Light Industrial/Manufacturing**
**Composite Mechanic** Wichita, KS Posted: 7/24/2025
Job Description
Job ID#:
212307
Job Category:
Light Industrial/Manufacturing
Position Type:
Associate - W2
Shift:
1
**PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Composite Mechanic, in Wichita, KS. Job ID#212307**
**Job Description:**
+ Team with others to fabricate, assemble, form, finish and inspect a wide variety of structural and non-structural fiberglass, acrylic and other composite and metal parts, tools and assemblies.
+ Work from drawings, documents, process specifications, quality control requirements, and established processes and procedures, to assure the timely delivery of quality products to the customer. Perform multitasking and multi-machine operation where applicable.
+ The Company will provide appropriate assistance in job training to enable employees to perform all necessary job functions including utilizing lay-up tools, which include both optical and hard tools, in the fabrication of composite and metal assemblies.
+ Obtain required information from prints, charts, sketches, work orders, documents, verbal and electronic information.
+ Use shop mathematics and precision measuring instruments to complete work assignments.
+ Must verify work performed is per work instruction and meets process and/or engineering specification.
+ Ensure equipment and tool certification occurs per procedure.
+ Use and control of solvents and cleaning solutions in the preparation of details, tools, and assemblies for bonding and paint per established procedures.
+ Perform routine minor machine maintenance as part of their daily work duties (e.g., replacing machine filters, changing standard light bulbs on machines and equipment, maintaining lubrication/coolant levels, replace cutters/knives, remove chips as required and other items as related to basic Total Preventative Maintenance duties.
+ Routinely move product within the immediate manufacturing work area, including across isle, using shop assigned equipment as required, and complete transactions necessary to move product to the next operation.
+ Load and unload panels/tools/materials as required to work area. Operate shop assigned equipment and remote overhead cranes.
+ Support the continuous flow of product within the manufacturing process by training and assisting employees at all classification levels.
+ Cross trains in inspection and becomes SIA qualified.
+ Perform in-process repairs, cutting of filler plies, installation of plies, core splicing, trimming and placement, bagging of repaired parts for autoclave cure.
+ Advancement to any given level is subject to need, as determined by management, and employee meeting established qualification criteria.
+ Level B employee is able to perform the critical functions of the composite's mechanic including Operate impregnating, machine or robotic perforating,
+ Operate abrasive perforation equipment, cutting, roll form, press and curing machines, and testing equipment in the fabrication of composite materials and core details in accordance with established processes and procedures.
+ Load, unload and operate ovens and autoclaves in the curing of parts and assemblies. Operate portable repair/bonding equipment to accomplish rework, repair or change incorporation on completed assemblies. Able to perform and use DVD (double vacuum debulk) system.
+ Disassemble and prepare assemblies to accomplish rework, repair or change incorporation on completed assemblies. Able to translate, capture, validate or provide measurement data to meet Engineering requirements.
+ Other directly related duties as requested and required. Ability to perform taper sanding of composite secondary structures(nacelle, small parts, etc.). Perform all duties of Level C.
**Requirements:**
+ Sand and Fill Requirements
+ Proficiency in hand and mechanical sanding (e.g., orbital, block, DA sanders, Dotco grinders) to achieve specific surface textures without damaging part geometry or layup structure.
+ Skilled in mixing, applying, and contouring lightweight fillers (epoxy-based, polyester, or structural fillers) used to smooth composite surfaces and repair imperfections.
+ Ability to prepare composite parts for bonding, painting, or secondary processing by following precise sanding and cleaning procedures.
+ Proficient in the use of sanding tools, putty knives, precision measuring devices (e.g., depth gauges, calipers), and air tools.
+ Ability to visually inspect and detect imperfections such as pinholes, surface voids, delamination, rough edges, or improper filler application.
**Application of primers and paint requirements**
+ Paint & Primer Mixing
+ Accurately mix primers, topcoats, sealants, and specialty coatings according to manufacturer specifications (ratios, temperature, viscosity, pot life).
+ Familiarity with mixing equipment, strainers, reducers, and catalysts/hardeners.
+ Ability to read and follow Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
**Application Techniques**
+ Skilled in using HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure), air-assisted, airless, or electrostatic spray guns.
+ Proficient in achieving desired mil thickness, surface coverage, and uniform finish without runs, sags, or orange peel.
+ Capable of applying coatings to complex geometries including curved composite parts.
**Surface Prep & Masking**
+ Knowledge of proper cleaning, scuffing, degreasing, and masking techniques to ensure proper adhesion and edge definition.
**Equipment Maintenance**
+ Ability to maintain, clean, and troubleshoot spray equipment, mixing stations, and filtration systems.
+ Knowledge of booth operations and exhaust ventilation requirements.
Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.
