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Composite Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perform composite bonding, assembly, repair, and integration activities. Conduct drilling, trimming, and aerospace fastener installation. Support autoclave operations and composite manufacturing ...

Engineer II

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

Must have a good understanding of mechanical and composite engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts, while ensuring ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA · On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

In this role, you will fabricate, assemble, and repair advanced composite structures while working from engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications. You will join a ...

Our company is founded and operated by engineers that continuously foster both technical and professional growth in a rewarding team environment. Introduction Urbineer is looking for a Composite ...

Our company is founded and operated by engineers that continuously foster both technical and professional growth in a rewarding team environment. Introduction Urbineer is looking for a Composite ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA · On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

... engineering specifications while maintaining high standards for accuracy and workmanship. Key ... fasten composite parts and subassemblies according to blueprints, engineering drawings, and ...

Our company is founded and operated by engineers that continuously foster both technical and professional growth in a rewarding team environment. Introduction Urbineer is looking for a Composite ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA · On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

Job Summary We are hiring a Composite Technician for a contract opportunity in Poway, CA supporting ... engineering drawings and specifications. - Prepare bonding surfaces through sanding, cleaning ...

Composite Technician II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Job Summary We are hiring a Composite Technician II for a direct hire opportunity in San Diego, CA ... The team offers supportive leadership, clear expectations, strong collaboration with engineering ...

Support engineers in proving out new designs, tooling, manufacturing processes, and work instructions. Perform composite layup, bonding, forming, curing, trimming, sanding, grinding, deburring, and ...

... engineering specifications while maintaining high standards for accuracy and workmanship. Key ... fasten composite parts and subassemblies according to blueprints, engineering drawings, and ...

Fabrication and layup of composite part fab and assembly using wet lay-up and pre-preg lay-up ... Interpret and work in accordance with written work instructions, technical manuals, engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Composite Engineering information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$102.2K

$132.2K

How much do composite engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite engineering in California is $102,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is composite engineering?

Composite engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of composite materials and structures. Composites are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, which remain separate and distinct within the finished structure. Composite engineers work on developing lightweight, high-strength materials used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction. Their work involves understanding material properties, structural behavior, and advanced manufacturing processes to create innovative solutions for demanding applications.

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 expertise in materials science, structural analysis, and a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as ASTM or ISO are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and manufacture of composite materials for advanced engineering applications.

What is the difference between Composite Engineering vs Structural Engineering?

AspectComposite EngineeringStructural Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Civil or Structural Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing composite materials, working in labs and manufacturing settingsDesigning and analyzing structures like buildings and bridges, working in offices and construction sites
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and marine industriesUsed in construction, infrastructure, and architectural projects

Composite Engineering focuses on developing and testing composite materials for various industries, while Structural Engineering specializes in designing and analyzing physical structures like buildings and bridges. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges faced by engineers working in composite engineering, and how can they be addressed?

Engineers in composite engineering often face challenges such as optimizing material selection for performance versus cost, ensuring quality control during manufacturing, and addressing complex failure modes unique to composites. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design, manufacturing, and testing, is crucial for overcoming these challenges. Continuous learning about new materials and manufacturing techniques, along with hands-on problem-solving and collaboration, helps engineers stay ahead and deliver innovative solutions.
What job categories do people searching Composite Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Composite Engineering jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Composite Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,239 per year, or $49.2 per hour.
Engineering Technician

Engineering Technician

Actalent

San Clemente, CA

$35 - $47/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

The Engineering Technician will work alongside engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations, and program teams to build, assemble, troubleshoot, and integrate composite and metallic aerospace products. This individual will support manufacturing process development, composite fabrication, assembly operations, repairs, testing activities, and continuous improvement efforts across aerospace and unmanned systems programs. DUTIES: Develop and refine manufacturing processes for composite layup, drilling, trimming, finishing, and assembly operations. Support prototype and low-rate production programs. Assist with manufacturing tooling and production aid development. Verify new manufacturing processes and provide process improvement recommendations. Interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, travelers, and manufacturing documentation. Perform composite bonding, assembly, repair, and integration activities. Conduct drilling, trimming, and aerospace fastener installation. Support autoclave operations and composite manufacturing processes. Assist with hydraulic proof testing and environmental testing activities. Support shop floor scheduling and production activities. Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and internal quality requirements. Maintain clean and organized manufacturing work areas.

Skills

composite assembly, engineering documentation, aerospace, engineering, composite, bill of material, troubleshooting, r&d, mechanical, aerospace defense, aerospace assembly, aerospace structural, aerospace mechanical, aerospace aircraft, composite manufacturing, composite fabrication, composite engineering, r&d lab, blueprint reading, defense aerospace, defense industry, spaceflight hardware

Top Skills Details

composite assembly,engineering documentation,aerospace

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have Qualifications 5+ years of experience in an aerospace, aviation, defense, motorsports, automotive, marine, or similar manufacturing environment. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, travelers, specifications, and work instructions. Experience working with composite materials including prepreg, wet layup, core materials, and bonded structures. Experience performing drilling, trimming, assembly, and aerospace hardware installation Experience with aerospace adhesives, bonding, liquid shimming, and assembly processes. Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on assembly experience. PREFERRED Qualifications Experience supporting new product introduction, prototype, or LRIP manufacturing programs. Aerospace composite manufacturing or aerostructures experience. Metrology experience, Laser Tracker experience, FARO Arm experience, CMM operation experience.

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Clemente, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $47.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Clemente,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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