Advanced Thermoplastic Composites

CCM Machine Operator

Detailed listing

Delivery

In person source value: In-Person

Length

About 9 to 13 weeks source value: 61 - 90 days

Branches

Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force

Target MOCs

Army: 91 series Navy: MM, EM, HT Air Force: 2A7X, 3E1X, 3E5X Marines: 13XX, 21XX Coast Guard: MK

Career field

Production

Summary

Program Objective This 12-week program trains transitioning service members to safely and independently operate Continuous Compression Molding (CCM) equipment used in composite laminate production while meeting aerospace-quality manufacturing standards. The trainee will progress from safety fundamentals to full independent machine operation with documented competency validation.

Eligibility

• Ability to lift 50 lbs • Ability to stand for extended periods • Must meet vision requirements for quality inspection • Must be eligible to work in CUI/CMMC‑aligned environments post‑service • Must complete TRP requirements per DoD policy

What the work involves

Week 1 – Safety & Compliance Orientation Focus: Workplace safety and manufacturing fundamentals Training Topics: • Facility orientation • PPE requirements • Heat and pressure hazard awareness • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) • Chemical handling procedures • Environmental and company compliance policies • Introduction to AS9100 quality awareness Performance Objectives: • Demonstrate proper PPE usage • Perform LOTO procedure under supervision • Pass safety knowledge assessment (minimum 85%)Supervision Level: Direct supervision Evaluation Method: Written quiz + practical demonstration________________________________________Week 2 – CCM Process Fundamentals Focus: Understanding materials and documentation Training Topics: • Continuous Compression Molding process overview • Composite materials (resin systems, fibers, laminates) • Reading setup cards and work instructions • Basic blueprint/drawing interpretation • Introduction to HMI interface Performance Objectives: • Correctly interpret setup card • Identify key machine components • Navigate HMI screens Supervision Level: Direct supervision Evaluation Method: Supervisor observation checklist________________________________________Week 3 – Machine Setup (Assisted)Focus: Assisted machine preparation Training Topics: • Heating die preparation • Building stackups • Loading creels • Startup and shutdown procedures Performance Objectives: • Assist with 3 machine setups • Identify correct temperature and pressure parameters • Follow startup checklist without omission Supervision Level: Direct supervision Evaluation Method: Setup checklist sign-off________________________________________Week 4 – Machine Operation (Assisted)Focus: Parameter control and monitoring Training Topics: • Adjusting temperature, pressure, and speed • Alignment verification • Monitoring HMI for consistency • Material feeding techniques Performance Objectives: • Perform parameter adjustments under supervision • Maintain stable production run for minimum 2 hours • Document production data correctly Supervision Level: Close supervision Evaluation Method: Production run review________________________________________Week 5 – Introduction to Quality Control Focus: In-process inspection Training Topics: • Thickness measurement • Dimensional verification • Surface finish inspection • Visual defect identification Performance Objectives: • Inspect 5 production samples • Correctly identify common laminate defects • Complete inspection report accurately Supervision Level: Close supervision Evaluation Method: Quality Manager review________________________________________Week 6 – Documentation & Traceability Focus: Production and quality documentation Training Topics: • Batch records • Traceability requirements • Nonconformance reporting process • Shift turnover communication Performance Objectives: • Complete full batch record independently • Accurately document inspection data • Conduct simulated shift turnover briefing Supervision Level: Moderate supervision Evaluation Method: Documentation audit________________________________________Week 7 – Independent Setup (Supervised)Focus: Increased responsibility Training Topics: • Full machine setup • Parameter verification • Pre-production checklist validation Performance Objectives: • Complete 1 full setup with minimal assistance • Verify all machine parameters correctly • Meet setup time standard within 15%Supervision Level: Observation with intervention as needed Evaluation Method: Supervisor competency checklist________________________________________Week 8 – Production Monitoring & Process Stability Focus: Maintaining consistent quality Training Topics: • Process drift recognition • Thickness variation causes • Surface defect root causes • HMI trend monitoring Performance Objectives: • Maintain stable run for full shift • Identify 2 simulated process deviations • Escalate issues appropriately Supervision Level: Observation Evaluation Method: Production metrics review________________________________________Week 9 – Troubleshooting Fundamentals Focus: Process issue identification Training Topics: • Common CCM failures • Alignment issues • Temperature drift • Material feed problems Performance Objectives: • Diagnose 2 process issues • Recommend corrective action • Document issue report Supervision Level: Guided troubleshooting Evaluation Method: Supervisor review________________________________________Week 10 – Preventative Maintenance Focus: Equipment care and contamination prevention Training Topics: • Preventative maintenance schedule • Die cleaning procedures • Component inspection • Reporting mechanical concerns Performance Objectives: • Participate in 2 PM cycles • Perform supervised die cleaning • Complete maintenance checklist accurately Supervision Level: Moderate supervision Evaluation Method: Maintenance log verification________________________________________Week 11 – Independent Operation (Observed)Focus: Full operational responsibility Responsibilities: • Machine setup • Parameter control • In-process inspection • Documentation completion • Shift reporting Performance Objectives: • Meet production rate within 10% of standard • Zero safety violations • Complete full documentation package Supervision Level: Observation only Evaluation Method: Performance evaluation_______________________________________Week 12 – Final Qualification & Assessment Focus: Demonstrated competency Evaluation Includes: • Full independent machine setup • 4-hour monitored production run • Quality inspection verification • Documentation audit • Troubleshooting scenario Qualification Standard: • No critical errors • 100% documentation accuracy • Meets safety and quality expectations Outcome: Upon successful completion, trainee is qualified for independent CCM Machine Operator duties.

Locations

• N/A, Post Falls, ID