Composite Technician II

Sierra Space Careers

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Composite Technician II position involves assembling, testing, and maintaining more complex mechanical systems and components to meet required specifications. In this intermediate role, you will work closely with engineers and senior technicians to ensure the quality and reliability of flight hardware. This position requires a solid understanding of mechanical principles, composite materials fabrication including hand layup and vacuum bagging techniques, troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to precision and safety. You will be involved in assembling major structures, performing part-fitting operations for spacecraft systems, and translating blueprints into mechanical assemblies. Additionally, your tasks will include precision drilling, using calibrated tools, advanced bonding techniques including surface preparation and adhesive application, composite structural repair and damage assessment, troubleshooting, and developing advanced skills in precision cleaning and handling mechanical hardware.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform complex mechanical assemblies, harness routing, inspection, in-process testing, precision cleaning, and structural fabrication independently.
• Execute composite layup operations including ply cutting and kitting, vacuum bagging, autoclave and oven cure operations, trimming, finishing, and structural repair of composite components.
• Inspect, assemble, integrate, and operationally check flight hardware to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
• Assemble, test, and maintain mechanical systems and components to meet quality and performance requirements.
• Prepare and handle composite materials including prepreg and dry fabric materials, following established hand layup techniques and ply schedules.
• Perform vacuum bagging operations with proper breather and release film placement, and monitor cure cycles for optimal results.
• Trim and machine cured composites, prepare surfaces for bonding operations, and mix and apply adhesives per specifications with proper bond line control.
• Conduct structural repairs including damage assessment, scarf and stepped repairs, and non-destructive inspection (NDI) of composite structures.
• Use precision measurement tools to verify components meet specified tolerances and dimensional requirements.
• Adhere to shop safety protocols including PPE requirements, 5S, FOD (Foreign Object Debris), and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) awareness standards.
• Perform physical tasks including lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders and stairs, and working in restrictive spaces.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve production schedules and quality goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically 2+ years of experience in a mechanical or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with general best shop practices, including PPE and shop safety requirements.
• Ability to perform intermediate equipment setup and maintenance activities and display mechanical aptitude and hand tools/precision tools competency.
• Proficiency in precision cleaning.
• Knowledge of 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness.
• Ability to conduct verification/troubleshooting of own work.
• Proficient understanding of mechanical assemblies, soldering, harness routing, inspection, in-process testing, precision cleaning, and structural fabrication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: IPC & J-STD.
• A&P License.
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral).
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools.
• Understanding of mechanical systems and components.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Compensation :

Pay Range:

$25.10 - $34.51

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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 or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.