ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Composite Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Opterus

Senior Composite Technician

Loveland, CO · On-site

$74K - $90K/yr

Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for ... Build, maintain, and improve composite tooling, including molds, mandrels, and fixtures * Provide ...

Opterus

Senior Composite Technician

Loveland, CO · On-site

$74K - $90K/yr

Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for ... Build, maintain, and improve composite tooling, including molds, mandrels, and fixtures * Provide ...

Opterus

Composites Manufacturing Engineer

Loveland, CO · On-site

$90K - $128K/yr

We combine cutting-edge composite materials, origami-inspired architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high-performance solutions for commercial, defense, and scientific ...

Opterus

Composites Manufacturing Engineer

Loveland, CO · Hybrid

$90K - $128K/yr

We combine cutting-edge composite materials, origami-inspired architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high-performance solutions for commercial, defense, and scientific ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComposite Engineer JobsComposite Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Composite Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$68.3K

$108.9K

$140.9K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in Colorado is $108,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $125,100.00 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.
More about Composite Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Composite Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Composite Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Composite Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Composite Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Composite Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Composite Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Composite Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in CO? For Composite Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Composite Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,933 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Senior Composite Technician

Senior Composite Technician

Opterus Research and Development

Loveland, CO • On-site

$74K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Opterus
Established in 2018, Opterus Research and Development is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable systems. We're transforming the aerospace and defense industry by combining our patented high-strain composites with origami-inspired designs to create high-performance structures, including rollable booms, RF antennas, solar arrays, and other next-generation systems.
Position Overview
Opterus is seeking a highly experienced Senior Composite Technician to lead the fabrication, processing, and assembly of advanced composite structures for next generation aerospace applications. This is a senior, hands-on technical role for someone with deep expertise in composites manufacturing - ideally a technician who has spent years mastering prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, cure processes, tooling, and high precision composite assemblies.
The ideal candidate brings 7-10+ years of composite manufacturing experience, exceptional technical judgment, and the ability to independently solve complex fabrication challenges in a fast paced R&D and flight hardware environment. This person will serve as a technical leader on the production floor and a mentor for less experienced technicians.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead fabrication and assembly of advanced composite structures, including complex layups, multi-material assemblies, and tight tolerance R&D and flight hardware
  • Perform prepreg material handling, including identification of material condition, fiber orientation, tack, resin content, and suitability for process steps
  • Assist in the development and execution of advanced vacuum bagging strategies, cure setups, and autoclave/oven cycles to ensure repeatable, high-quality laminates
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing plans with minimal oversight
  • Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for-manufacture challenges, and validate new materials and processes
  • Build, maintain, and improve composite tooling, including molds, mandrels, and fixtures
  • Provide input to improve manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, work order steps, and quality checkpoints
  • Operate and maintain specialized composite fabrication equipment (e.g., custom ovens, precision cutters, metrology tools, and clean-room environments)
  • Perform inspection of composite components (visual, tap test, dimensional, etc.) and ensure compliance with aerospace quality and safety standards
  • Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for fabrication issues, material deviations, and process nonconformances
  • Train and mentor Level I-III technicians, setting the standard for craftsmanship, precision, and shop professionalism
  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in tooling design, layup methodology, material flow, and production efficiency

Required Qualifications
  • 7-10+ years of hands-on composite fabrication experience (aerospace experience strongly preferred)
  • Proficiency in prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, debulk/cure cycles, and composite assembly techniques
  • Strong knowledge of composite material systems (prepreg, dry fiber, adhesives, film adhesives, core materials, etc.)
  • Proven ability to independently execute complex layups and assemblies with high precision and low rework rates
  • Ability to identify material type or condition through handling (e.g., frozen vs. Out-time expired prepreg, resin system distinctions)
  • Ability to lead troubleshooting, mentor teams, and provide technical direction
  • Strong understanding of AS9100 practices, clean-room operation, and aerospace quality standards
  • Capable of working from engineering drawings, CAD, and work instructions
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, iterative R&D environment where processes evolve quickly
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident (due to government contract requirements)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high-strain composites, deployable structures, or spaceflight hardware
  • Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, load testing, etc.)
  • CNC machining, metrology, or precision alignment experience
  • CAD experience (e.g., SolidWorks)
  • Experience with First Article builds

Compensation and Benefits
  • Annual salary range of $74,000 - $90,000, based on experience and qualifications
  • Flexible work schedules (i.e., traditional, 9/80, or 4/10 schedule)
  • Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances
  • 401K matching up to 4%
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Apply