Job Description: APEX Space and Defense Systems is hiring composite fabrication and integration technicians at levels II through IV for our Composites Manufacturing team in Santa Ana. You'll build large, flight-critical composite structures for space and defense programs. The work must meet tight dimensional tolerances and follow controlled process specifications. We're hiring technicians with two or more years of hands-on composite experience. Your technician level and pay depend on your experience and demonstrated skills, and each level has a defined path to the next. Qualified resumes should be emailed to: aswick@apexsds.com. At a glance Pay: $40 to $64 an hour, based on level, experience and certifications Schedule: 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend work Clearance: Required for the role, but you don't need one to apply. APEX sponsors the clearance process for qualified candidates, and an active clearance is a plus. Location: On-site in Santa Ana, California What you'll do Read and work from engineering drawings, 3D models, work instructions, ply layup schedules and material specifications Cut and kit prepreg plies, adhesive film and honeycomb core using templates or Gerber automated cutting systems, keeping fiber orientation correct and materials traceable Prepare, maintain and assemble molds and tooling Complete hand layup of prepreg materials, debulks, and vacuum bagging on small to large structures Load, run and document autoclave and oven cure cycles, including thermocouple placement and cure record review. Process honeycomb core preparation, splicing and potting, plus adhesive bonding, and assemble details into higher-level assemblies Trim, drill, sand and finish parts to close tolerances, install aerospace hardware and verify dimensional conformance Inspect your work in process and record it under our AS9100 quality management system Keep strict foreign object debris (FOD) control and follow cleanroom and safety protocols Where you fit Composite Fabrication and Integration Technician II: You'll handle routine composite operations on your own without direct supervision. You'll operate laser ply projection systems, Gerber ply cutting and overhead cranes, refer non-routine conditions to senior technicians, and train Level I technicians. Composite Fabrication and Integration Technician III: You'll handle complex and non-routine operations independently and serve as a senior technical authority on the floor. You'll lead first article and qualification builds, check the work of Level I and II technicians on critical operations, and support root cause analysis and corrective action. Composite Fabrication and Integration Technician IV: This is the top of our technician progression. You'll lead teams and special projects, help internal and customer engineers make designs easier to manufacture, do structural repair, and help design and build carbon and fiberglass tooling. You'll also mentor Level I to III technicians. What you'll bring Required High school diploma or equivalent At least two years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience, including prepreg hand layup and vacuum bagging of production hardware Ability to read engineering drawings and follow written work instructions and process specifications in English Precision and repeatability from build to build, with close attention to detail Commitment to safety, quality and FOD control Dependable attendance at the scheduled shift start Preferred An active U.S. government security clearance Experience with Gerber or similar automated ply cutting and laser ply projection Autoclave, oven and out-of-autoclave cure experience Adhesive bonding and honeycomb core experience Work in an AS9100, Nadcap or similar quality-managed environment Working knowledge of nondestructive testing (X-ray and ultrasonic) and how layup, bagging and cure practices affect results Experience mentoring or leading technicians, for senior levels Eligibility This position requires a U.S. government security clearance, including U.S. citizenship. You don't need an active clearance to apply, and APEX will start the clearance process for qualified candidates. Employment depends on getting and keeping that clearance. Physical requirements and work environment This is an on-site job in a manufacturing environment that can be noisy. You must be able to: Lift and carry up to 35 pounds repeatedly Stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and work at heights on and off for up to 12 hours Reach above and below shoulder level Work around forklifts, cranes and hazardous machinery Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses About APEX Space and Defense Systems APEX Space and Defense Systems delivers world-class solutions for the space, defense and mission-critical infrastructure industries. We excel at composite and lightweight material manufacturing from design through full-rate production. Our innovation, quality, integrity and partnership drive the products that protect our nation, connect our world and explore our universe. Benefits Full-time employees are eligible for benefits the 1st of the month following date of hire. Coverage is available for spouses, domestic partners, and children up to age 26. Benefits are subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements. Health & Wellness Choice of 6 UnitedHealthcare medical plans (HMO, PPO, and HSA-compatible) $1,000 annual employer HSA contribution Dental HMO and PPO options, including orthodontia $0-premium VSP vision coverage $0 24/7 virtual visits, fitness access, and up to $300 in UHC Rewards Financial Security 401(k) with safe harbor match, 100% vested immediately Pre-tax and Roth contribution options Company-paid life insurance Optional life, disability, and supplemental coverage Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs Additional Benefits 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Program Free online will preparation Pet care savings Employee discounts on travel, tickets, and more EEO: The employment policy of APEX Space and Defense Systems is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has made a commitment to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. VEVRAA: APEX Space and Defense Systems will recruit, hire, train and promote qualified individuals in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.