meet customer requirements. The technician will lead development builds while ensuring cost, quality, and delivery targets are consistently achieved.

Essential Function:

• Review engineering to provide feedback on manufacturing risk.
• Ensure work instructions and documentation meet engineering requirements.
• Build complex components using various composites manufacturing techniques.
• Develop and create processing techniques for new components.
• Support multiple programs and customers.
• Help to define the approach by which products or components will be designed, tooled, built, otherwise completed, and/or analyzed to meet requirements specified by customers
• Define method by which conformance to product and program requirements will be demonstrated (quality buy-off)
• Support written proposals to customers by assessing scope and work required.
• Support Product and Process transfer from Development to operations team
• Lead technician team in development builds and mentor team members to drive knowledge growth through the organization.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree or higher in a technical field preferred.

• Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in a composite manufacturing environment.

• Must be able to work on projects from beginning to end; prep, kitting, fabrication, trim/drill, assembly, bonding, etc.

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and part layouts.

• Proven experience in the production of composite tooling and components, including prototype and development work.

• In-depth knowledge of composite materials and processes, including:

• Tapes, fabrics, braids, prepregs, wet layup, resin infusion, RTM, compression molding, filament winding

• Fiber types: carbon fiber, fiberglass, quartz, Kevlar

• Resin systems: epoxy, vinyl ester, cyanate ester

• Familiarity with precision bonded assembly techniques and sandwich structure fabrication.

• Experience with composite machining and finishing processes, such as trimming, drilling, and coating.
• Skilled in the use of quality measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Experience building and bonding composite assemblies, preferably in aerospace or spacecraft applications.
• Comfortable working on complex, cross-functional development projects in a team environment.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and dependable with a strong work ethic.
• Knowledge of aerospace hardware, materials, and processes is a plus.
• Proficient in the use of hand tools and shop equipment for fabrication, repair, and modifications.

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement

ITAR Requirement

This position requires the use of information which is subject to compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations/ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (or, green card holder), protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Applicants cannot be hired until they are qualified to have such access. Some positions due to contracts will require current U.S. Citizenship.

Compensation:

The hourly range for this position falls within $32-$42 or DOE. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us?

At Rock West Composites, we care about our employees We offer exceptional benefits to our full-time team members, including 100% employer-paid Medical & Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, and a 401K match. Plus, you'll thrive in our fun and friendly working environment

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Due to nature of defense contracts, US Citizenship is a requirement. As part of our Drug and Alcohol Policy, upon acceptance of any offer of employment, employment will be conditional of passing a required drug test and employee will become part of the random drug testing.

Accessibility:

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact us