Manufacturing Technical Trainer

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Technical Trainer.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures. This position is located in our San Diego, CA office and reports to the Engineering Manager.

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Technical Trainer plays a dual role in hands-on composite fabrication and delivering impactful technical training to production staff. This position develops, delivers, and continuously improves training programs to ensure employees have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform their jobs effectively, safely, and to the highest quality standards. With a strong focus on composite manufacturing processes, the trainer will conduct both on-the-job and classroom-based instruction, maintain up-to-date training content, and evaluate training effectiveness to support Rock West Composites’ operational excellence.

Essential Functions:

Training & Development

• Design, develop, and maintain training materials (manuals, presentations, SOPs, job aids) tailored to composite manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Deliver training through multiple methods, including in-person classroom sessions, hands-on instruction on the production floor, and one-on-one coaching.
• Provide comprehensive training in composite processes such as layup, vacuum bagging, mold preparation, curing, bonding, assembly, trimming, drilling, coating, finishing, and inspection.
• Provide training on Quality Systems such as AS9100 and NADCAP
• Train employees in reading and interpreting work instructions, travelers, blueprints, and engineered drawings.
• Familiarize staff with the safe and proper use of tools, measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges), and shop equipment.
• Develop role-specific skills matrices and maintain accurate training records and logs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, feedback, and performance monitoring; adjust programs as needed.
• Coordinate with external trainers or vendors for specialized topics.
  
  
  

Technical & Hands-On Work

• Actively participate in composite fabrication tasks to maintain technical proficiency and credibility as a trainer.
• Support production teams by troubleshooting issues and providing technical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with Rock West Composites’ quality management system, including AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Operate in alignment with company policies, safety protocols, and industry regulations.
  
  
  

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to align training programs with evolving processes and customer requirements.
• Identify skill gaps and proactively create training to address them.
• Promote a positive, engaged, and safety-focused work culture.
  
  
  

Non-Essential Functions:

Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a composites manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of composite training experience.
• Proven expertise in composite fabrication processes, including prepreg and wet lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, bonding, and finishing.
• Experience working with carbon fiber, fiberglass, quartz, Kevlar, and composite tooling.
• Strong knowledge of reading blueprints, component drawings, and manufacturing travelers.
• Proficiency in using inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and standard shop equipment.
• Experience designing and delivering technical training in a manufacturing environment.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish required.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable with digital training tools.
• Ability to work primarily on 1st shift with occasional 2nd/3rd shift coverage for training delivery.
  
  
  

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• $3,000 Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement
  
  
  

Compensation:

The pay range for this position falls within $75,000-$90,000 annually. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Rock West Composites holds employees safety as a high standard and strictly enforces a No Drug and Alcohol Policy and pre-employment and random drug testing.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.