Composites and Paint Technician

North Logan, UT

Full Time

Engineering and Operations

Mid Level

Job ID: 7630
Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Composite and Paint Technician who will be responsible for the fabrication, finishing, and coating of composite components in a controlled manufacturing environment. This dual-skilled role (composites and paint) requires both structural precision and cosmetic excellence.

The position supports high-quality production through strict adherence to process controls, material handling requirements, and quality standards, including AS9100. It operates in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment where attention to detail directly impacts product performance and appearance.

Key Responsibilities

Performs all aspects of composite panel fabrication, including hand layup and pre-preg layup of materials such as carbon fiber, foil, and Kapton
Executes vacuum bagging processes and prepare parts for oven curing
Works with resin and adhesive systems and completes finishing of cured parts to specification
Performs paint and surface finishing tasks, including sanding, cleaning, masking (software-driven cutting), solvent wiping, and coating application
Mixes and applies primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings using spray equipment (HVLP, pressure pot, etc.)
Reads and interprets work instructions, engineering drawings, laminate schedules, and technical documentation
Maintains exceptional quality and attention to detail throughout all fabrication and finishing processes
Monitors and controls environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and contamination
Completes required documentation to ensure compliance and full traceability in both physical and digital systems
Conducts visual inspections and basic non-destructive evaluations to identify defects
Safely handles hazardous materials (resins, catalysts, solvents, coatings) in accordance with PPE and ventilation requirements
Maintains a clean, organized, and compliant work environment
Supports continuous improvement efforts related to yield, rework reduction, and material utilization

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
5+ years of hands-on professional experience in composite layup or industrial paint application

Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and detailed work instructions
Strong attention to detail with a focus on both structural integrity and cosmetic quality
Proven ability to troubleshoot defects, train others, and contribute to process improvements
Understanding of cure cycles, pot life, and coating application windows
Ability to work within strict process controls and high-quality standards
Basic computer skills for tracking work and completing documentation
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or other U.S. person

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in aerospace or other high-specification manufacturing environments
Familiarity with:
- Oven and/or autoclave curing processes
- Adhesive bonding and surface preparation standards
- Spray systems and coating thickness control techniques
Knowledge of defect detection, repair methods, and rework processes (composite and paint)
Experience working in controlled environments such as clean rooms or paint booths
Demonstrated focus on material efficiency and waste reduction
5+ years of hands-on experience in composite layup AND industrial paint application

Why Join SDL?
SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Cover Letter*

Please select your US work authorization status:*

I understand and agree that any misrepresentation on this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of this application and/or separation from the employer's service if I have been employed. I give the employer the right to investigate all references and to secure additional information about me, if job-related. I hereby release from liability the employer and its representatives for seeking such information and all other persons, corporations or organizations for furnishing such information. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The employer does not discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant's consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. I understand that just as I am free to resign at any time, the employer reserves the right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of the employer has the authority to make any assurances to the contrary. I understand that it is this company's policy not to refuse to hire a qualified individual with a disability because of this person's need for an accommodation that would be required by the ADA.*

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment please contact Human Resources at [email protected]

Can you perform the essential functions of the job applied for with or without accommodation?*

Are you 18 years or older?*

Where did you hear about this job?*

This position requires onsite support at the location listed in the job posting. Are you willing to work onsite and relocate if you do not currently reside within commuting distance?*

If you prefer to use a name that differs from your legal first name for your employee email, badge, etc., please list it here.

Do you have your high school diploma or equivalent?*

Do you have at least 5 years of professional painting or composite layup or industrial paint application?*

Please select the correct job ID found at the top of this advertisement.*

The following questions are entirely optional.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran

A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
- a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
- a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran status

I IDENTIFY AS ONE OR MORE OF THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROTECTED VETERAN LISTED ABOVE
I AM NOT A PROTECTED VETERAN
I DON’T WISH TO ANSWER

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Please check one of the boxes below:

YES, I HAVE A DISABILITY, OR HAVE HAD ONE IN THE PAST NO, I DO NOT HAVE A DISABILITY AND HAVE NOT HAD ONE IN THE PAST I DO NOT WANT TO ANSWER

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Name	Date

Human Check*

Submit Application

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

Composites and Paint Technician

Apply for this position