Job Details
Sector(s)
Component Manufacturing and Research & Development; Operations & Maintenance
Median Pay
$40,069 per year
$19.00 per hour
Job Type
Entry to Mid-Level
Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent; little to no experience needed
Alternate Titles
None.
Brief Job Description
Composite technicians fabricate lightweight and structurally strong components made from composite materials. Composite materials (such as Kevlar, fiberglass, reinforced concrete, and plywood) are construction materials that are made of at least two physically and chemically different components.
Education and Training Level Description
Composite technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Different employers may require community college, trade, or vocational school coursework in assembly and fabrication, material science, or a related technical field. Employers often accept work experience with composite materials in place of postsecondary education programs. There are few programs specific to composite technicians, so industry is currently working with educational institutions to create more formalized education opportunities. Employers generally require composite technicians to undergo several weeks of on-the-job training.
Job Profile
Composite technicians help fabricate and repair components made from different composite materials. Composite materials (such as Kevlar, fiberglass, reinforced concrete, and plywood) are construction materials that are made of at least two physically and chemically different components. Composite components in marine energy might include turbine blades or other structural components. Composite materials are being tested for marine applications as alternatives to traditional metals that are heavier and degrade more quickly in saltwater. Composite technicians help engineers manufacture composite materials and components. As the marine energy industry develops, composite technicians will increasingly work in both the component manufacturing as well as operation and maintenance of marine energy array components.
Composite technicians in the component development field may be responsible for reading and interpreting fabrication plans or drawings, setting up component assembly processes, and using a variety of different hand tools or machines to fabricate or assemble components. They may also be responsible for quality control and checking components that are fabricated meet all specifications and requirements outlined in the component design.
Composite technicians working in marine energy operation and maintenance will be responsible for repairing damaged marine energy composite parts.
Composite technicians typically:
- Read blueprints, plans, instructions, and component specifications
- Develop assembly processes to fabricate composite components
- Assemble composite parts and components
- Work with other technicians or composite technicians to assemble complex marine energy components
- Check quality and quantity of fabricated components
- Troubleshoot fabrication problems and recommend solutions.
Job Skills
Composite technicians typically need:
- Manual dexterity. Composite technicians often need to use hand tools or machines to cut, shape, mold, and assemble composite parts.
- Physical abilities. Composite technicians often need to lift heavy components as part of the manufacturing process.
- To be detail oriented. Composite technicians must read, interpret, and replicate detailed plans and blueprints. They must make sure their components are built up to standard with the specified codes and standards.
- Problem-solving skills. Composite technicians must be able to identify and find solutions to issues that arise during composite component fabrication.