Composite Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Composites Product Development Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing and Scaled Composite Systems

Hawthorne, California | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A fast-growing advanced manufacturing startup is developing next-generation composite manufacturing technologies focused on producing lightweight, high-performance structures at significantly higher production rates than traditional composite processes. The team is building scalable manufacturing capabilities for aerospace, defense, propulsion, and industrial applications where speed, durability, and cost efficiency are critical. This role is focused on leading the development of composite products from concept through scaled production. The engineer will own product development activities across design, prototyping, manufacturing integration, validation, and process optimization. The position requires a highly hands-on individual comfortable operating in an early-stage environment where engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project ownership often overlap. The work will directly influence product performance, manufacturing scalability, and long-term technical direction.

About Us

We are an early-stage deep tech manufacturing company building advanced composite production technologies for high-performance applications across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Our team combines engineering, manufacturing, and materials expertise to develop scalable production systems capable of delivering complex composite hardware at production volumes and speeds not achievable through traditional methods. We operate in a highly collaborative environment focused on rapid iteration, technical problem solving, and real-world execution.

Job Duties

• Lead composite product development efforts from initial concept through manufacturing scale-up
• Design and optimize composite structures, tooling, and manufacturing workflows for production environments
• Support material selection, laminate development, layup strategies, and manufacturing process integration
• Develop first articles, prototype hardware, and manufacturing validation plans
• Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, repeatability, and product quality
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to transition products into production
• Manage technical projects, schedules, vendors, and external manufacturing partners
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues
• Support inspection activities, process improvements, and continuous manufacturing optimization
• Work directly with composite manufacturing equipment, tooling, ovens, presses, and production hardware
• Coordinate technical requirements with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams
• Contribute to scaling long-term manufacturing and engineering capabilities as the company grows

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Composites Engineering, or related technical field
• 4+ years of experience working with fiber-reinforced composite materials in design and manufacturing environments
• Strong experience with composite product development and manufacturing processes
• Hands-on experience with CAD modeling and GD&T
• Demonstrated ownership of products through development, testing, and manufacturing execution
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping and technical iteration cycles
• Proven ability to improve or scale manufacturing operations
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in fast-paced engineering environments
• Experience working with suppliers, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams
• Comfortable operating directly with manufacturing equipment and production hardware
• Must be eligible to work on U.S. export-controlled programs

Preferred Experience

• Experience with compression molding, injection molding, or other advanced composite manufacturing methods
• Familiarity with continuous fiber layup processes
• Experience supporting aerospace, propulsion, or defense manufacturing programs
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality standards
• Experience with FEA and structural analysis tools
• Background in manufacturing process development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience working within small, highly technical startup teams
• Experience presenting technical programs, schedules, or business cases to leadership teams
• Familiarity with R&D-driven manufacturing environments

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to help build and scale next-generation composite manufacturing technologies
• High ownership environment with direct impact on products, manufacturing, and company growth
• Exposure to advanced aerospace, defense, and industrial applications
• Fast-moving engineering environment with significant technical breadth and career growth potential
• Equity participation and the opportunity to grow alongside the company
• Collaborative, highly hands-on engineering culture

Compensation Details

$175,000 - $235,000

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