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Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

Composite M&P Engineer IV

TX · On-site

$88.20K - $116.60K/yr

S SUMMARY The Composite M&P Engineer will apply their broad technical knowledge and experience to support design, manufacturing, testing and R&D projects. The candidate must be innovative and a self ...

Firefly Aerospace

Composite M&P Engineer IV

Bertram, TX · On-site

$88.20K - $116.60K/yr

S SUMMARY The Composite M&P Engineer will apply their broad technical knowledge and experience to support design, manufacturing, testing and R&D projects. The candidate must be innovative and a self ...

Firefly Aerospace

Composite M&P Engineer IV

Briggs, TX · On-site

$69.10K - $91.40K/yr

S SUMMARY The Composite M&P Engineer will apply their broad technical knowledge and experience to support design, manufacturing, testing and R&D projects. The candidate must be innovative and a self ...

ST Engineering

Lead R&D Composite Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$92K - $138.10K/yr

... composite technologies. You will collaborate with various internal functional groups and outside entities, such as research institutions and suppliers. The lead engineer should be self-driven ...

STENA

Lead R&D Composite Engineer

Baltimore, MD

$92K - $138.10K/yr

... composite technologies. You will collaborate with various internal functional groups and outside entities, such as research institutions and suppliers. The lead engineer should be self-driven ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89.10K - $117.90K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload integration to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS)

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How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineer in the United States is $103,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 does a Composite Engineer do?

A Composite Engineer specializes in designing, analyzing, and manufacturing materials made from two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties. They work primarily with composites like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other advanced materials to create lightweight yet strong components for industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and sports equipment. Their responsibilities often include selecting appropriate materials, developing manufacturing processes, conducting structural analysis, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Composite Engineers collaborate with other engineering teams to optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of composite structures.

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.

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Composite Engineer jobs near you

Composite M&P Engineer IV

Firefly Aerospace

On-site

$88.20K - $116.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
S
SUMMARY
The Composite M&P Engineer will apply their broad technical knowledge and experience to support design, manufacturing, testing and R&D projects. The candidate must be innovative and a self-starter who works well in a team environment and has excellent interpersonal skills. The candidate will form an integral part of the advanced materials department, a team of engineers and technicians that are a focal for material related support for the company.
The candidate will serve as a materials engineering technical expert and lead strategic functional initiatives as identified by leadership in the areas of new products, processes, standards, procurement or operational plans based on business needs and in support of structure manufacturing and supply chain. The candidate will be expected to evaluate new materials, perform failure analysis, provide technical support to our internal and external customers, and provide innovative and timely solutions to meet company objectives. This engineer must identify opportunities for improvement, review solutions with relevant stakeholders, and take action to drive any improvements to completion without direct pressure or supervision. This role is located at our manufacturing and test site in Briggs, TX, north of Cedar Park.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs.
  • Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy, failure analysis, thermal analysis techniques and mechanical testing.
  • Execute characterization and allowable campaigns.
  • Develop, implement and maintain materials and processes technical specifications.
  • Drive statistically driven experimental design and process improvement campaigns.
  • Provide technical support for manufacturing and design teams in the areas of non-metallic material and processes selection and optimization, qualification, and inspection that impact product quality, reliability, durability, and capability.
  • Lead or support material failure analysis and root cause corrective actions (RCCA).
  • Define or refine materials technology roadmaps and partner with internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Universities, National Labs, etc. to advance materials development for Firefly products in advance of business need.
  • While maintaining focus on quality, reliability, performance, cost and development predictability; provide consulting and support for unplanned critical needs.
  • Provides guidance, coaching and training to other materials engineering employees, mentors junior staff and broadly shares experience and knowledge across the organization.
  • Represent Firefly on various industry task groups related to metallic materials and manufacturing (AMS, ASM, Nadcap, SAMPE, etc.).
  • Develop and implement improved process control where possible using test and NDE results as a feedback loop.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • B.S or higher in Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent Engineering/Scient role.
  • 10+ years of experience in polymeric materials research, testing or manufacturing.
  • Broad technical understanding of several composite material processes and operations including, but not limited to, out-of-autoclave processes, composites and polymer joining and surface engineering for aerospace applications.
  • A desire to establish and foster strong interdisciplinary relationships across the company.
  • Experienced in coordinating and conducting laboratory work and data analysis to drive technical materials engineering decisions.
  • Ability to travel to customers and other Firefly sites up to 10% of the time.

Desired
  • Advanced degrees in Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience with emphasis on Composite materials.
  • 15+ years of experience in carbon fiber composite materials research, testing, processes or manufacturing.
  • Prior knowledge of structural composite characterization, testing standards and processing.
  • Expert in material testing, (Mechanical, thermal, microscopy, NDE, failure mode & root cause analysis), data analysis and technical writing.
  • Experience working with industry standards, such as ASTM, ASM, NASA and ISO, and their uses, limitations, and applications.
  • In-depth knowledge of materials process technologies and their impact on material behavior and product performance (Process-Property-Performance relationships).
  • Track record of innovation and delivering strategic business results in the context of materials engineering solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize technical theories and develop testing methods, correlate material properties with product performance and predict various failure modes.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
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.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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