Composite Trim and Drill Technician

Career Guide

A Composite Trim and Drill Technician finishes composite parts after they are molded or cured. They trim edges, drill holes, and verify dimensions so parts fit correctly during assembly. The work is hands-on, detail-focused, and common in aerospace, wind energy, automotive, marine, and industrial manufacturing.

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Key Responsibilities

Read and follow work instructions and engineering drawings
Trim composite parts to final shape using approved tools and methods
Drill holes to required size and location using templates or fixtures
Measure parts using basic inspection tools to confirm tolerances
Deburr and finish edges to meet quality and safety requirements
Set up and use jigs and fixtures to hold parts securely
Identify defects such as delamination and surface damage and report findings
Document work completed and record inspection results
Maintain tools and keep a clean and organized workstation
Follow safety requirements for dust control and personal protective equipment

Top Skills for Success

Precision Measuring

Blueprint Reading

Trim Tool Operation

Drill Tool Operation

Fixture Setup

Composite Material Handling

Dust Control Practices

Quality Inspection

Defect Identification

Attention to Detail

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Composite Laminator

Composite Fabricator

CNC Machine Operator

Production Assembler

Quality Inspector

Transition Opportunities

Senior Composite Technician

Composite Repair Technician

Quality Technician

Manufacturing Technician

Team Lead

Process Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Geometric Dimensioning and TolerancingBorescope InspectionNon Destructive Testing AwarenessRoot Cause AnalysisTool Calibration AwarenessProduction Documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild competency in drawing interpretation and measurement standards, practice consistent documentation habits, and seek guided exposure to inspection methods and defect recognition. Ask to shadow quality and repair teams to understand what downstream teams need from trim and drill work.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 40,000 to 55,000

Mid LevelUSD 55,000 to 75,000

Senior LevelUSD 75,000 to 95,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by aerospace production, aircraft maintenance, and growth in composite use across wind energy and transportation manufacturing. Hiring is strongest in regions with large manufacturing plants and repair centers.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

BoeingAirbusSpirit AeroSystemsNorthrop GrummanLockheed MartinSafranGE AerospaceRolls-RoyceVestasSiemens Gamesa

Industry Sectors

Aerospace ManufacturingAerospace MaintenanceDefense ManufacturingWind Energy ManufacturingAutomotive ManufacturingMarine ManufacturingIndustrial Equipment Manufacturing

Recommended Next Steps

Create a skills checklist covering trimming, drilling, measuring, and documentation and rate your current level

Practice blueprint reading weekly using real shop prints and verify measurements on sample parts

Request cross-training on fixture setup and inspection steps used by the quality team

Document quantified outcomes such as scrap reduction, rework reduction, and cycle time improvement for your resume

Complete safety training focused on composite dust handling and proper protective equipment use

Apply for roles titled Composite Technician, Composite Fabricator, or Manufacturing Technician to broaden options