Composites Technician Jobs in Arlington, TX
Modern military aircraft are built with more carbon fiber and advanced composites every year, and that has made composites technicians a sought-after trade around Arlington. Lockheed Martin's F-35 uses extensive composite structures, Bell's tiltrotor programs rely on advanced materials, and DFW suppliers layup, cure, and bond parts that feed both.
Current composites technician Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Composites Technicians
These DFW-area employers hire composites and bonding techs within reach of Arlington.
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics - F-35 composite structures and layup.
- Bell Textron - rotorcraft and tiltrotor composite components.
- Triumph Group - composite aerostructures.
- Spirit AeroSystems - composite fuselage and structural parts.
- Elbit America - defense composite components.
- DFW composites shops - layup, bonding, and repair roles.
Composites Technician Salaries in Arlington
- Entry (new layup tech): about $19 to $25 per hour.
- Experienced (3 to 7 years): about $26 to $36 per hour.
- Senior (lead, complex bonding, repair): about $37 to $46+ per hour.
These are estimates and vary by employer, shift, and program. Cleared defense work and specialized repair skills push earnings higher, plus shift differentials and overtime.
How to Become a Composites Technician in Arlington
Most techs start with a high school diploma plus a composites or aerospace manufacturing certificate; Tarrant County College and regional trade programs offer relevant training. Employers train on their specific layup, cure, and bonding processes. No FAA or Texas state license is required for the role. Defense programs require U.S. citizenship and a clearance.
What the Job Involves
Composites techs cut and lay up carbon fiber and fiberglass plies, apply resins, bag and cure parts in autoclaves or ovens, trim, and bond assemblies. The work follows precise process specs and requires careful handling of materials and full documentation.
Skills Employers Look For
- Ability to read layup schedules and work instructions
- Manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Familiarity with carbon fiber, resins, and vacuum bagging
- Comfort with cleanroom and process discipline
- U.S. citizenship for cleared defense programs
Career Path and Advancement
Composites techs advance from layup into bonding, complex structures, and repair, then into lead, planner, or inspection roles. Specialized repair and NDT skills are among the best-paid tracks in the field.
Related Careers in Arlington
These related Arlington roles share hands-on aerospace skills.
- Aircraft Assembler Jobs
- Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
- Aerospace Quality Inspector Jobs
- Avionics Technician Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a composites technician in Texas?
No. There is no FAA or Texas state license for composites techs. A composites certificate helps, but employers train on their specific processes.
How long does it take to become a composites technician?
A short composites certificate runs a few months, and many techs start with on-the-job training right after being hired.
Do composites jobs near Arlington require a security clearance?
Defense programs at Lockheed Martin and Bell usually require U.S. citizenship and a clearance. Some commercial supplier roles do not.
Can you work as a composites technician remotely?
No. The work uses autoclaves, cleanrooms, and materials that must be handled on-site.
Which Arlington-area employer pays composites techs the most?
Lockheed Martin, Bell, and specialized repair roles generally pay at the top of the local range, especially with a clearance.
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