Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet™, the world’s first single engine Personal Jet and recipient of the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined performance, comfort and safety in aviation with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed nine million hours and over 170 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS® as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has three locations in the United States, located in Duluth, Minnesota, Grand Forks, North Dakota and Knoxville, Tennessee. Find out more at www.cirrusaircraft.com.

The primary role of an Experimental Composite Technician II is to efficiently and accurately fabricate and assemble composite parts needed to support Product Development programs. Must be able to determine the best way to fabricate composite parts. Experimental technicians must have excellent communication skills to efficiently communicate with design engineers and other team members. Parts are primarily fabricated from either prepreg or hand layup process using either carbon fiber or fiberglass materials. Technician must show the ability to fabricate assemblies from mental concepts, verbal instructions, hand sketch drawings or blueprints. A wide range of skills and a willingness to learn new ones is essential to being effective in a very diverse and dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions 

• Layup, bond, and assemble composite parts using a variety of mediums including prepreg / wet layup, carbon fiber/fiberglass, and various adhesives. 

• Interpret drawings, and specifications. 

• Complete hardware stack ups according to drawings and process specs.  

• Layout a fabrication plan and determine sequence of operations prior to building the product using specifications, drawings, and verbal instructions. 

• Preform modifications on mixed model lines of Cirrus experimental aircrafts.   

• Fabricate and apply a wide variety of temporary tools including composite layup and metal fixtures needed to support the builds. 

• Bonds complex assemblies.  

• Complex core preparation for layups.  

• Complete composite work with minimal rework. 

• Trim and drill complex parts.  

• Follow work instructions without missing steps or inspections. 

• Perform rework operations when required. 

• Use appropriate PPE, follow proper safety protocol, and minimize potential safety hazards.  

• Communicate clearly with engineers and other technicians.  

Competencies  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:   

• Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels. 

• Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently. 

• Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions. 

• Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well 

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: Over 80 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• GED or HS degree required with a minim of 2 year related experience. 

• Can successfully collaborate with a diverse team during the development of new technologies and designs. 

• Strong ability to build composite details to concept or print, made from traditional wetlay or prepreg materials.  

• Proficient in bagging and curing layups.  

• Ability to execute processes such as vacuum bagging, core prep, and fiber orientation.  

• Able to complete composite work with minimal rework. 

• Able to follow work instructions without missing steps or inspections. 

• Proficient use of applicable process specs.  

• Able to complete rework operations.