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Composite Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Mechanical Engineer supports scopes of work associated with components, assemblies, and ... Composite parts and assemblies * Machined parts and assemblies * Assist in design and analysis of ...

The Mechanical Engineer supports scopes of work associated with components, assemblies, and ... Composite parts and assemblies * Machined parts and assemblies * Assist in design and analysis of ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

Composite parts and assemblies * Machined parts and assemblies * Assist in design and analysis of ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. * 8+ years of experience in a ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

Composite parts and assemblies * Machined parts and assemblies * Assist in design and analysis of ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. * 8+ years of experience in a ...

Quality Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$43.27 - $45/hr

Quality Engineer We are seeking a Quality Engineer to support new product launches and drive ... Composite toes are required in the work cell at all times. No leggings, jeggings, cut-off shirts ...

Basic understanding of metallic and composite materials manufacturing.  * Experience in programming (Python, Julia, VBA, Matlab).  Preferred Experience   * Knowledge in aeroelastics and ...

Basic understanding of metallic and composite materials manufacturing.  * Experience in programming (Python, Julia, VBA, Matlab).  Preferred Experience   * Knowledge in aeroelastics and ...

Sales Engineer to market and promote the sale of Pandrol (Vortok) products through proactive ... Knowledge of manufacturing environment (fabricated, cast and composite parts) desirable. We are an ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Mount Juliet, TN · On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety ... engineering issues, supporting automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning ...

Showing results 21-40

Composite Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$59K

$94K

$121.6K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in Tennessee is $94,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $108,000.00 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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Composite Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Composite Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in TN? For Composite Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,025 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Structural Engineer - Composites

Roadrunner Venture Studio

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

About Perseus Materials
Perseus Materials is a hard tech composites startup developing next-generation processing equipment and structures for advanced materials manufacturing. We work at the intersection of materials science, structural engineering, and precision fabrication to build things that don't exist yet. Our work is defense-adjacent, technically demanding, and moves fast.
We are a small team where everyone contributes directly to the product. There is real ownership, real technical challenge, and no shortage of hard problems to solve.
What You'll Do
You will be the structural engineering lead for composite structures and processing equipment at Perseus. That means taking a concept from napkin sketch to validated design - running hand calculations, building FEA models, selecting materials, defining layup schedules, and working directly with fabricators to make sure what gets built matches what was designed. Requirements will often be ambiguous. You will be expected to make sound engineering judgments, document your reasoning, and iterate quickly.
Responsibilities
  • Lead structural design and analysis of composite structures and processing equipment from concept through qualification
  • Perform first-principles hand calculations for stress, deflection, buckling, fatigue, and joint analysis - independent of simulation tools
  • Develop and execute FEA models to validate designs, identify failure modes, and guide structural optimization
  • Define composite laminate schedules, fiber orientations, and material systems based on structural requirements and manufacturing constraints
  • Collaborate with fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and that layup, cure, and tooling requirements are clearly specified
  • Select and justify materials - fiber, matrix, core, adhesives - based on mechanical, thermal, and environmental requirements
  • Develop and support structural test plans; correlate test results to analytical predictions and close out discrepancies
  • Maintain clear design documentation: assumptions, load cases, analysis reports, and drawing callouts
  • Contribute to DFM (design for manufacturability) reviews and support continuous improvement of fabrication processes

Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ Years Experience in a commercial composites manufacturing environment
  • Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience
  • Hands-on experience with composite structures in an applied context - aerospace, marine, wind energy, motorsport, or similar
  • Strong foundation in classical lamination theory, anisotropic material behavior, and composite failure criteria (Tsai-Wu, Hashin, max strain, etc.)
  • Proficiency with FEA software (Abaqus, Ansys, Nastran, or equivalent) for linear, nonlinear, and buckling analyses
  • Demonstrated ability to perform and defend structural hand calculations without relying on simulation as a first resort
  • Familiarity with composite fabrication methods: wet layup, prepreg, vacuum infusion, autoclave, out-of-autoclave, filament winding
  • Experience interpreting and generating engineering drawings with appropriate GD&T and composite-specific callouts
  • Exposure to structural testing methods: coupon, element, and full-scale; familiar with DIC, strain gauging, or load frame testing
  • Working knowledge of relevant standards and specifications (ASTM, MIL-HDBK-17 / CMH-17, DNV, or similar)
  • Experience in a regulated or compliance-driven engineering environment is a plus

You'll Thrive Here If
  • You have built something structural out of composite materials - a boat hull, a wing, a pressure vessel, a race car tub - and you know what it actually takes to get there
  • You are comfortable reaching for a whiteboard and a free body diagram before opening a simulation tool
  • You have caught a fabrication error because you understood the process well enough to recognize it
  • You can work from a rough performance requirement and fill in the engineering yourself
  • You are energized by ambiguous, novel problems and find excessive process more frustrating than helpful

Location & Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site role. Perseus operates in a hands-on lab and fabrication environment - you will be working alongside parts, tooling, and test hardware regularly. Remote work is not available for this position.