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Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Composite Engineer The Composite Engineer designs and develops advanced composite structures and manufacturing processes for deployable space systems used on satellites and lunar surface applications.

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Composite Engineer

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

Team Penske is seeking a talented and motivated Composites Engineer to join our engineering group. This role is critical in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of high-performance composite ...

Industrial Composite Engineer

Kinston, NC · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

You will be supporting as a ME Engineer for Composite Technologies the site to improve composite production processes and support the ramp up of the A350 rate. You are also the focal point for ...

Industrial Composite Engineer

Kinston, NC · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

You will be supporting as a ME Engineer for Composite Technologies the site to improve composite production processes and support the ramp up of the A350 rate. You are also the focal point for ...

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft structures. This position is ideal for a strong composites engineer looking to grow into MSFC ...

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft structures. This position is ideal for a strong composites engineer looking to grow into MSFC ...

Senior Composite Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: Composite Design ...

Senior Composite Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: Composite Design ...

Senior Composite Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: Composite Design ...

Industrial Engineer - Composite

Kinston, NC · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

You will be supporting as a ME Engineer for Composite Technologies the site to improve composite production processes and support the ramp up of the A350 rate. You are also the focal point for ...

Industrial Engineer - Composite

Kinston, NC · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

You will be supporting as a ME Engineer for Composite Technologies the site to improve composite production processes and support the ramp up of the A350 rate. You are also the focal point for ...

Composite Supervisor

Austin, TX · On-site

$89K - $118K/yr

As a key member of our growing engineering and production team, you will be responsible for supervising all composite fabrication processes, ensuring that materials meet stringent quality standards ...

Composite M&P Engineer III

TX · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

SUMMARY The Composite M&P Engineer III will apply their broad technical knowledge and experience to support design, manufacturing, testing and R&D projects. The candidate must be innovative and a ...

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Composite Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in the United States is $103,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a composite engineer faces when working on new product development?

Composite Engineers often encounter challenges related to material selection, process optimization, and balancing performance with cost during new product development. They must ensure that chosen composites meet strict mechanical and environmental requirements while remaining manufacturable at scale. Collaborating closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams is crucial to address these challenges, as is staying updated on new materials and fabrication techniques. Additionally, Composite Engineers frequently perform iterative testing and analysis to refine prototypes and achieve project goals.

What is a composite engineer?

Composite engineers utilize composite materials, such as resins, carbon fiber composites, and glass fiber-based materials, to design structures and buildings. Composite materials are made by combining two substances with different properties that, when put together, produce a more durable product. These composites are used to build bridges, buildings, spacecraft, imitation granite, and other structures that need to withstand demanding situations. As a composite engineer, you specialize in how to utilize these materials to design projects to meet client needs. To become a composite engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a specialization in mechanical or structural engineering. Most positions require a minimum of five year’s experience with AutoCAD and a proven track record of successful projects.

What is the difference between Composite Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectComposite EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, certifications in compositesBachelor's or higher in materials science or engineering, certifications in materials testing
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and analyzing composite materials in aerospace, automotive, or sports industriesResearching, developing, and testing various materials including metals, polymers, and composites across multiple industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and marine sectorsWidely used across aerospace, manufacturing, construction, and product development sectors

Composite Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing composite materials, while Materials Engineers work with a broader range of materials including metals, polymers, and composites. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their applications and industry focus differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a composite engineer?

To thrive as a Composite Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, mechanical engineering principles, and experience with composite materials, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and knowledge of industry standards like ASTM or ISO is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, innovative, and efficient design and production of composite components in industries such as aerospace and automotive.
What cities are hiring for Composite Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Composite Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Composite Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Composite Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Composite Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Composite Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Composite Engineer

Actalent

Johnstown, CO

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Job Title: Composite EngineerJob Description

The Composite Engineer designs and develops advanced composite structures and manufacturing processes for deployable space systems used on satellites and lunar surface applications. This role covers the full lifecycle of composite products from concept and design through manufacturing, assembly, and preparation for launch, with all composite and mechanical assembly work performed in-house.

Responsibilities
  • Design and optimize composite manufacturing processes, including layup, curing, bonding, trimming, and assembly for aerospace applications.
  • Provide detailed input on composite laminate design to meet structural, performance, and reliability requirements.
  • Develop mechanical tooling and ground support equipment (GSE) systems for composite structure manufacturing and testing.
  • Design and oversee fabrication of mold tooling, layup tooling, precision trimming and machining systems, part transfer and handling fixtures, and verification tooling.
  • Support prototype builds, first-article manufacturing, and low-rate production, ensuring smooth transition from development to repeatable manufacturing.
  • Select and recommend materials for composite layup consumables, such as mold release agents, release films, peel plies, and bagging materials.
  • Ensure all composite manufacturing activities comply with internal quality systems and applicable aerospace standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to take composite structures from initial concept through product development and readiness for launch.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of composite processes, tooling, and quality controls to enhance efficiency and product performance.
Essential Skills
  • Hands-on experience with composite design and manufacturing processes, including layup, curing, bonding, trimming, and assembly.
  • Proficiency in composite laminate design for aerospace structures.
  • Experience working with autoclave-based composite processing.
  • Background in aerospace engineering or aerospace-related composite applications.
  • Ability to develop and refine tooling for composite manufacturing and testing, including mold and layup tooling.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace quality requirements and standards related to composite structures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience with deployable or high-strain composite structures that can fold or roll for compact packaging and deploy in space.
  • Familiarity with ground support equipment (GSE) for composite manufacturing and test operations.
  • Knowledge of material selection for composite layup consumables, including mold release, release films, peel plies, and bagging materials.
  • Interest in cradle-to-grave product development, from concept through manufacturing and preparation for launch.
  • Ability to work closely with manufacturing and mechanical assembly teams in an in-house production environment.
Work Environment

This role operates in a manufacturing environment focused on advanced composite structures for space applications. All composite manufacturing and mechanical assembly are performed in-house, providing direct access to production equipment, tooling, and test setups. The work involves close collaboration with engineering and production teams in a hands-on setting where deployable, high-strain composite structures are developed, built, and prepared for space deployment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Loveland, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Flexible and hybrid work schedules (two or more days in office per week) Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance Opterus pays 100% of employees’ premiums and 70% of dependents’ premiums 401K matching up to 4% 9 paid holidays

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Loveland,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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