Prototype Engineering Technician

The Prototype Engineering Technician will have the opportunity to work on a variety of advanced unmanned systems to develop solutions for a variety of defense and commercial applications. This will include contributing to the development, build, integration, and maintenance of these systems with a particular emphasis on composite fabrication and assembly.

Position Responsibilities

• Conducts mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems
• Performs composite layup operations including wet layup, prepreg, and out-of-autoclave processes for prototype structural components
• Fabricates composite tooling including molds, caul plates, and layup fixtures to support prototype builds
• Executes cure cycles, post-cure operations, and dimensional inspection of composite parts
• Performs composite bonding and secondary assembly operations using aerospace-grade adhesives
• Operates and maintains shop equipment and tools (hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, composite cutting and trimming equipment, etc.)
• Meets scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones
• Attends project meetings to discuss project schedule, design, hardware status, and other critical information
• Effectively documents important processes and build techniques, including composite layup procedures and cure cycle records, for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individuals
• Builds low volume assemblies in the prototype phase of product lifecycle
• Ensures that laboratory, composite fabrication areas, and machine shop areas and equipment are safe, clean, in good working order, and organized for all engineering staff to efficiently work
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school
• 3+ years of technical experience with emphasis in composites fabrication, machining, rapid prototyping, and electronics
• Hands-on experience with composite fabrication methods including wet layup, prepreg, and bonded assembly
• Familiarity with composite inspection and repair techniques including visual and basic NDI methods
• Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
• Demonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or Remote Control (R/C) experience
• Good understanding of using machine shop tools and shows proficiency with these systems
• Experience with building fixtures, tools, and parts or electrical devices
• Good understanding of build/assembly documentation development including composite process documentation
• In-depth knowledge, including repair and test, in at least one area: Composites, Fabrication, Mechanics, Electronics
• Maintains a high level of work practice and ensures all safety guidelines and policies are met, including composite material handling and PPE requirements
• Requires local/domestic travel (both driving and flying) to test site locations and participating in development testing
• Must have a valid Driver's license and clean driving record
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Higher education and welding certifications are desired
• Experience with prepreg materials and autoclave or oven cure processes is desired
• Familiarity with composite-specific standards and process specifications (e.g., ASTM D3039, Nadcap composite processing) desired
• Experience with 3D modeling and programming software (such as SolidWorks/SURFCAM) desired
• Exposure to 3D additive manufacturing technology desired
• Skills as a machinist and with GD&T desired
• Demonstrates competency in interpreting instructions given by engineering team (verbal or written), asking for clarity where needed, and updating or generation of documentation, which could include drawings, layup procedures, and cure cycle records
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Salary Range: $80,000-90,000

The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience 

Note: Due to the nature of the work, only US Persons (citizens or permanent residents) need apply for this position.