Senior Composites Manufacturing Technician - Help Scale Advanced Defense Manufacturing in a High-Impact Production Environment!

Hawthorne, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a rapidly growing defense technology startup redefining how high-performance composite components are manufactured. This team has developed a breakthrough production method for fiber-reinforced polymer structures, enabling complex parts to be built stronger, more consistently, and dramatically faster than conventional approaches. As a Senior Composites Manufacturing Technician, you will play a hands-on role in daily molding operations at a pilot production facility in El Segundo, CA. You will work directly with advanced tooling, molding systems, and composite materials that support mission-critical defense programs. If you thrive in a fast-paced shop environment, take pride in craftsmanship, and want your work to directly impact national security and U.S. manufacturing, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.

About Us

We are a venture-backed defense manufacturing startup pioneering a proprietary process for next-generation composite production. Our technology enables rapid fabrication of high-strength polymer components used in demanding military applications. With early validation, strong industry partnerships, and active production contracts supporting critical defense programs, we are scaling operations to meet urgent national needs while helping rebuild advanced manufacturing capacity in the United States.

Job Duties

• Execute daily composite molding operations within a production and pilot facility
• Prepare molds, tooling, and raw materials prior to molding cycles
• Load composite materials, preforms, and layups into molding systems
• Operate compression molding, resin transfer molding, or similar equipment
• Monitor molding cycles and record key process parameters accurately
• Conduct visual and basic dimensional inspections to verify part quality and consistency
• Maintain a clean and organized production workspace aligned with safety standards
• Support equipment setup, changeovers, and minor troubleshooting
• Assist in maintaining documentation and adhering to standard operating procedures
• Safely handle industrial presses, ovens, and other heavy production equipment
• Lift and move materials or components up to 40 lbs as required

Qualifications

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person in accordance with ITAR and EAR regulations
• 2+ years of experience in composites, molding, plastics manufacturing, or similar production environments
• Experience operating molding systems such as compression molding or RTM equipment
• Hands-on experience preparing composite layups and preforms
• Ability to document manufacturing data clearly and accurately
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Comfortable working around heavy equipment in an industrial environment
• Ability to communicate observations and production results clearly, both verbally and in writing

Preferred Experience

• Background in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting early-stage production ramp or process scale-up
• Exposure to preventive maintenance and basic equipment troubleshooting
• Forklift certification or hands-on experience
• Familiarity with machine shop environments
• Experience working within structured manufacturing documentation systems

Why Join Us

• Opportunity for growth within a scaling defense manufacturing company
• Direct impact on mission-critical programs supporting national security
• Hands-on role in reshoring advanced manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.
• Fast-paced startup environment with meaningful ownership
• Stock options
• Paid time off
• 401(k) employer match up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Compensation Details

$30 - $60/hr

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