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Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reflect Orbital

Composites Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

Your work directly determines the performance of the composite structures we're flying to space in 2025. Responsibilities * Own the engineering and process development for all in-house composite ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Bingen, WA · On-site

$94K - $124K/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)

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/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)

ROUSH

Composites Engineer II

Livonia, MI · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Develop composite material solutions. * Support senior engineering team to develop composite material solutions. * Manage business aspects of multiple concurrent programs and ensure financial targets ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/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)

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Bingen, WA · On-site

$94K - $124K/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)

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Composites Engineer

Harriman, TN · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

Develop and optimize advanced composite systems for both structural and nonstructural applications. * Partner with design teams to select materials and define layups, fiber architecture, and resin ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Bingen, WA · On-site

$94K - $124K/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)

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/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)

Roush

Composites Engineer II

Livonia, MI · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Develop composite material solutions. * Support senior engineering team to develop composite material solutions. * Manage business aspects of multiple concurrent programs and ensure financial targets ...

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Composite Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 cities are hiring for Composite Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Composite Engineer job openings:
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Composite Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composite Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Composites Engineer

Reflect Orbital

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

At Reflect, you will be expected to move fast, have a lot of ownership and, most importantly, be able to effect change. If this excites you, we are interested in hearing about your best work and accomplishments across any domain and from any points in your life.
About the Role
As a Composites Engineer, you'll own the engineering, development, and production of our ultra-light deployable composite structures. This role sits at the intersection of design, analysis, and hands-on manufacturing: you'll refine laminate schedules, develop new layup processes, design tooling and fixtures, run experiments, and drive the factory-floor workflows that take a concept from CAD to flight hardware.
You will be responsible for improving yield, repeatability, and performance across all composite processes-curing, layup, machining, bonding, inspection, and structural validation-while collaborating closely with design engineering, test, and manufacturing. Your work directly determines the performance of the composite structures we're flying to space in 2025.
Responsibilities
  • Own the engineering and process development for all in-house composite structures
  • Develop, validate, and optimize laminate schedules, cure cycles, and layup techniques
  • Design tooling, molds, fixtures, and inspection methods for thin high-precision composite parts
  • Run experiments to characterize materials and processes (fiber alignment, void fraction, cure kinetics, spring-in, etc.)
  • Implement manufacturing controls: travelers, process specs, inspection criteria, and QA workflows
  • Diagnose and resolve unusual composite manufacturing and structural issues
  • Collaborate with technicians to ensure manufacturability and performance alignment
  • Support fabrication on the floor-hands-on when needed-to bridge engineering and manufacturing
  • Drive continual improvement in surface quality, dimensional tolerance, repeatability, and yield
  • Support development and maintenance of capital equipment (ovens, autoclave alternatives, CNC routing for molds, etc.)

Ideal Qualifications
  • 4-6 years of composites engineering experience spanning design, processing, and manufacturing.
  • Strong background in composite materials engineering, aerospace structures, or manufacturing engineering
  • Experience designing and producing thin high-precision composite laminates (prepreg preferred)
  • Hands-on experience with composite processing: layup, cure, debulk, trimming, bonding, inspection
  • Experience developing tooling, mold design, or fixture design for composite components
  • Familiarity with structural analysis of composite parts (FEA, laminate theory, material allowables)
  • Experience setting or improving manufacturing processes, specs, and quality control methods
  • Comfort working in fast-paced R&D environments with rapid iteration
  • Experience with spacecraft, high-performance deployable structures, or other extreme-environment hardware is a bonus

Even if you don't meet 100% of the above qualifications, we are likely still interested in hearing from you. Hiring exceptional individuals is our #1 priority, and we believe that exceptional people often have highly unusual backgrounds.
We are also interested in carving out unique roles for unconventional people that we are excited about working with.
Benefits
Reflect Orbital's success will hinge on our team, which is why our compensation and benefits plan is designed to reward our employees and support their families as generously as we're able.
  • Broad choice of medical/dental/vision coverage, Reflect covers 100% of each base-policy
  • Access to HSA, FSA, and 401K
  • Unlimited paid time off, two-weeks per year encouraged
  • Healthy lunches provided daily
Equal Opportunity
Reflect Orbital is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Reflect Orbital is governed on the basis of 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.
More about Reflect Orbital:
Learn more about our team here.

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