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Composite Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Composite Technician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$22 - $38/hr

Interface with leads, supervisors, and engineers to solve problems and improve processes. * Perform composite repairs under supervision of more senior staff. * Fabricate composite molds and parts as ...

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 Sep 7, 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.

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 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 Technician

Ascent Aerospace

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$22 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Ascent Aerospace - Inspiring the next generation of flight!
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made- making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
Summary of Position
Under limited supervision, with detailed instruction and intermittent review, and working in a manufacturing environment with a variety of agents, this position performs routine tasks in preparation for fabrication, curing, build-up and assembly of various types of composite materials. Responsible for implementing a driven, team oriented culture, which embraces continuous improvements and ensures across the board operational and process excellence in all areas of Coast Composites.
Essential Functions
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.
  • Act as small team lead on specific job, responsible for keeping team on task, finishing the job within given timeframe, ensuring that standard processes are followed, and managing materials and equipment in work cell.
  • Interface with leads, supervisors, and engineers to solve problems and improve processes.
  • Perform composite repairs under supervision of more senior staff.
  • Fabricate composite molds and parts as per instructions/drawings.
  • Lay-up dry fabric and prepare, de-mold, vacuum bag, and infuse composite parts as per instructions/drawings.
  • Polish, de-burr, and grind composites parts, clean, properly use acetone to clean tools and release as per instructions/drawings.
  • Drill, ream, and countersink.
  • Vacuum bag parts for room temperature, oven, and autoclave cure/de-bulk.
  • Assemble parts/components/sub-assemblies.
  • Operate some manufacturing-related equipment, as needed (i.e. forklift, laser projector, oven, autoclave, ply cutter, helium testing, etc.).
  • Follow written work instruction and verify products meet quality standards as outlined.
  • Perform general equipment maintenance, including checking all equipment at the start of each shift.
  • Support quality process by maintaining work area in an orderly condition by returning tools, equipment and material to storage areas.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Expected to participate and develop under training from senior staff.
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Required Skills, Education & Experience
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:
  • Composites-specific manufacturing knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • 1-3 years of composites-specific manufacturing experience
  • 5+ year of layup, lamination, and bagging experience
  • Basic math and ability to read dimensional layouts and inspection equipment including ruler, caliper, etc.
  • Excellent manual dexterity and physical ability to climb in and out of tools, work on hands and knees for the majority of a shift.
  • Knowledge of different machinery and its usage, including drills, hand sanders, jigsaws, table saws, etc.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast pace environment; prioritize and handle multiple projects.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required

Preferred Qualifications
  • Problem solving - the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
  • Interpersonal Skills - the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others' ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.
  • Oral communication - the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.
  • Written Communications - the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
  • Quality Control - the individual demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Adaptability - the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
  • Dependability - the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
  • Safety and security - the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
  • None

Travel
  • May be required to travel to other site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.
  • Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
  • May access and work in the manufacturing plant
  • While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles
  • The employee may be exposed to vibration
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
  • May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day
  • May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands
  • Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
  • Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
  • Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of time
  • Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').
Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
BENEFITS
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • PTO
  • 401k Match

No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors
Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.