Composite Materials Engineering (CME) is a Melbourne-based manufacturer of SMC composite products, operating from our 6,500sqm Bayswater North facility across three shifts. We're a well-established manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and innovation in composite materials.
About the Role
We're looking for a hands-on Compounding & Lab Technician to lead our small SMC compounding team. This is a working leadership role — you'll be on the floor compounding resin paste and running QC testing yourself, while also coordinating the day-to-day work of your crew, keeping production supplied, and ensuring consistency and quality across every batch.
Key Responsibilities
Weigh, mix and compound SMC resin paste formulations to specification, including resins, fillers, catalysts, pigments and additives
Lead and coordinate a small compounding crew — allocate daily tasks, train team members, and ensure batch schedules keep pace with production demand
Operate and maintain compounding equipment, troubleshooting issues as they arise
Conduct QC testing on incoming raw materials and in-process paste (e.g. viscosity, gel time, cure characteristics)
Monitor formulation consistency and adjust as needed to resolve quality issues, working closely with production
Maintain accurate batch and testing records in SYSPRO and quality systems
Investigate non-conformances and lead root-cause corrections within the compounding area
Maintain lab equipment, calibration schedules and general housekeeping standards
Ensure your team follows WHS, environmental and quality procedures, including secure chemical handling
About You
Proven hands-on experience in SMC/BMC compounding or resin paste production — this is essential, not just general lab experience
Experience leading or informally supervising a small team in a production environment
Solid understanding of resin systems, curing chemistry, and paste consistency control
Strong attention to detail and comfortable owning quality outcomes for your area
Confident working with chemicals and enforcing secure handling practices with your crew
Practical, "get it done" mindset — you're happy compounding paste yourself, not just directing others