AFP Operator Assistant jobs in United States
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Firefly Aerospace · 1 day ago

AFP Operator Assistant

Firefly Aerospace Inc. is an American end-to-end space transportation company focused on providing economical access to space for small payloads. The AFP Operator Assistant will support the aerospace advanced composites manufacturing team by assisting the AFP Machine Operator in various tasks related to the setup and operation of the Automated Fiber Placement Machine, ensuring the production of high-quality aerospace components.

AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication
badNo H1BnoteU.S. Citizen Onlynote

Responsibilities

Assist the AFP Machine Operator in preparing the Automated Fiber Placement Machine for production runs. This includes material handling, loading spools of composite materials, and ensuring proper alignment and tension
Help manage the organization, preparation, and loading of composite materials, ensuring they are ready for use during the manufacturing process
Aid the AFP Machine Operator during the production process, performing tasks such as adjusting tooling, monitoring material feeds, bagging for debulks and final bag, core placement and ensuring continuous operation
Collaborate with the AFP Machine Operator in conducting visual inspections of produced composite parts to identify defects and irregularities. Report any issues to the operator for corrective actions
Assist the AFP Machine Operator and maintenance technicians in routine machine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, lubricating, and basic troubleshooting
Keep track of composite material inventory, notifying the AFP Machine Operator when supplies need replenishment
Assist in maintaining accurate production records, including material usage, process parameters, and any other relevant data as required
Adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and the AFP Machine Operator

Qualification

Aerospace composites manufacturingAutomated Fiber Placement technologyCNC machine operationBasic mechanical aptitudeWillingness to learnSafety practicesEffective communicationAttention to detailCollaborative mindsetAdaptability

Required

Keen eye for detail to identify defects and ensure the accuracy of material handling and machine setup as well as machine operation to recognize potentials for crashing
Ability to stand for extended periods and handle moderate lifting when dealing with composite materials
Effective verbal and written communication skills to follow instructions and report any issues to the AFP Machine Operator
Collaborative mindset, working cooperatively with the AFP Machine Operator and other team members to achieve production goals
Eagerness to learn about automated fiber placement technology
Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities as needed to support the manufacturing process
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Preferred

2 years with aerospace composites manufacturing processes and materials would be advantageous
Previous experience working in the aerospace sector, even in a supporting role, would be beneficial
Basic mechanical aptitude to assist with simple machine maintenance tasks
Knowledge of safety practices within a manufacturing environment, including the use of personal protective equipment
Experience operating CNC machines

Benefits

Generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
Parental leave
Educational reimbursement
Short term disability
Flexible PTO options

Company

Firefly Aerospace

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Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission.

Funding

Current Stage
Public Company
Total Funding
$796.56M
Key Investors
Northrop GrummanRPM VenturesAE Industrial Partners
2025-08-07IPO
2025-05-29Corporate Round· $50M
2024-11-12Series D· $175M

Leadership Team

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Jason Kim
Chief Executive Officer
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Eric Salwan
Co-Founder
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Company data provided by crunchbase