Finishing – Composites Technician

Saronic · Defense · Austin, TX · Production

The role involves the final surface preparation and detailing of composite components, including repairs, sanding, fairing, and prepping surfaces for paint or bonding, to meet strict cosmetic and dimensional specifications for maritime vessels.

What you'd actually do

  1. Perform surface finishing operations on composite parts, including wet layup, filling, sanding, spraying gelcoat and refining the surface.
  2. Mix and apply surface fillers, and gelcoat per process requirements
  3. Sand and smooth complex contours while maintaining tolerance and surface quality
  4. Identify and repair surface defects such as pinholes, delamination, or surface voids using tap tests
  5. Prepare parts for painting, bonding, or assembly through proper surface treatment

Skills

Required

  • 2+ years of experience in marine composite finishing, surfacing, or similar hands-on fabrication work
  • Strong experience with sanding tools, fairing materials, and manual finishing techniques
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions
  • U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) required due to DoD-related work

Nice to have

  • Ability to achieve Class A or near-Class A surface finishes
  • Experience in marine composite surfacing
  • Familiarity with MIL-SPEC or AS9100 quality standards
  • Experience using DA sanders, longboards, and vacuum-assisted finishing tools
  • Understand how to use Binks & MVP spray equipment
  • Background in paint prep or bonded surface prep is a plus
  • Experience working with gel coats, topcoats, or marine-grade finishes

What the JD emphasized

  • U.S. Person