Employer: Pyka, Inc.
Email Address: elizabeth@flypyka.com
Website: http://flypyka.com
Position Title: Composite Technician
Compensation/Rate: $35 - $45 depending on experience and level of craft
Location: Oakland, CA
Position Summary:
Pyka is looking for Composite Technician to join our experienced and enthusiastic
team of engineers. In this role, you will be responsible for all aspects of composite airplane
manufacturing, from individual components to assembly, finishing, maintenance and repair. As
one of our first composites technician hires, you will be a key contributor to the vehicle system --
an essential asset to our fast moving team. This is an active role requiring some lifting and
occasional exposure to noise and VOCs. Some sanding of cured epoxy composites, application
of ablative coatings, and solvent-based mold release agents is required. PPE is provided for
these activities.
Responsibilities
● Manufacture and assemble composite airplane structures
● Trim, drill, and finish composite components to drawing specifications
● Promote a culture of excellence within the manufacturing team
● Meticulously maintain molds, tooling, fixturing and process improvements
● Monitor product quality during manufacturing and assembly
● Train junior technicians on Pyka manufacturing practices, basic shop skills,
maintenance, and safety protocols
● Maintenance of composite tools - scissors, straight edges, delrin templates, Festool vacs
● Foster the principles of safety and cleanliness in the shop
● Organize tools and equipment
● Lead by example in keeping work stations clean and tidy
Preferred Qualifications
● Team leadership experience
● Strong mechanical skills and intuition
● Experience with various types of hand tools and
hand-held power tools (dremel, angle grinder, Festool vacs and accessories, drilling)
● Broad experience with composite materials and processes (wet-lay, prepreg, infusion)
● Able to assemble/disassemble precision fixtures/jigs to aid in bonding of airframe main
structure
● Extreme attention to detail and continual pursuit of perfection
● Excellent listening and communication skills
● Strong team player, but comfortable with a lot of autonomy in the role
● Ability to work from either verbal or written instructions
● Inquisitive attitude with an ability to quickly and deftly research new topics and develop
mastery of new subjects.
Pyka's Composite Shop is led by a small group of America's Cup boatbuilders. We'd love to mentor some new people entering the industry!