Composite Bonder Technician - Entry & Level 1

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon.

We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

If you join Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in this position, you will assist our Manufacturing Operations Organization as an Aircraft Composite Bonder Technician Entry Level and Level 1 supporting our Palmdale, CA site. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.

Essential Functions

• Read and interpret blueprints.
• Bonds a variety of dissimilar materials (composite, metal, or laminate) assemblies, parts, skins, components, equipment or structures into semi-finished or finished products.
• Lays out articles, cuts parts or materials to size.
• Applies liquid or solid bonding agents.
• Operates autoclave, hydraulic presses and ovens to complete bonding cycle.
• Controls conditions of heat, pressure, and timing by setting and operating various controls according to the specifications for the materials and the bonding agent being used. Sands, burs and smooth over areas, apply sealing resins to cut or exposed edges.
• Monitors and verify quality of finished products.
• Completes repairs on composite, metal or laminate bonded products using inspection and rework instructions.
• Verify quality of finished product
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement activities in production methods, equipment performance and team effectiveness

Basic Qualifications

Bonder Technician Entry Level

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of 3 months of composites experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR AFAB Student must have a minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion of Aircraft Fabrication courses OR A&P certificate program
• This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead
• Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
• Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements
• Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to starting
• The ability to work 1st “5 AM – 3:30 PM” or 2nd shift “4:12 PM – 2:42 AM” and any work schedule
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.
• The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)
• Must successfully complete and pass the “ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance” within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need

Bonder Technician Level 1

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of 9 months of composites experience in an aerospace, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR must have a minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion of Aircraft Fabrication courses OR A&P certificate courses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with structural subassemblies such as rudders, flaps and stabilizers.
• Fiberglass experience
• RV/ Motorhome work experience
• Boat Repair experience
• Completion of A&P certificate program.
• Completion of AFAB Certification (115- Structures, 120- Composites, 110- Blueprints, 130- Ethics)
• Active Government Secret Clearance with a background investigation completed within the last six years

Primary Level Salary Range

$43,400.00 - $72,300.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$47,200.00 - $78,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.