Senior Composites Technician

About NordSpace 

NordSpace (https://nordspace.com) is a Canadian startup with the mission to advance life on Earth, from space. NordSpace is committed to extremely rapid innovation and development of the most ambitious aerospace projects with the most ambitious team. With divisions spanning everything from space robotics to satellites to rockets, NordSpace is driven to bring space closer to Earth and inspire generations of space explorers. 

About the Role
The Composites Technician is a hands-on manufacturing role responsible for the fabrication, curing, finishing, and inspection of composite structural components for the Tundra launch vehicle. Working closely with the Structures team, this technician will execute layups, operate autoclaves and ovens, perform trimming and machining of cured parts, and support the transition of composite components from digital models through prototyping to flight hardware. 

• Reports to: Structures Lead / Senior AIT Technician. 
• Works closely with: Structures Engineers, AIT Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Assurance, and external composite manufacturing partners. 
• Accountability: Hands-on fabrication, curing, finishing, and quality of composite structural components for the launch vehicle. 

Core Responsibilities 

Composites Manufacturing: 

• Execute precise hand layups using laser projection or engineering ply books, and assist in operating and monitoring automated fiber placement (AFP) systems, including creel loading, head calibration, and run troubleshooting. 
• Prepare and seal molds for vacuum integrity, set up flow networks and resin traps for vacuum infusion or RTM, and manage temperature-sensitive materials throughout the process. 
• Load parts into autoclaves or ovens, monitor thermal, pressure, and resin-flow cycles, and coordinate with external partners on curing activities as needed. 
• Demold cured hardware, trim and machine parts to tolerance using CNC routers, drill guides, and hand tools, and prepare surfaces for adhesive bonding and structural integration. 

Engineering Collaboration: 

• Work with design engineers to transition composite components from digital models to flight hardware, providing manufacturability feedback on tooling design, ply schedules, and resin flow strategies. 
• Fabricate structural test articles for load path validation and stress/strain model verification, and assist with documenting composite manufacturing processes. 

Facility & Workspace Management: 

• Collaborate on composite manufacturing area layout and workflow optimization. Maintain the workspace by managing inventory, performing preventative maintenance on equipment and tooling, and monitoring cleanroom environmental controls. 

Quality Assurance & Traceability: 

• Log material lot numbers, obtain manufacturing step sign-offs, and collaborate with engineers to resolve non-conformances. Assist with non-destructive inspections and part cleaning activities. 

Qualifications 

• Diploma or certificate in Composites Manufacturing, Aerospace Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related program. Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.  
• 1-4 years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience, from preferred industries: aerospace, commercial space, automotive, marine, motorsport, or wind energy.  
• Practical experience with prepreg and wet layup, vacuum bagging, and autoclave or oven curing. Experience with vacuum infusion, RTM, or automated fiber placement is an asset.  
• Experience with composite trimming, machining, drilling, and surface preparation using hand tools, CNC routers, or drill guides. Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, ply books, and process documents.  
• Understanding of composite material handling, including temperature-sensitive storage, shelf life tracking, and cleanroom protocols. Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) is an asset.  
• Strong attention to detail, disciplined procedural compliance, and commitment to build quality and flight safety. Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment with chemical resins, adhesives, and cleanroom conditions.  
• Results-oriented, brings initiative, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where processes are being developed alongside the hardware.