Test Technician

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Test Technician. 

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures.  This position is located in our San Diego, CA HQ office and reports to the VP of Engineering. 

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for conducting mechanical, chemical, and environmental testing to ensure materials meet customer, regulatory, and quality requirements. Working closely with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams, you'll help generate critical material data, maintain compliance programs, and support continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact product quality and manufacturing performance. 

What You'll Own:

• Execution of material testing and qualification activities
  
• Generation and documentation of accurate test data and reports
  
• Calibration and compliance programs for testing equipment
  
• Testing procedures, standards, and quality documentation
  
• Continuous improvement of material testing methods and processes

Essential Functions:

Material Testing & Validation

• Perform mechanical, chemical, and environmental testing of composite materials, adhesives, coatings, and related products
  
• Conduct testing such as lap shear, hardness, adhesion, viscosity, flammability, cure analysis, and coating thickness evaluations
  
• Prepare and test composite coupons and material samples to support receiving inspection, recertification, and engineering requirements
  
• Assist with structural and component-level testing as required

Quality & Compliance

• Support calibration programs for measuring and testing equipment across site operations
  
• Maintain compliance programs for pressure, temperature, humidity, and particulate-controlled environments
  
• Ensure testing activities meet customer specifications, internal procedures, and quality requirements
  
• Support Quality Assurance teams with inspection, verification, and documentation activities

Documentation & Reporting

• Generate clear and accurate test reports documenting methods, results, and conclusions
  
• Interpret customer engineering and process specifications, including Boeing and other aerospace requirements
  
• Assist in developing testing standards, procedures, and work instructions
  
• Maintain testing records and supporting documentation in accordance with quality requirements

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to resolve material and process issues
  
• Support installation, validation, and maintenance of testing and data acquisition equipment
  
• Identify opportunities to improve testing methods, process controls, and material qualification activities
  
• Assist in standardizing testing processes to improve consistency, efficiency, and product quality
  

What you Bring:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field preferred
  
• 5+ years of experience performing mechanical, chemical, or environmental testing of composite materials, adhesives, coatings, or related products
  
• Experience generating technical reports and documenting test methods and results

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of composite materials, adhesives, coatings, and bonding processes
  
• Familiarity with mechanical testing methods such as lap shear, hardness, adhesion, and flammability testing
  
• Experience with testing equipment, data acquisition systems, and laboratory procedures
  
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements

Tools and Software:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  
• Experience with testing and measurement equipment
  
• Familiarity with Boeing specifications and aerospace quality requirements is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Range: $30-$40 per hour (based on experience and skillset)
• 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental
• Annual Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• 8 Paid Holidays + Generous PTO (up to 4 weeks after 5 years)
• $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. Certain positions require meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.

ITAR Requirement

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) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. Rock West Composites will not seek an export authorization for this role. Rock West Composites maintains a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to complete a drug screening. Rock West Composites may also conduct drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or for safety-sensitive positions as permitted by law.

Accommodation Notice

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.