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Composite Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Senior Composite CNC Programmer

Vista, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

We are seeking a skilled Composite CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC programs for machining composite components and tooling. The ideal candidate has strong experience with CAM ...

Seasats

Composite Fabricator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Role: Composite Fabricator Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr ... Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies

Seasats

Composite Fabricator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Role: Composite Fabricator Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr ... Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies

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All JobsComposite Engineer JobsComposite Engineer Jobs in California

Composite Engineer information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$102.2K

$132.2K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.
More about Composite Engineer jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in California? For Composite Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Composite Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Composite Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in California as of August 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.

Senior Composite CNC Programmer

Inversion

Vista, CA • On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a skilled Composite CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC programs for machining composite components and tooling. The ideal candidate has strong experience with CAM software, composite materials, and CNC machining processes, ensuring high-quality, precise, and repeatable production.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and modify CNC programs for composite parts, molds, and fixtures
  • Create efficient toolpaths using CAM software (3-axis to 5-axis as required)
  • Select appropriate cutting tools, feeds, and speeds for composite materials
  • Optimize machining processes to prevent delamination, fiber pull-out, and part damage
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams
  • Support CNC operators with setup, troubleshooting, and process improvements
  • Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements
  • Conduct first-article inspections and support continuous improvement initiatives
  • Maintain documentation for programs, tooling, and machining processes

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
  • Proven experience as a CNC Programmer, preferably with composite materials 3-5 years of experience
  • Proficiency in CAM software Mastercam
  • Strong understanding of composite machining techniques
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and CAD models
  • Experience with CNC routers or milling machines - 5-axis Haas Control
  • Knowledge of tooling, fixturing, and machining best practice

Desired Qualifications:
  • Aerospace, automotive, or motorsports manufacturing experience
  • Experience with vacuum fixtures and composite-specific tooling
  • Familiarity with quality standards and inspection processes
  • Experience programming high-speed machining toolpaths

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
The California hourly rate for this role is currently $40.00 - $60.00. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Noticefor further details.

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