Composites Manufacturing Specialist

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, Applied Research Projects, the Composite Manufacturing Specialist provides and completes activities in support of technical product development related to applied research projects. This position will also liaise directly with industry partners, clients, faculty and students on a wide range of projects and technical tools.

This position specializes in composites (materials integration) and is assigned to projects that focus on composite part design, manufacturing or repair. The position requires technical expertise in utilizing equipment to create moulds and plugs for composite fabrication and will also participate as a team member by contributing to any applied research projects using these specialized skills to effectively produce high quality products meeting industry standards.

Activities may be within the areas of manufacturing, composite part manufacture/repair, prototyping, industrial design, and any new area of development within the materials integration category of advanced manufacturing.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Design & Production

- Leads activities to determine effective part design with consideration to manufacturability and the most appropriate processes given the equipment and labour resources;

- Creates and completes part designs in preparation for production using appropriate CAD and FEA (finite element analysis) software including producing drawings to industry standards;

- Creates and finishes composite parts (including moulds, plugs and supportive jigs) to client specifications, using appropriate equipment and processes (not limited to wet layup, vacuum bag, infusion, prepreg, and thermoforming);

- Works on surface finishing of moulds/plugs and composite parts;

- Uses and maintains specialized equipment which includes but is not limited to: thermoforming equipment, curing ovens, temperature sensors, tooling-paste applicator, vacuum pumps and infusion systems, reusable vacuum membrane applicator, paint and sand booth;

- Operates and maintains industrial composite equipment and performs basic troubleshooting and reports issues with equipment to supervisor or Manager;

- Participates in maintaining a clean and safe work environment (workshop and tools); including safe and proper handling of dangerous substances; advises the supervisor on repairs or other requirements;

- Assists in identifying appropriate parts testing procedures, and oversees material tests while providing instruction to other department employees as requested by supervisor;

- Assesses final parts to ensure the finish meets and exceeds the client's specifications;

- Evaluates production processes with the goal to improve efficiencies;

Customer /Client Service

- Maintains a high level of integrity and confidentiality with materials and results of research activity; liaises with local industry and community experts with regard to technical applied research activities related to assigned projects

- Provides a range of customer service to industry partners and prospective clients; including consulting with clients to understand project needs and define project scope;

- Calculates and determines job quotes and communicates with clients regarding deliverables, costs, expectations, risks, and timelines, in conjunction with supervisor or Manager as necessary;

- Under the supervision of supervisor or CTAC Manager, administers aspects of multiple projects through the coordination of equipment and labour resources;

Documentation

- Documents processes and work performed, utilizing project management software;

- Ensures effective documentation is collected and stored on all projects and contributes information to grant applications and reports;

- Provides reports on tests and assessment results;

- Identifies and records areas for improvement to ensure efficient procedures and best practices are consistently implemented, and maintains appropriate WHMIS documentation;

- Assists supervisor in the coordination of resources and quoting of work related to assigned projects as well as determining the most cost and time effective process for various tasks;

- Sources parts that are appropriate to a project and within the allocated budget;

- Reviews costs and invoices for projects to ensure accuracy, creates and submits final client invoices using established internal processes;

- Acts as a resource to Camosun students/programs by creating and leading workshops and presentations based on the composites specialty, as requested by supervisor or Manager;

- Demonstrates and assists in the instruction of proper and safe use of specialized equipment/software to students and staff; may participate in presentations conducted by supervisor as requested;

Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity.

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWP) certificate and three years' relevant industry experience in composite manufacturing, which includes two years' experience using 3D parametric modeling software using SolidWorks, in performing 3D surfacing modelling or a combination of equivalent education and experience

- Ability to work with a variety of materials including high-density urethanes, XPS/EPS with tooling paste, MDF, aluminum, fibreglass and other matrix/fibre combinations;

- Demonstrated understanding of surface finishing requirements for molds and plugs;

- Experience and strong knowledge in the selection and use of appropriate techniques, equipment and composite layups, with proficiency in the execution of the applicable processes ;

- Experience and advanced understanding of different types of paint spraying equipment and techniques (gel coat, mold release agents, primers, sealers)

- Understanding and skilled in the use of additive manufacturing equipment, CAM software, and CND equipment, CAD software and MS Office Suite

- Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies;

- Proven ability to think creatively, use problem-solving and adaptability;

- Demonstrated attention to detail and time management skills, including the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently

- Proven excellence in customer service, including effective written and verbal communications and presentation skills;

- Ability to work both independently and in a team;

- Ability to learn the features of relevant new equipment and tools, as well as staying current with applicable technology advances.

The core capabilities are required for all positions at the college.

Focus on Students and Their Success (Core)
• We all have a role to play in promoting and supporting students - directly or indirectly - contributing to their success, education and transition as they build their path to the future.

Cultural Alignment (Core)
• Inclusion and respect align with Camosun's traditions of lifelong learning and positive, supportive experiences for all. We examine our individual and institutional cultures and, through indigenization, consider other ways of knowing (thinking), being (approaches), doing (acting), and relating.

Fostering and Nurturing Relationships (Core)
• Fostering and nurturing relationships is at the core of everything we do. Successful workplace relationships take time to develop and include building trust, engagement and collaboration.