What are the responsibilities and job description for the Composite Technicians - Exterior Panels position at HPC Services and Engineering?
Company Description
HPC Services & Engineering specializes in high-performance computing and engineering consulting solutions. With expertise spanning across various industries, we offer comprehensive CAD and CAE support as well as turnkey solutions for our clients. Our team provides engineering-focused IT services, ensuring tailored and robust technical solutions. HPC is now support our sister company SmartCore for the manufacturing of composite panels. HPC Services & Engineering is committed to delivering innovative and reliable outcomes for diverse engineering and technical needs.
Role Description
The Composite Technician supports the manufacturing, and production of composite exterior panels for transportation applications, including automotive, commercial vehicle, and specialty mobility platforms. This role focuses on hands-on fabrication, process development, tooling support, and validation of composite components to meet performance, quality, cost, and durability requirements.
Key Responsibilities- Fabricate composite exterior panels using processes such as vacuum infusion, resin transfer molding (RTM), compression molding
- Support development and refinement of composite panel designs in collaboration with engineering and design teams
- Prepare molds, tools, fixtures, and materials for prototype and production builds
- Execute surface preparation, trimming, finishing, bonding, and assembly of composite panels
- Assist with material selection, ply schedules, core integration, and reinforcement strategies
- Conduct dimensional inspections, fit-and-finish evaluations, and basic mechanical or environmental testing
- Identify and troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to materials, tooling, processing, or quality
- Document build procedures, work instructions, process parameters, and lessons learned
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, cost optimization, and quality improvement
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with safety and environmental regulations
- Assist with transition from prototype to low- and medium-volume production
- Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in composites, manufacturing, or a related field
- 2 years of experience working with composite materials in a production or development environment
- Practical experience with fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester), and core materials
- Ability to read and interpret work instructions
- Familiarity with basic measuring tools and inspection methods
- Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
- Experience with exterior Class A or cosmetic composite panels
- Familiarity with transportation industry requirements (automotive, truck, rail, marine, or aerospace)
- Experience with vacuum bagging, infusion, or compression molding processes
- Knowledge of surface finishing, paint preparation, or gel coat applications
- Experience supporting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) efforts
- Basic understanding of CAD models and composite ply documentation
- Hands-on problem-solving and process troubleshooting
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
- Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement
- Physical ability to stand, lift, and work with tools and materials in a manufacturing environment
- Manufacturing and prototype shop environment
- Regular exposure to resins, fibers, solvents, and powered tools (PPE provided)
- Ability to lift up to 25 to 30 lbs and perform repetitive tasks