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Composite Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TekSky

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hampton, VA About the job Senior Mechanical Engineer - UAS About ... Design and refine composite structures, fuselages, flight surfaces, internal structures, component ...

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Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation ... Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layup.

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation ... Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layup.

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All JobsComposite Engineer JobsComposite Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Composite Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$102.7K

$132.8K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in Virginia is $102,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $118,000.00 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
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What job categories do people searching Composite Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Composite Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Composite Engineer jobs in VA? For Composite Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Composite Engineer jobs near you
Materials & Process Engineer - Composites

Materials & Process Engineer - Composites

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Marion, VA • On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 2+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree and 6 months of job-related experience. Agile experience preferred,

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


Make the world’s most advanced Radomes even smarter!

As a Materials & Process Engineer - Composites (Sr Mech Engr) for the ACS in Marion VA, you’ll be a member of our M&P dept., a cross functional team responsible for:

  • Support Production Program root cause investigations relating to materials and processes, and recommend solutions
  • Support Development Program qualification testing, including writing test plans, supporting on site testing, and writing test reports
  • Support Internal Research and Development projects
  • Understand and interpret the technical, organizational and process aspects of the tasks assigned and relate them to the technical needs of the overall project or organization

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:

  • Experience with polymer matrix composite manufacturing processes including hand lay-up/autoclave cure, adhesive bonding, and resin transfer molding (RTM)
  • Knowledge of the polymer chemistry of epoxy, bismaleimide (BMI), polyimide, and cyanate ester resins as they relate to the processing of pre-impregnated fabrics and unidirectional tapes commonly used in fiber-reinforced composite structure and adhesive systems
  • Experience with developing and writing process specifications and work instructions for composite fabrication operations
  • Experience with composites materials testing and qualification methods, both mechanical and thermal

What sets you apart:

  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications; detail oriented
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication methods, as well as technical, government, and industry standards
  • Creative thinker capable of leading a team in the preparation of project design, testing, and prototype fabrication
  • Analytic and problem solving skills
  • Team player who thrives in collaborative environments and revels in team success
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation


Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is 100% on-site in Marion Va. While on-site, you will be a part of the ACS Marion Facility.

#LI-TM1


This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $86,500.00 - USD $92,500.00 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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