Job Description

COMPOSITES TECHNICIAN

We are hiring 3 technicians to join our team. 

Location:  Bingen, WA

Full Time, On-site 

Core Schedule: 2 Options

• Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (40 hours/week) 
• Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (40 hours/week) 
  

About Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL):  We are an engineering and manufacturing company focused on the development of uncrewed and autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs). ZFL's mission is to enable the widespread use of drones by creating products that can scale in both manufacturing and operations. 

Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL) is developing the “Z1”, a 55 pound, 14-foot span VTOL drone that is powered by hydrogen fuel cells. ZFL received a government contract in 2020 to create the Z1 prototype, and a second contract in 2022 to productize and deliver test articles to the U.S. Military. ZFL relies upon engineers, technicians, and operators who are able and willing to make this next phase of the program a success. ZFL employees must have a good combination of skill, industry knowledge, curiosity, and drive to solve problems effectively and quickly.

Summary of Position:

The Composite Technician is a skilled technician who primarily performs hands-on manufacturing and production-level composite fabrication , following work instructions and procedures to lay up, trim, bond, and assemble composite structures and components . This role requires a strong attention to detail and experience working with composite materials and equipment. The Composite Technician reports to the Director of Operations and collaborates closely with team members to meet production schedules and maintain high standards of workmanship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Composites Technician shall have/perform:

• Composites Fabrication:  Perform manual lay-up of carbon fiber pre-preg materials into molds following established work instructions and engineering drawings. Prepare and bag parts for curing processes (e.g., oven or autoclave). Trim composite parts to specified dimensions using cutting tools and precision instruments. Bond composite subassemblies using adhesives, fasteners, and fixtures as required. Ensure quality and accuracy of work through careful measurement and inspection.
• Operate and Maintain Equipment: Operate heavy equipment such as presses, cutting tables, CNC routers, and overhead cranes. Maintain clean work surfaces and equipment in compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
• Manage Documentation: Record work performed in travelers, logs, or digital systems for traceability. Use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel to generate procedures, and work instructions, and reports. Contribute to the creation, modification, and maintenance of all documents, procedures, contracts, risk management plans, and any other documentation required by a customer, or stakeholder 
• Technical Skill Development:  Build technical skills through on-the-job learning, cross-training, and collaboration with senior technicians. Apply feedback and coaching to expand knowledge of composite processes and troubleshooting techniques.
• Communicate Effectively: Communicate effectively with engineering and quality assurance teams to resolve technical issues and ensure project success.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to efforts to enhance production processes to increase efficiency and quality. Work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality and technical issues
• Ensure Compliance and Safety:  Uphold industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines in all activities.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications: The Composites Technician shall have: 

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience in composite fabrication, particularly with carbon fiber
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with composite lay-up techniques, trimming, bonding, and basic tooling. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions. Basic math and measurement skills.
• Operational Expertise: Some experience with ERP/MRP systems in a production environment
• Problem-Solving : Good analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated passion for operational excellence, innovation, and finding solutions as problems arise
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal Skills: Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain credibility in customer, supplier, and co-worker interactions
• Initiative: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues to drive projects to successful completion in a team environment
• Adaptability: Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in evolving environments while adjusting work approaches to address complex problems 
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to be meticulous and thorough in completing work tasks, ensuring high-quality results and adherence to specifications and standards
• Time Management: Efficiently manages time to meet production schedules and adapt to changing priorities.
• Work Independence: Able to perform assigned tasks independently with moderate supervision in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining focus on safety, quality, and accuracy.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Basic computer skills 
• Physical Demands: Ability to perform physical activities such as standing, walking, lifting, pushing, or carrying heavy objects, sitting for long periods, and performing computer and desk work. Work in environments with varying temperatures and exposure to chemicals and dust (with PPE provided).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Composites fabrication experience – especially with prepreg bladder molding and RTM/VARTM
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or marine composite manufacturing.
• Knowledge of autoclave or oven curing processes.
• Familiarity with health and safety standards in composites manufacturing. 
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Aerospace and defense industry experience.

Come Join Our Team:

Compensation & Benefits:
We're proud to offer a competitive total rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance. Pay is based on experience. This position is located in Bingen, WA, and does not include relocation assistance.

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