Job Requirements
Minimum Security Clearance:
No Clearance
**VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled**
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit or
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
+ The California Fair Chance Act
+ Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
+ Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
+ San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
**Composite Mechanic** Wichita, KS Posted: 7/24/2025
Job Description
Job ID#:
212307
Job Category:
Light Industrial/Manufacturing
Position Type:
Associate - W2
Shift:
1
**PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Composite Mechanic, in Wichita, KS. Job ID#212307**
**Job Description:**
+ Team with others to fabricate, assemble, form, finish and inspect a wide variety of structural and non-structural fiberglass, acrylic and other composite and metal parts, tools and assemblies.
+ Work from drawings, documents, process specifications, quality control requirements, and established processes and procedures, to assure the timely delivery of quality products to the customer. Perform multitasking and multi-machine operation where applicable.
+ The Company will provide appropriate assistance in job training to enable employees to perform all necessary job functions including utilizing lay-up tools, which include both optical and hard tools, in the fabrication of composite and metal assemblies.
+ Obtain required information from prints, charts, sketches, work orders, documents, verbal and electronic information.
+ Use shop mathematics and precision measuring instruments to complete work assignments.
+ Must verify work performed is per work instruction and meets process and/or engineering specification.
+ Ensure equipment and tool certification occurs per procedure.
+ Use and control of solvents and cleaning solutions in the preparation of details, tools, and assemblies for bonding and paint per established procedures.
+ Perform routine minor machine maintenance as part of their daily work duties (e.g., replacing machine filters, changing standard light bulbs on machines and equipment, maintaining lubrication/coolant levels, replace cutters/knives, remove chips as required and other items as related to basic Total Preventative Maintenance duties.
+ Routinely move product within the immediate manufacturing work area, including across isle, using shop assigned equipment as required, and complete transactions necessary to move product to the next operation.
+ Load and unload panels/tools/materials as required to work area. Operate shop assigned equipment and remote overhead cranes.
+ Support the continuous flow of product within the manufacturing process by training and assisting employees at all classification levels.
+ Cross trains in inspection and becomes SIA qualified.
+ Perform in-process repairs, cutting of filler plies, installation of plies, core splicing, trimming and placement, bagging of repaired parts for autoclave cure.
+ Advancement to any given level is subject to need, as determined by management, and employee meeting established qualification criteria.
+ Level B employee is able to perform the critical functions of the composite's mechanic including Operate impregnating, machine or robotic perforating,
+ Operate abrasive perforation equipment, cutting, roll form, press and curing machines, and testing equipment in the fabrication of composite materials and core details in accordance with established processes and procedures.
+ Load, unload and operate ovens and autoclaves in the curing of parts and assemblies. Operate portable repair/bonding equipment to accomplish rework, repair or change incorporation on completed assemblies. Able to perform and use DVD (double vacuum debulk) system.
+ Disassemble and prepare assemblies to accomplish rework, repair or change incorporation on completed assemblies. Able to translate, capture, validate or provide measurement data to meet Engineering requirements.
+ Other directly related duties as requested and required. Ability to perform taper sanding of composite secondary structures(nacelle, small parts, etc.). Perform all duties of Level C.
**Requirements:**
+ Sand and Fill Requirements
+ Proficiency in hand and mechanical sanding (e.g., orbital, block, DA sanders, Dotco grinders) to achieve specific surface textures without damaging part geometry or layup structure.
+ Skilled in mixing, applying, and contouring lightweight fillers (epoxy-based, polyester, or structural fillers) used to smooth composite surfaces and repair imperfections.
+ Ability to prepare composite parts for bonding, painting, or secondary processing by following precise sanding and cleaning procedures.
+ Proficient in the use of sanding tools, putty knives, precision measuring devices (e.g., depth gauges, calipers), and air tools.
+ Ability to visually inspect and detect imperfections such as pinholes, surface voids, delamination, rough edges, or improper filler application.
**Application of primers and paint requirements**
+ Paint & Primer Mixing
+ Accurately mix primers, topcoats, sealants, and specialty coatings according to manufacturer specifications (ratios, temperature, viscosity, pot life).
+ Familiarity with mixing equipment, strainers, reducers, and catalysts/hardeners.
+ Ability to read and follow Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
**Application Techniques**
+ Skilled in using HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure), air-assisted, airless, or electrostatic spray guns.
+ Proficient in achieving desired mil thickness, surface coverage, and uniform finish without runs, sags, or orange peel.
+ Capable of applying coatings to complex geometries including curved composite parts.
**Surface Prep & Masking**
+ Knowledge of proper cleaning, scuffing, degreasing, and masking techniques to ensure proper adhesion and edge definition.
**Equipment Maintenance**
+ Ability to maintain, clean, and troubleshoot spray equipment, mixing stations, and filtration systems.
+ Knowledge of booth operations and exhaust ventilation requirements.
Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.
Job Requirements
Minimum Security Clearance:
No Clearance
**VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled**
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit or
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
+ The California Fair Chance Act
+ Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
+ Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
+ San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
Job ID: 486800241
Originally Posted on: 7/25/2025
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