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Composite Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/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 ...

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Composite Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$58.9K

$93.9K

$121.5K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in Alabama is $93,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,600.00 and $107,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in AL? For Composite Engineer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,898 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Code Plus Inc

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

CODE Plus, Inc., an experienced IT government contractor in Fairfax, VA with offices in Huntsville, AL and have been in business for 31 years and have been servicing different agencies within the Federal sector. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that empower our clients to achieve their goals. At CODEplus, we value teamwork, integrity, and technical excellence, and we pride ourselves on maintaining long-standing partnerships built on trust and results.

CODEplus is currently seeking Senior Composite Engineer SME to support our operations in Huntsville, AL.

Position Overview This role supports composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) programs. 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-specific requirements and advanced spaceflight applications. Must be a US citizen and have a STAR ID.

Key Responsibilities

Composite Design & Analysis

  • Perform design and analysis of composite components for aerospace structures.
  • Develop laminate schedules, evaluate material behavior, and assess structural performance under mechanical and thermal loads.
  • Support FEA modeling activities including linear and basic non-linear analysis, buckling checks, and failure assessments.
  • Participate in trade studies and support requirements development.

Program Support & Collaboration

  • Work directly with MSFC engineering teams, suppliers, and other contractors to develop composite solutions.
  • Support design reviews (PDR, CDR) by preparing presentation materials and technical documentation.
  • Contribute to testing plans, NDI evaluation, and verification activities as needed.

Manufacturing & Materials

  • Support composite fabrication activities including autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and resin infusion processes.
  • Participate in tooling reviews, process development, and troubleshooting of manufacturing issues.
  • Assist with material evaluation, process documentation, and coordination with manufacturing engineering.

Testing & Verification

  • Support composite component testing, data review, and correlation activities.
  • Assist with structural test planning, failure investigation activities, and corrective action discussions.

General Responsibilities

  • Maintain configuration, documentation, and compliance with engineering processes.
  • Communicate effectively across disciplines and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, materials engineering, or related field.

  • 10–15+ years of experience working with composite materials and structural components (aerospace preferred).
  • Experience with composite laminate design, basic FEA, and mechanical/thermal load assessment.
  • Hands-on familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, or RTM/VARTM.
  • Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Abaqus, ANSYS, or Nastran).
  • Ability to work within structured engineering processes and deliver high‑quality technical documentation.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Qualifications

  • Experience supporting spaceflight, launch vehicle, or defense composite structures.
  • Exposure to cryogenic composites, pressure vessels, or large‑scale aerospace structures.
  • Familiarity with NASA/MSFC standards or similar government requirements.
  • Experience with NDI methods such as UT, thermography, or X‑ray.
  • Scripting or automation experience (Python, MATLAB).

Essential Functions

Work Environment:

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (5%). Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%).