Composite Technician

Job Description

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston is looking for a Composite Technician to join our Production department based in Kinston, NC. Our team manufactures crucial aircraft components that are key parts of the Airbus A350 XWB. Our shop floor is staffed by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled in electrical, structure and quality.

Meet the Team

Our team is dedicated to building the next generation of aircraft. You will work closely with skilled technicians to produce high‑quality composite aerostructures.

Your Working Environment

The facility specializes in the production of large, advanced composite aerostructures. We build the composite center fuselage and wing spar for the Airbus A350 XWB.

How We Care for You

• Financial Rewards: Competitive pay, incentive compensation, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays and a paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and supplemental coverages.
• Individual Development: Upskilling opportunities through global Leadership University, e‑learning courses, certification pathways and mobility options.

Your Challenges

• Lay out, assemble, pre‑fit, bond a variety of metal, composite or laminate fabrications.
• Follow engineering and manufacturing specifications to determine bonding parameters.
• Cut parts or materials to size.
• Operate autoclave, hydraulic presses and ovens to complete the bonding cycle.
• Sand, burr, and smooth over areas.
• Apply sealing resins to cut or exposed edges.
• Perform complicated rework or repair.
• Monitor and verify quality in accordance with controlled procedures.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Your Boarding Pass

• Willing and able to work any shift.
• WorkKeys Assessment completion or High School Diploma/GED.

Qualified Experience and Training

• Required: 2 years minimum experience in aviation production or equivalent.
• Previous experience with lay‑ups, assembly, pre‑fitting and bonding of metal, composite or laminate fabrications.
• Willing and able to work any shift, including overtime.

• Preferred: 5+ years minimum experience in aviation production.

Education

• Required: High School Diploma/GED or WorkKeys Assessment completion.
• Ability to successfully complete training provided by Airbus after recruitment: Health & Safety, General aircraft familiarization, Quality Training.

• Preferred: Training from a vocational school or previous employer in composite lay‑ups and fabrication.

Citizenship

• Authorized to work in the US.

Clearance

• None.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities

• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Knowledge of aviation Quality Management Systems, Safety Management Systems and FOD programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interaction with internal teams.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• High degree of flexibility and initiative.

Communication Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Technical Systems Proficiency

• Required: Proficient in Manufacturing tools (MES) and quality management systems (QMS) used in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with aerospace‑specific tools such as SAP and MES systems (Preferred).

Complexity of the Role

This role requires sound judgment in navigating complex regulatory requirements, quality standards and operational constraints unique to the aerospace industry.

Physical Requirements

• 100% on‑site.
• Vision: Able to see and read computer screens, documents and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Able to participate in conversations and hear floor alarms.
• Speaking: Able to speak in conversations and meetings.
• Equipment operation: Able to operate office and production tools.
• Carrying/lifting: Able to carry and lift up to 30 lbs (14 kg).
• Pushing/pulling: Able to push and pull small office furniture and equipment.
• Sitting: Able to sit for extended periods while working on the computer.
• Squatting/kneeling: Able to squat or kneel for inspections.
• Standing: Able to stand extended periods on the production floor.
• Travel: Occasionally travel a few times per year.
• Walking: Able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.
• PPE: Required safety shoes, glasses, hearing protection, respirators or masks, protective gloves as site requirements.
• Height: Comfortable working on platforms up to 40 ft.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or other legally protected status.

Company

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc.

Employment Type

Permanent

Experience Level

Entry Level

Job Family

Composite Manufacturing