Senior Composites Technician

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Enter the world of cutting-edge materials.

As a Senior Composites Technician, you’ll combine strength and innovation to shape the future of manufacturing.

Senior Composites Technicians are at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, specialising in the creation and manipulation of composite materials. These professionals play a crucial role in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to renewable energy, where lightweight yet durable materials are in high demand.

Their expertise contributes significantly to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly products.

By working with materials like carbon fibre, fibreglass, and advanced resins, Senior Composites Technicians help create components that are stronger, lighter, and more resilient than traditional materials.

A typical day might involve designing layup schedules, operating sophisticated machinery like autoclaves and CNC cutting machines, conducting quality control tests, and collaborating with engineers to optimise product designs. The role requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, practical skills, and creativity to solve complex manufacturing challenges.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Design and implement composite layup processes
  2. Operate and maintain advanced composite manufacturing equipment
  3. Conduct quality control tests on finished composite products
  4. Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and develop process improvements
  5. Collaborate with design teams to optimise product specifications

Becoming a Senior Composites Technician typically involves a combination of formal education and extensive hands-on experience. While entry-level positions may be available with a certificate qualification, advancing to a senior role usually requires several years of experience and ongoing professional development. Here’s a pathway to this career:

  1. Complete a Certificate III or IV in composites or related
  2. Gain experience in composite manufacturing
  3. Pursue additional certifications or advanced training in specific composite technologies
  4. Accumulate several years of experience, demonstrating expertise and leadership
  5. Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with emerging composite technologies
Also Known As:
  • Advanced Composites Specialist
  • Composite Materials Fabricator
  • Aerospace Composites Technician
  • Composite Structures Expert
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a senior composites technician include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Precision
  • Problem solving
  • Technical proficiency
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a senior composites technician include:

  • Innovative
  • Quality-focused
  • Safety-conscious
  • Adaptable
  • Collaborative
  • Conventional – “Organiser”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Engineering Skills
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Chemistry
  • Industrial Technology Skills
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Senior Composites Technician can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$80,000
Median
$95,000
High
$120,000

Vocational education plays a crucial role in preparing Composites Technicians for their careers. Relevant qualifications include:

  • Certificate III in Engineering – Composites Trade (MEM31119)
  • Certificate III in Polymer Processing (PMB30121)
  • Certificate IV in Polymer Technology (PMB40121)
  • Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119)
  • Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade (MEM50119)

These qualifications provide a strong foundation in composite materials and manufacturing techniques. Additional short courses or specialised training in areas like advanced composites for aerospace or automotive applications can further enhance career prospects.

While not always required, some Senior Composites Technicians may pursue higher education to advance their careers or move into research and development roles. Relevant degree programs might include Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science) or Bachelor of Science (Polymer Science and Technology). These programs provide a deeper understanding of material properties and manufacturing processes, which can be beneficial for those aiming for senior technical or management roles in composite manufacturing. The theoretical knowledge gained through these degrees complements the practical skills acquired through vocational training and on-the-job experience.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Team Leader
Team Leader

As a Team Leader in manufacturing, you’ll play a crucial role in bridging the gap between management and frontline workers.

– Up to $100,000 salary

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Compliance and Safety Officer
Compliance and Safety Officer

Compliance and Safety Officers in manufacturing play a crucial role in maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

– Up to $105,000 salary

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Production Planner
Production Planner

Production Planners are the strategic minds behind manufacturing operations, ensuring that production processes run smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule.

– Up to $65,000 salary

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Composite Engineer
Composite Engineer

Composite Engineers specialise in the design, development, and manufacturing of composite materials – engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

– Up to $140,000 salary

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Explore the general manufacturing and engineering

The general manufacturing and engineering industry is a diverse and dynamic area that forms the backbone of the country’s industrial capabilities. From precision components to large-scale machinery, this industry encompasses a wide range of activities that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

General manufacturing and engineering industry
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