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Composite Tooling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Lead CNC Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$60/hr

Sets up and operates manual and CNC equipment including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders to machine composite tooling and hardware components. * Programs CNC equipment when required for machining ...

ALTEN Technology USA

Composites Technician

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... composite specific tooling and equipment • Executes bonded assembly operations using aerospace grade adhesives including co cure, co bond, and secondary bonding • Fabricates and maintains ...

Amtec Direct Hire

Be Seen First

CNC SUPERVISOR - 1ST SHIFT

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Experience as a machinist in a high-precision manufacturing environment, exposure to composite tooling or aerospace components * Strong proficiency with manual and CNC machinery; experience with HAAS ...

New

Apex Space & Defense Systems

Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Set up, program (when required), and operate manual and CNC equipment including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders to machine composite tooling and hardware components. * Interpret engineering ...

ALL AMERICAN RACERS INC

Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Set up, program (when required), and operate manual and CNC equipment including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders to machine composite tooling and hardware components. * Interpret engineering ...

All American Racers

Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: · Set up, program (when required), and operate manual and CNC equipment including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders to machine composite tooling and ...

Aerotek

Lead CNC Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Set up, program (when required), and operate manual and CNC equipment including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders to machine composite tooling and hardware components. * Interpret engineering ...

Aerotek

Lead CNC Machinist

Santa Ana, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

Set up, program (when required), and operate manual and CNC equipment including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders to machine composite tooling and hardware components. * Interpret engineering ...

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All JobsComposite Tooling JobsComposite Tooling Jobs in California

Composite Tooling information

See California salary details

$15

$23

$33

How much do composite tooling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for composite tooling in California is $23.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Composite Tooling vs Composite Manufacturing Technician?

AspectComposite ToolingComposite Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or training in tooling and compositesRequires certifications in composite fabrication and manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentDesign and fabrication of molds and tools, often in workshops or labsAssembly, layup, and finishing of composite parts, usually on production floors
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, automotive, and marine industries for creating moldsInvolved in producing composite components for similar industries

Composite Tooling focuses on designing and building molds and tools for composite parts, while Composite Manufacturing Technicians handle the fabrication and assembly of composite components. Both roles are essential in the composite manufacturing process but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced in a composite tooling role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Composite Tooling often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances during tool fabrication, managing material compatibility, and ensuring timely delivery for production schedules. These challenges can be addressed by staying updated on the latest manufacturing techniques, collaborating closely with design and production teams, and implementing rigorous quality control measures. Additionally, problem-solving skills and adaptability are crucial for overcoming unexpected issues during tool development and repair.

What is composite tooling?

Composite tooling refers to the specialized molds, fixtures, and equipment used in the manufacturing of composite materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass components. These tools are essential in shaping, curing, and assembling composite parts, ensuring they meet precise specifications required for industries like aerospace, automotive, and marine. High-quality composite tooling enables efficient production, consistent quality, and can be made from materials such as metal, composite, or hybrid structures depending on the application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in composite tooling?

To excel in Composite Tooling, you need a solid background in materials science, blueprint reading, and precision manufacturing, often supported by technical training or an associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machinery, and composite fabrication tools is typically required, along with certifications like OSHA safety training. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help professionals stand out in this role. These competencies are vital for producing high-quality, reliable tooling that meets exacting industry standards in sectors such as aerospace or automotive.
What are popular job titles related to Composite Tooling jobs in California? For Composite Tooling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Composite Tooling jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Composite Tooling jobs in California are:
Composite Tooling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composite Tooling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,304 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Composite Technician - Tooling

Layup Parts

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$26 - $43/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

At Layup Parts, we're developing the technology that will build the future.
We're a manufacturing technology company replacing months of lead time with days, using proprietary software, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems built for speed. Our customers are inventing what's next, in aerospace, defense, robotics, and beyond. To keep up with them, manufacturing has to change. That's what we're building.
We value initiative, teamwork, and a get-it-done attitude. We're building a crew of outstanding individuals who take pride in their work, learn from one another, and aren't afraid to tackle challenges head-on.
What You'll Do:
  • Composite Tooling & Fabrication:
  • Manufacture composite tooling from plugs, masters, and patterns
  • Perform wet layup, resin infusion, and prepreg lamination for tooling applications
  • Lay up fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other reinforcements using templates, dimensions, or projection systems
  • Mix, degas, and apply resins, gel coats, and surface coats as required
  • Build and install vacuum bags, perform leak checks, and run assigned cure cycles
  • Place and manage consumables including release film, peel ply, breather, thermocouples, and related materials

  • Tool Preparation, Finishing & Sealing:
  • Prepare and maintain tooling: sand, polish, seal, release, and maintain molds
  • Demold tools and parts and perform trimming, sanding, polishing, and surface improvement
  • Perform cosmetic refinement to meet surface finish and durability requirements
  • Apply tool sealing systems, mold release agents, and surface treatments
  • Support tooling repairs, rework, and ongoing maintenance as needed

  • Inspection, Quality & Process:
  • Inspect tooling surfaces for defects, print-through, porosity, and dimensional issues
  • Follow travelers, drawings, and process documentation
  • Document material usage, freeze/thaw status, cure data, and production activities in Layup's internal systems
  • Maintain clean, organized workspaces and tooling assets

  • Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:
  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
  • Provide hands-on feedback to engineering for process and tooling design improvements
  • Identify issues early and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

What We're Looking For:
  • Be awesome! Be the kind of person you want to work with!
  • Have 3+ years experience as a technician in composites manufacturing, and have an understanding of industry best practices
  • Have a high sense of urgency, with a strong attention to detail and a resolve to deliver the highest quality.
  • Identify and solve problems quickly and communicate issues clearly to leadership and engineering to prevent recurring issues.
  • Be comfortable to read and interpret layup books, as well as working from process controlling work instructions.
  • Be proficient in using common measuring and assembly tools such as calipers, scales, tape measures, torque wrenches, hand drills, etc.
  • Be comfortable learning new methods and technologies, and incorporating them into your workflow.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for long periods and work hands-on in a production setting.

Preferred:
  • Have experience in aerospace and/or motorsport.
  • Have experience in multiple aspects of the manufacturing process such as: operating ply cutter, mold finishing and releasing, mold maintenance, lamination, bagging, curing, de-molding, trimming and/or finishing.
  • Have the flexibility to work extended hours/weekends when required to meet customer timelines.

$26 - $43 an hour
Actual base rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, candidate's relevant education, experience, knowledge and skill in the core subject matter of the position as well as relevant peripheral qualifications.
Benefits Include:
Equity option grants with most full time offers
Medical
Dental
Vision
Short and Long-term disability
Life insurance
15 Days PTO + 9 Federal Holidays
Layup is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
ITAR Requirements - To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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