What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Composite Technician position at Opterus?
About Opterus
Established in 2018, Opterus Research and Development is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable systems. We’re transforming the aerospace and defense industry by combining our patented high-strain composites with origami-inspired designs to create high-performance structures, including rollable booms, RF antennas, solar arrays, and other next-generation systems.
Position Overview
Opterus is seeking a highly experienced Senior Composite Technician to lead the fabrication, processing, and assembly of advanced composite structures for next generation aerospace applications. This is a senior, hands-on technical role for someone with deep expertise in composites manufacturing – ideally a technician who has spent years mastering prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, cure processes, tooling, and high precision composite assemblies.
The ideal candidate brings 7-10 years of composite manufacturing experience, exceptional technical judgment, and the ability to independently solve complex fabrication challenges in a fast paced R&D and flight hardware environment. This person will serve as a technical leader on the production floor and a mentor for less experienced technicians.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead fabrication and assembly of advanced composite structures, including complex layups, multi-material assemblies, and tight tolerance R&D and flight hardware
- Perform prepreg material handling, including identification of material condition, fiber orientation, tack, resin content, and suitability for process steps
- Assist in the development and execution of advanced vacuum bagging strategies, cure setups, and autoclave/oven cycles to ensure repeatable, high-quality laminates
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing plans with minimal oversight
- Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for-manufacture challenges, and validate new materials and processes
- Build, maintain, and improve composite tooling, including molds, mandrels, and fixtures
- Provide input to improve manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, work order steps, and quality checkpoints
- Operate and maintain specialized composite fabrication equipment (e.g., custom ovens, precision cutters, metrology tools, and clean‑room environments)
- Perform inspection of composite components (visual, tap test, dimensional, etc.) and ensure compliance with aerospace quality and safety standards
- Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for fabrication issues, material deviations, and process nonconformances
- Train and mentor Level I–III technicians, setting the standard for craftsmanship, precision, and shop professionalism
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in tooling design, layup methodology, material flow, and production efficiency
Required Qualifications
- 7-10 years of hands-on composite fabrication experience (aerospace experience strongly preferred)
- Proficiency in prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, debulk/cure cycles, and composite assembly techniques
- Strong knowledge of composite material systems (prepreg, dry fiber, adhesives, film adhesives, core materials, etc.)
- Proven ability to independently execute complex layups and assemblies with high precision and low rework rates
- Ability to identify material type or condition through handling (e.g., frozen vs. Out-time expired prepreg, resin system distinctions)
- Ability to lead troubleshooting, mentor teams, and provide technical direction
- Strong understanding of AS9100 practices, clean‑room operation, and aerospace quality standards
- Capable of working from engineering drawings, CAD, and work instructions
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, iterative R&D environment where processes evolve quickly
- U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident (due to government contract requirements)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-strain composites, deployable structures, or spaceflight hardware
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, load testing, etc.)
- CNC machining, metrology, or precision alignment experience
- CAD experience (e.g., SolidWorks)
- Experience with First Article builds
Compensation and Benefits
- Annual salary range of $74,000 - $90,000, based on experience and qualifications
- Flexible work schedules (i.e., traditional, 9/80, or 4/10 schedule)
- Opterus pays 100% of employees’ premiums and 70% of dependents’ premiums
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances
- 401K matching up to 4%
- 9 paid holidays
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
Salary : $74,000 - $90,000