Senior Composite Technician

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