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Composite Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams * Support CNC operators with setup ... Strong understanding of composite machining techniques * Ability to read and interpret technical ...

Composite Fabricator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Role: Composite Fabricator Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr ... Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies

Composite Fabricator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Role: Composite Fabricator Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr ... Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies

Composite Fabricator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Role: Composite Fabricator Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr ... Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies

Showing results 41-60

Composite Engineering information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$102.2K

$132.2K

How much do composite engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 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.

How much do composite engineers make in the US?

Composite engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn over $120,000 annually.

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 prototypes, and use tools like CAD software to ensure structural integrity and performance. Strong knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and testing standards is essential for this role.
Infographic showing various Composite Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,239 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

COMPOSITE FABRICATOR with Security Clearance

Department of the Navy

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * You will fabricate and lay up composite material to form composite skin panels or repair parts to dimensions and stacking order specified by technical directives. * You will determine tooling requirements for fabrication of new assemblies as well as repair of composite assemblies. * You will analyze damage to critical flight components and determine the type of repair configuration to be utilized. * You will perform planning, layout, modification, fabrication and research of unconventional developmental advanced composite assemblies working in close coordination with engineering but with a minimal supervision. Requirements Conditions of employment * Must be a US Citizen. * Must be determined suitable for federal employment. * Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov * Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. * Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. * You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. * Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing. * You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination. * You will be required to frequently handle weights up to 45 pounds. * You will be required to obtain a government license to operate carts, forklifts to transport components or material and perform workload/labor transactions in support of tasks. Qualifications Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the screen out listed below. This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The Screen-out Element for this position is: ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF an COMPOSITE FABRICATOR, WG-4352-10 without more than normal supervision such as: * Developing and fabricating individual ply flat patterns to accurately position and orient each lamina within the laminate; * Using flat patterns to cut individual plies from a variety of unidirectional advanced composite prepregnated; * Fabricating and laying up composite material to form composite skin panels or repairs parts to dimensions and stacking order specified by technical directives; * Adhering to and within acceptable standards using technical manuals, publications, TEIs, LESs, AFCs, LPSs, blue prints and 3R instructions; AND * Utilizing cold working training practices i.e., using measuring equipment, micrometers, ball gauges, scales, no-go gauges and installation procedures for interference fit fasteners with (+.001) tolerance. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Additional information This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: . Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below. Military Spouse Preference applicants will receive priority consideration at the Full Performance Level (FPL) and if determined to be Best Qualified at the FPL, and selected, must be placed at the FPL. A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position. PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation. Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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