Composite Technician Job Description
Composite technicians build the composite parts of an aircraft and also make sure that they are maintained efficiently. The technicians are recruited by aerospace organisations for structuring, designing, and maintaining the composite components of the air vehicles. Working with the new parts of an aircraft and using vacuum techniques is part of the composite technician job description. The composite components of the airplanes made of fiberglass and carbon need effective repair and maintenance which is what these technicians do. They read the design planning ensuring precision and other elements. The technicians must be well-acquainted with the latest airspace technology to provide smart composite tech solutions that can help in the alignment of aircraft framework.
Composite Technician Job Responsibilities
Apart from designing and structuring the composite parts of an aircraft the technicians are required to work on the parts of an airplane that are new using oven processes and other techniques. They have to understand technical blueprints keeping in view precision so that there is no issue during the manufacturing process. Since the composite work is specific the technicians have to be certain about the accuracy of the tools and practises, they use. Though compositing and blueprint reading are primarily the two things that you have to be good at when working on the aircraft, industry knowledge is a must.
Skills Required for Building a Composite Technician Career
The technical skills vary for the kind of composite technician job you are applying to, an employer can ask you for assembly line or fiberglass manufacturing. The qualities that a composite technician working in the aerospace industry needs to have include analytical thinking, good communication, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly comprehend the information and interpret it. Team coordination and time management skills are also required for the role. You need to be a self-starter and quick learner for performing well. The capability to be precise and reading between the lines would help you pursue your career in compositing. Find promising composite technician jobs at Aviation Job Search!
Work Environment of Composite Technicians
The composite technician might be required to work in hot and humid environments and be in places with moving parts and polymeric resins. They may also have to deal with glass and carbon fillers/fibers. Sometimes, the employee might be exposed to dust, cleaning chemicals, and wet or humid conditions. Safety glasses and shoes are essential and are usually provided by the employer. Composite technicians should be familiar with hazardous materials management and precautions. They must also be able to read MSDS reports and comply with any warnings. Noise levels in the workplace are usually moderate to high.
Physical Demands of Composite Technician Jobs
The composite technician must be able to stand properly, walk effectively, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop and kneel to perform the job; they also have to talk or hear with loud noises in the background. The technician should be able to lift up to 50 lbs and pull up to a 100 pounds. To transport, rig, and move tools and equipment, the composite technician will need to use material handling equipment. The job requires specific vision skills (with aides such as prescription glasses), including adequate close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
Future Outlook of Composite Technician Jobs
Composite Technician Jobs will increase over time as commercial and other aircraft manufacturers are constantly under pressure to improve performance due to ever-increasing fuel prices and environmental lobbying. That makes weight reduction an essential factor. Plus, component count reduction and corrosion reduction can make aircraft maintenance easier. Not to mention, there is competition in the military, where there is a constant demand to increase payload, range, flight performance characteristics, and survivability - not just for airplanes but for missiles. The answer to all the above is an increase in the usage of composite materials in the aircraft industry and military sectors that will require experts, i.e., composite technicians, to handle the fabrication and maintenance of parts and other components made from such materials.