What does a composite technician do?
A composite technician specializes in producing and repairing composite materials, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities include coordinating with engineers and specialists, studying designs and diagrams, operating machines and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize workflow. In a company setting, a composite technician is also in charge of producing progress reports, preparing and processing documentation, and providing technical support to staff. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members, adhering to the company's policies and regulations at all times.
Composite technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real composite technician resumes:
- Manage utilization of LOTO procedures, GMP standards and OSHA safety standards.
- Fabricate parts from stock maintaining alloy, heat treat, surface finish including aluminum, stainless steel and titanium.
- Complete courses on OSHA requirements.
- Maintain MSDS and other OSHA relate paperwork.
- Be aware FOD and other hazards when working with chemicals.
- Inspect every layer to ensure that they are all FOD free.
- Drill and install damaged wing spars, aluminum and titanium ribs, skins.
- Hand and machine finish parts utilizing drills, saws, files and right angle grinders.
- Utilize assort tools including CNC assist milling machines, lathes, saws and various air/electric tools.
- Establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches.
- Unload and load of autoclaves, ovens and presses within specifications; certify crane and forklift operator.
- Used dye grinders, dremel tools, cutting wheels, bench grinders and sanding tools for precision parts.
- Compile with establish safety standards and regulations in maintaining cleanliness, tidiness, and safety of the workplace.
- Advance knowledge and capability in operating: laser projection systems, autoclaves, cutting tables, forklifts and cranes.
- Use various measuring tools to assure correct dimensions on parts, including digital and analog calipers, micrometers and precision rulers.
Composite technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Composite Technicians are proficient in Hand Tools, Calipers, and Composite Materials. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Mechanical skills, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Composite Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 14%
Operate various hand tools pneumatic and electric, cut parts to spec's according to work order and or customers request.
- Calipers, 9%
Use precision measuring tools (calipers, scales and micrometers) to check work performed.
- Composite Materials, 7%
Designed and produced composite material patterns for processing into aerospace, automotive, recreational, and industrial applications.
- Engineering Drawings, 6%
Interpret engineering drawings, understand and apply work instructions, and accurately follow instructions related to composite layup and assembly manufacturing.
- Grinders, 4%
Use pneumatic tools such as air drills and die grinders to complete tasks with resins, specifically EA-9309 and EA-956.
- Autoclaves, 4%
Assist in loading autoclaves and\or ovens with the use of forklifts, cranes or handling carts.
"hand tools," "calipers," and "composite materials" are among the most common skills that composite technicians use at work. You can find even more composite technician responsibilities below, including:
Computer skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a composite technician to have is computer skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Composite technicians often use computer skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "perform composite hand lay-up run computer software prepare tools for lay-up bagging and final bagging setup/assembly"
Mechanical skills. Another essential skill to perform composite technician duties is mechanical skills. Composite technicians responsibilities require that "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." Composite technicians also use mechanical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "railroad composite mechanic - qualified maintenance person performing safety, electrical and mechanical inspections on passenger cars and locomotives. "
Physical strength. composite technicians are also known for physical strength, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to composite technician responsibilities, because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place." A composite technician resume example shows how physical strength is used in the workplace: "instructed patient and/or physical therapists on the proper use and operation of the medical equipment prescribed. "
The three companies that hire the most composite technicians are:
- LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions17 composite technicians jobs
- Albany International12 composite technicians jobs
- PDS Tech10 composite technicians jobs
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Compare different composite technicians
Composite technician vs. Molder
A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between composite technicians and molder. For instance, composite technician responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "calipers," "composite materials," and "engineering drawings." Whereas a molder is skilled in "safety procedures," "sand molds," "quality checks," and "data sheets." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Molders tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,103. In contrast, composite technicians make the biggest average salary, $40,404, in the start-up industry.molders tend to reach similar levels of education than composite technicians. In fact, molders are 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Composite technician vs. Blow mold operator
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, composite technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "calipers," "composite materials," "engineering drawings," and "autoclaves." Meanwhile, a blow mold operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "quality checks," "minor maintenance," "quality standards," and "troubleshoot." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Blow mold operators earn a higher average salary than composite technicians. But blow mold operators earn the highest pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $39,503. Additionally, composite technicians earn the highest salaries in the start-up with average pay of $40,404 annually.blow mold operators earn similar levels of education than composite technicians in general. They're 1.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Composite technician vs. Injection molder
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a composite technician is likely to be skilled in "hand tools," "calipers," "composite materials," and "engineering drawings," while a typical injection molder is skilled in "injection molds," "plastic injection," "spc," and "machine operation."
Injection molders earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $34,963. Comparatively, composite technicians have the highest earning potential in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $40,404.When it comes to education, injection molders tend to earn similar degree levels compared to composite technicians. In fact, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Composite technician vs. Molder operator
Types of composite technician
Updated January 8, 2025
