Composite Fabricator

Job Title: Composite Fabricator

Job Description

This role supports the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles by fabricating tooling, structures, and components from a variety of composite and related materials. The Composite Fabricator collaborates closely with technicians and suppliers to assemble materials for drones, following detailed drawings and process instructions while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Follow design drawing instructions and written process documentation to perform composite layup, fabrication, and assembly tasks.

• Work collaboratively with the team to complete fabrication and assembly activities and help resolve tooling and process issues.

• Fabricate tooling, fixtures, jigs, and related components using one or more materials as required for production and development work.

• Operate hand and power tools, such as jitterbug sanders and Dotco tools, for cutting, trimming, and finishing composite parts.

• Perform bonding and curing operations using materials such as thermoplastics, rubber, resins, and adhesives in experimental and production layup processes.

• Use precision measuring tools, including calipers, scales, micrometers, and depth gauges, to verify dimensions and ensure work meets specifications.

• Adhere to all safety requirements and company policies and procedures while working with tools, equipment, and materials.

• Complete assignments that are semi-routine in nature by following established procedures for routine work and exercising judgment when needed.

• Apply acquired job skills and company procedures to complete assigned tasks under minimal supervision, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions to plan and execute fabrication and assembly operations.

• Download and review digital work instructions and documentation using computer systems as applicable to assigned tasks.

• Perform assembly work, including wire harness assembly, crimping, and related tasks, particularly in aviation, industrial, or manufacturing settings.

• Assist with troubleshooting basic electronic and wiring issues using soldering tools and related equipment when required for assemblies.

• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance tooling, processes, and workflows.

• Carry out other duties as assigned to support production schedules and project milestones.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 0.52 years of hands-on composite fabrication experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

• Demonstrated knowledge of composite layup processes, including bonding and curing operations.

• Proficiency in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, scales, and depth gauges to verify part dimensions.

• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and written work instructions.

• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including the ability to download and follow digital work instructions.

• Experience using hand and power tools, including jitterbug sanders and Dotco tools, for cutting, trimming, and finishing parts.

• Assembly or composite work in an aviation, industrial, or manufacturing environment.

• Basic electronics, troubleshooting, soldering, and wiring experience, typically 6 months to 1 year, using soldering tools and wiring equipment.

• Ability to perform semi-routine tasks independently while following established procedures and safety guidelines.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with pre-preg composite materials in fabrication or assembly environments.

• Any type of assembly experience in aviation, industrial, manufacturing, or medical device settings, including hand tool use, wire harness assembly, and crimping.

• Demonstrated competency in calculating dimensional measurements using sample parts, sketches, and verbal instructions to fabricate details.

• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.

• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and support overall company objectives.

• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.

• Positive attitude and openness to training and skill development in composite fabrication and related processes.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports health, financial security, and work-life balance. Available offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital benefits; voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; short- and long-term disability; and a Health Spending Account (HSA). Team members can also take advantage of retirement savings through a 401(k) plan with both pre-tax and post-tax contribution options, transportation benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program. Generous time-off programs, including PTO, vacation, and sick leave, help employees recharge and manage personal commitments while contributing to meaningful, cutting-edge work.

Work Environment

This position operates in a structured aerospace and defense manufacturing environment focused on the production of unmanned aerial vehicles. Work involves hands-on fabrication and assembly using composite materials, tooling, fixtures, jigs, and precision measuring instruments, along with regular use of hand and power tools such as jitterbug sanders and Dotco tools. The schedule follows a 9/80 work pattern on first shift, generally Monday through Friday from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with every other Friday off and occasional Saturday work as needed to support production demands. A typical two-week schedule includes four 9-hour days and one day off in the first week, followed by four 9-hour days and one 8-hour Friday in the second week, totaling 80 hours. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to established procedures, and collaboration within small teams, with computer-based access to work instructions and documentation. Attire is consistent with a manufacturing setting, with appropriate safety gear and clothing required to work around tools, equipment, and composite materials.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petaluma, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Petaluma,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.