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Composite Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Composite Engineer to join our team at the Adelanto Flight Test Facility. Under general supervision and with on-going review, this position supports the ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA · On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

In this role, you will fabricate, assemble, and repair advanced composite structures while working from engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications. You will join a ...

Our company is founded and operated by engineers that continuously foster both technical and professional growth in a rewarding team environment. Introduction Urbineer is looking for a Composite ...

Our company is founded and operated by engineers that continuously foster both technical and professional growth in a rewarding team environment. Introduction Urbineer is looking for a Composite ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA · On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

... engineering specifications while maintaining high standards for accuracy and workmanship. Key ... fasten composite parts and subassemblies according to blueprints, engineering drawings, and ...

Our company is founded and operated by engineers that continuously foster both technical and professional growth in a rewarding team environment. Introduction Urbineer is looking for a Composite ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA · On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

Job Summary We are hiring a Composite Technician for a contract opportunity in Poway, CA supporting ... engineering drawings and specifications. - Prepare bonding surfaces through sanding, cleaning ...

Composite Technician II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Job Summary We are hiring a Composite Technician II for a direct hire opportunity in San Diego, CA ... The team offers supportive leadership, clear expectations, strong collaboration with engineering ...

Support engineers in proving out new designs, tooling, manufacturing processes, and work instructions. Perform composite layup, bonding, forming, curing, trimming, sanding, grinding, deburring, and ...

... engineering specifications while maintaining high standards for accuracy and workmanship. Key ... fasten composite parts and subassemblies according to blueprints, engineering drawings, and ...

Fabrication and layup of composite part fab and assembly using wet lay-up and pre-preg lay-up ... Interpret and work in accordance with written work instructions, technical manuals, engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Composite Engineer information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$102.2K

$132.2K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in California is $102,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and systems engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced skills, a strong track record, and sometimes work in high-demand industries or locations with premium compensation packages.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.

What does a composite engineer do?

A composite engineer designs, develops, and tests composite materials and structures used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. They analyze material properties, create manufacturing processes, and use tools like CAD software to ensure structural integrity and performance. Strong knowledge of materials science, engineering principles, and quality standards is essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Composite Engineer, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Composite Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Composite Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Composite Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Composite Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in CA? For Composite Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,239 per year, or $49.2 per hour.
Composite Design Engineer, Experienced

Composite Design Engineer, Experienced

Scaled Composites

Mojave, CA • On-site

$95K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

What You’ll Do:

It’s in the name, Scaled Composites. For a variety of reasons, Scaled typically builds our airplanes out of composite materials. And the skillset to design structures out of composites is unique. But then again, so are we. The work of this role typically starts with an outer mold line (OML) and a set of high level requirements. From there, the composite design engineer develops a structural concept, defines detailed requirements, and sets about designing and analyzing a structure that meets the needs of the airplane. While there will be a fair share of brackets and door handles, this role will typically own a significant chunk of the structure required of the program. This will vary based on size and complexity, but responsibility for the wing, fuselage, empennage, cabin, or even all of the above is likely.

We are looking to add experienced composites design engineers to our team. Ideally, these candidates would have the capability and drive to evolve into leadership positions in rather quick fashion. If you’ve worked on composite aircraft structures in depth, and can bring a significant body of knowledge and abilities on day one, please consider applying!

Category: Engineering

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: None

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching


About Scaled

Founded by visionary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites has been in the business of Designing, Building, and Flying unique airplanes and spacecraft for over 40 years. We are a modestly sized company, constantly building small teams of empowered and capable employees to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in aerospace. From the farthest (Global Flyer), to the largest (Stratolaunch), to the highest (SpaceShipOne, Proteus), and many in between, Scaled’s track record of innovation has pushed against and expanded some of the most stubborn corners of the flight envelope.

We honor that legacy today by doing what we’ve always done - seeking out the hardest problems in aerospace and having fun while solving them. With an average of a new design first flight for every year of our existence, there is no better place to practice the arts and science of new aircraft development than here at Scaled.

Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Performing conceptual design, structural layout, sizing, and detailed design
  • Generating detailed fabrication and assembly work instructions
  • Conducting stress analysis utilizing classical methods and performing laminate analysis and sizing for structural components
  • Providing hands-on manufacturing and assembly support
  • Contributing to ground and flight test planning, execution, and aircraft modifications
  • Demonstrating proficiency in understanding and designing primary and secondary load paths
  • Creating comprehensive 3D/2D definitions of parts, assemblies, and installations
  • Establishing manufacturing tolerances using GD&T principles
  • Actively participating in Engineering definition reviews, approvals, and release processes
  • Supporting the review of manufacturing plans and procedures
  • Assisting in the creation of structural test plans
  • A commitment to continuous learning, encompassing a readiness to acquire any necessary skills and knowledge essential to effectively support the program
  • Mentoring other early-career engineers based on personal experience and domain knowledge

Required Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of relevant composite aircraft structure design experience
  • Foundational knowledge of aircraft load paths, structural sizing, and composite manufacturing / assembly
  • Strong understanding of the theory and practical application of composite structures and their application to aircraft
  • Proficiency in 3D Computer Aided Design
  • Great verbal and written communication skills
  • Great interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to work in isolation with minimal supervision as well as on large teams
  • Ability to work in multiple engineering disciplines on an aggressive schedule
  • Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering discipline or substantial equivalent experience
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in leading and managing teams of engineers
  • Proficiency in Siemens NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks
  • Proficiency in FEMAP or other finite element analysis software
  • GD&T experience and knowledge of ASME Y14.5M-1994
  • Prior rapid prototyping experience
  • Hands-on design and build experience
  • Aerospace experience (work history, pilot’s license, experimental aircraft building, etc.)
  • DoD Clearance

Essential Job Functions:

  • Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach
  • May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials (Ground Power Units, fuel bowsers, small aircraft) with a force up to 30 pounds
  • Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard, test equipment, aircraft avionics)
  • Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen, flight displays)
  • Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to write for extended periods of time
  • Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
  • May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, test hardware, etc.
  • Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
  • Ability to converse and communicate information with others
  • Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
  • Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
  • Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)