Composite Technician

Position Summary

The Composite Technician supports the fabrication, assembly, finishing, and installation of prototype and concept vehicle components within the Design Studio. This role is responsible for working with fiberglass, carbon fiber, composite materials, molds, and prototype parts to produce high-quality components that support vehicle design development. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with composite layups, vacuum bagging, trimming, bonding, and surface finishing, along with a strong understanding of fit-and-finish requirements in a prototype environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Fabricate composite parts using fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, and other composite materials.
• Perform composite layups, vacuum bagging, and curing processes in accordance with established procedures and project requirements.
• Create and prepare molds, tooling, and casting components for prototype part production.
• Trim, grind, sand, and finish composite components to achieve required dimensional and surface quality standards.
• Bond and assemble composite assemblies using adhesives, fillers, and mechanical fastening methods as required.
• Surface, blend, and align parts to ensure proper fitment and visual appearance.
• Install and attach prototype components to vehicle bucks, concept vehicles, design models, and related assemblies.
• Read and interpret drawings, design data, templates, and specifications to support fabrication activities.
• Inspect completed parts and assemblies for quality, fit, finish, and structural integrity.
• Perform modifications and repairs to composite components as design changes occur throughout development programs.
• Collaborate closely with designers, modelers, fabricators, and engineering teams to meet project objectives and timing requirements.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in accordance with safety and housekeeping standards.
• Support rapid prototyping and fast-paced design studio activities while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and composite materials in a prototype, automotive, aerospace, marine, motorsports, or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience performing composite layups and vacuum bagging processes.
• Experience trimming, sanding, grinding, and finishing composite parts.
• Knowledge of bonding, adhesive applications, and assembly techniques for composite structures.
• Ability to surface and fit prototype components to achieve precise alignment and appearance requirements.
• Familiarity with molds, tooling, casting processes, and composite fabrication methods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, templates, and design specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
• Ability to safely operate common fabrication and finishing tools and equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting automotive design studios, concept vehicle programs, or prototype development activities.
• Knowledge of Class-A surface requirements and automotive fit-and-finish standards.
• Experience with composite repair techniques and prototype vehicle assembly.
• Familiarity with urethane, epoxy, polyester resin systems, and related composite materials.
• Experience working with clay models, show vehicles, or advanced design studio programs.
• Understanding of rapid prototyping and low-volume fabrication processes.

Key Competencies

• Composite Fabrication
• Carbon Fiber Layup
• Fiberglass Manufacturing
• Vacuum Bagging
• Part Fitment and Assembly
• Bonding and Adhesive Application
• Mold and Tool Preparation
• Surface Finishing
• Prototype Development
• Quality and Craftsmanship
• Team Collaboration

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Pasadena, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

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 Pasadena,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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.