Composite Fabrication and Integration Technicians II-IV

APEX Space and Defense Systems is hiring composite fabrication and integration technicians at levels II through IV for our Composites Manufacturing team in Santa Ana. You'll build large, flight-critical composite structures for space and defense programs. The work must meet tight dimensional tolerances and follow controlled process specifications.

Make sure to apply quickly in order to maximise your chances of being considered for an interview Read the complete job description below.
We're hiring technicians with two or more years of hands-on composite experience. Your technician level and pay depend on your experience and demonstrated skills, and each level has a defined path to the next.
Qualified resumes should be emailed to:
At a glancePay: $40 to $64 an hour, based on level, experience and certificationsSchedule: 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend workClearance: Required for the role, but you don't need one to apply. APEX sponsors the clearance process for qualified candidates, and an active clearance is a plus.Location: On-site in Santa Ana, California
What you'll doRead and work from engineering drawings, 3D models, work instructions, ply layup schedules and material specificationsCut and kit prepreg plies, adhesive film and honeycomb core using templates or Gerber automated cutting systems, keeping fiber orientation correct and materials traceablePrepare, maintain and assemble molds and toolingComplete hand layup of prepreg materials, debulks, and vacuum bagging on small to large structuresLoad, run and document autoclave and oven cure cycles, including thermocouple placement and cure record review.Process honeycomb core preparation, splicing and potting, plus adhesive bonding, and assemble details into higher-level assembliesTrim, drill, sand and finish parts to close tolerances, install aerospace hardware and verify dimensional conformanceInspect your work in process and record it under our AS9100 quality management systemKeep strict foreign object debris (FOD) control and follow cleanroom and safety protocols
Where you fitComposite Fabrication and Integration Technician II: You'll handle routine composite operations on your own without direct supervision. You'll operate laser ply projection systems, Gerber ply cutting and overhead cranes, refer non-routine conditions to senior technicians, and train Level I technicians.Composite Fabrication and Integration Technician III: You'll handle complex and non-routine operations independently and serve as a senior technical authority on the floor. You'll lead first article and qualification builds, check the work of Level I and II technicians on critical operations, and support root cause analysis and corrective action.Composite Fabrication and Integration Technician IV: This is the top of our technician progression. You'll lead teams and special projects, help internal and customer engineers make designs easier to manufacture, do structural repair, and help design and build carbon and fiberglass tooling. You'll also mentor Level I to III technicians.
What you'll bringRequiredHigh school diploma or equivalentAt least two years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience, including prepreg hand layup and vacuum bagging of production hardwareAbility to read engineering drawings and follow written work instructions and process specifications in EnglishPrecision and repeatability from build to build, with close attention to detailCommitment to safety, quality and FOD controlDependable attendance at the scheduled shift startPreferredAn active U.S. government security clearanceExperience with Gerber or similar automated ply cutting and laser ply projectionAutoclave, oven and out-of-autoclave cure experienceAdhesive bonding and honeycomb core experienceWork in an AS9100, Nadcap or similar quality-managed environmentWorking knowledge of nondestructive testing (X-ray and ultrasonic) and how layup, bagging and cure practices affect resultsExperience mentoring or leading technicians, for senior levels
EligibilityThis position requires a U.S. government security clearance, including U.S. citizenship. You don't need an active clearance to apply, and APEX will start the clearance process for qualified candidates. Employment depends on getting and keeping that clearance.
Physical requirements and work environmentThis is an on-site job in a manufacturing environment that can be noisy. You must be able to:Lift and carry up to 35 pounds repeatedlyStand, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and work at heights on and off for up to 12 hoursReach above and below shoulder levelWork around forklifts, cranes and hazardous machineryWear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses
About APEX Space and Defense SystemsAPEX Space and Defense Systems delivers world-class solutions for the space, defense and mission-critical infrastructure industries. We excel at composite and lightweight material manufacturing from design through full-rate production. Our innovation, quality, integrity and partnership drive the products that protect our nation, connect our world and explore our universe.
BenefitsFull-time employees are eligible for benefits the 1st of the month following date of hire. Coverage is available for spouses, domestic partners, and children up to age 26. Benefits are subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.Health & WellnessChoice of 6 UnitedHealthcare medical plans (HMO, PPO, and HSA-compatible)$1,000 annual employer HSA contributionDental HMO and PPO options, including orthodontia$0-premium VSP vision coverage$0 24/7 virtual visits, fitness access, and up to $300 in UHC RewardsFinancial Security401(k) with safe harbor match, 100% vested immediatelyPre-tax and Roth contribution optionsCompany-paid life insuranceOptional life, disability, and supplemental coverageHealth Care and Dependent Care FSAsAdditional Benefits24/7 confidential Employee Assistance ProgramFree online will preparationPet care savingsEmployee discounts on travel, tickets, and more
EEO:The employment policy of APEX Space and Defense Systems is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has made a commitment to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. xzbcwsv  VEVRAA:APEX Space and Defense Systems will recruit, hire, train and promote qualified individuals in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.