Autoclave Lead – 2nd Shift

Location: Brea, CA
Schedule: 2nd Shift | Full-Time | On-Site
Pay Range: $29.00–$37.00 per hour
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking an experienced Autoclave Lead to coordinate production activities while performing advanced autoclave operations in support of aerospace composite manufacturing.

This hands-on working Lead position requires advanced technical proficiency, the ability to guide and train technicians, and strong production coordination skills. The Autoclave Lead works under the direction of the Production Supervisor to support daily production priorities, maintain workflow, and ensure compliance with approved manufacturing processes, quality requirements, and safety procedures.

Candidates with experience operating industrial autoclaves, composite curing systems, or comparable pressure- and temperature-controlled manufacturing equipment are encouraged to apply. Aerospace composite manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.

About AC

Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

Job Accountabilities

Lead and Production Coordination Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily production activities across autoclave, heat treatment, and detooling operations in accordance with priorities established by the Production Supervisor.

• Communicate work assignments and production priorities to technicians at the Supervisor's direction, adjusting workflow as directed to meet operational needs.

• Monitor production progress, workflow, and resource utilization; identify and communicate production delays, staffing constraints, and operational concerns.

• Coordinate the efficient movement of tools, materials, and parts through assigned operations.

• Provide hands-on technical guidance, coaching, and on-the-job training to Autoclave Technicians.

• Identify employee training and development needs and communicate recommendations to the Production Supervisor.

• Monitor the accuracy and completion of production reporting, labor time entries, and job-cost information.

• Identify and help resolve production errors, equipment concerns, and process deviations within established procedures, escalating issues as appropriate.

• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production to address operational issues and support production requirements.

• Communicate employee performance concerns, attendance issues, safety concerns, and potential policy violations to the Production Supervisor.

• Promote compliance with approved manufacturing procedures, quality standards, and safe work practices.

• Support continuous improvement efforts to improve production efficiency, quality, safety, and workflow.

Autoclave Technical Responsibilities

• Perform advanced autoclave operations, including tool and mold preparation, loading and unloading, cure processing, vacuum bag leak checks, and detooling.

• Operate autoclaves, ovens, and associated control systems in accordance with approved cure specifications, Bills of Materials, travelers, build manuals, and work instructions.

• Establish and enter cure cycle programs based on approved Engineering and Quality requirements.

• Monitor cure cycles, equipment conditions, and production records to ensure compliance with established process and quality requirements.

• Identify and troubleshoot equipment or process abnormalities within approved procedures, escalating issues requiring Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, or supervisory review.

• Prepare tools, masters, and molds using appropriate chemicals and release agents in accordance with Engineering data, quality requirements, and applicable Safety Data Sheets.

• Remove parts from tools and mandrels, complete detooling activities, and prepare parts for subsequent inspection or processing.

• Complete required production documentation and data entry accurately and promptly.

• Perform routine equipment care and maintenance activities within assigned responsibilities.

• Complete production work with attention to quality, accuracy, and minimizing scrap or rework.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Education

High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.

Minimum Experience

• At least three (3) years of relevant autoclave or comparable aerospace manufacturing experience.

• Familiarity with standard aerospace manufacturing shop practices.

• Previous experience operating autoclave computers and associated production equipment.

• Previous forklift experience.

• Experience following manufacturing instructions and quality documentation.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Autoclave Technician III-level duties, including cure processing, tooling preparation, equipment operation, and detooling.

• Ability to independently perform complex assigned autoclave operations within approved manufacturing procedures.

• Ability to identify and troubleshoot process abnormalities and recognize when Engineering or Quality escalation is required.

• Ability to read and interpret travelers, build manuals, work instructions, technical diagrams, and applicable quality documentation.

• Strong attention to detail, quality, safety, and accurate production recordkeeping.

• Ability to coordinate workflow, communicate production priorities, and provide technical guidance to other technicians.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

• Previous experience providing on-the-job training or coordinating manufacturing activities.

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Benefits

At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.