ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Composite Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Washington

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

The Role Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and ... Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layup

USAJOBS - Search

Mechanical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$143K/yr

... manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering ... Experience serving as a senior technical authority in mechanical, structural, composite materials ...

Electra

Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$58.75 - $80.50/hr

... manufacturing ramp-up * Perform static strength, fatigue, and durability analyses for metallic and composite aircraft structures * Develop structural substantiation methods and analysis plans ...

Aurora Flight Sciences

Structures Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

... metallic and composite components. Preferred Requirements -Demonstrate proficiency in FEM ... and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. Our mission is to apply ...

Leidos

Structural Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Composite Materials * Mechanical Design * Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical ... Experience with manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, warehouse design, or workflow development.

QinetiQ US

Mechanical Engineer I

Fort Belvoir, VA

$70K - $90K/yr

Composite and/or Aluminum design and/or fabrication experience * Proficient with analysis tools ... Experience with 3D printing and manufacturing * Experience with transfer of designs to drawings and ...

QinetiQ US

Mechanical Engineer I

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Composite and/or Aluminum design and/or fabrication experience * Proficient with analysis tools ... Experience with 3D printing and manufacturing * Experience with transfer of designs to drawings and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComposite Manufacturing Engineer JobsComposite Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Washington

Composite Manufacturing Engineer information

What is a composite manufacturing engineer?

A Composite Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for composite materials used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. They work with advanced materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass to ensure high-strength, lightweight components. Their role includes process development, quality control, tooling design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and product performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a composite manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as a Composite Manufacturing Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing processes, usually backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, resin infusion techniques, automated fiber placement systems, and certifications such as Six Sigma or AS9100 are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating with cross-functional teams and ensuring quality standards. These skills enable engineers to effectively design, optimize, and oversee the production of complex composite components critical to many industries.

What are some common challenges faced by composite manufacturing engineers in their daily work?

Composite Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing manufacturing processes for new materials, ensuring consistent quality in highly specialized components, and troubleshooting production defects. They may also need to continuously adapt to advances in composite technologies and keep up with evolving industry standards. Collaboration with design teams, production staff, and quality assurance is essential to address issues quickly and implement solutions. Overcoming these challenges not only sharpens problem-solving skills but also provides excellent opportunities for professional growth in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Composite Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Composite Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Composite Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Composite Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Composite Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composite Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Airframe Design Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA • On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary structures for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.

In this role, you will support major structural design deliverables, collaborate deeply with multidisciplinary teams, and help ensure the aircraft's structures meet performance, safety, manufacturability, and certification goals. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer ready to contribute at a high level while influencing design decisions across multiple aircraft systems.

This role is based at our Manassas, VA headquarters, with on-site presence strongly preferred, and includes occasional travel (under 10%).

What You'll Do

  • Support the design and development of primary and secondary airframe structures, including fuselage, wing, empennage, and landing gear integration.
  • Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed design and into certification, ensuring compliance with performance, manufacturability, maintainability, and safety requirements.
  • Work with structural requirements, material selections, and design criteria in support of applicable airworthiness regulations.
  • Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, stress, and certification teams to ensure integrated and optimized structural solutions.
  • Produce high-quality design documentation, including 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, ICDs, and supporting design reports
  • Execute trade studies evaluating materials, configurations, manufacturing approaches, and integration options to balance weight, cost, and performance
  • Support structural analysis activities by working closely with stress engineers on static, dynamic, and fatigue considerations
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical mentorship to early-career engineers
  • Work with suppliers on manufacturability, design-for-production, and technical issue resolution
  • Contribute to continuous improvement in Electra's structural design methods, tools, and development processes
  • Stay informed on emerging technologies, advanced materials, and evolving FAA certification requirements for new aircraft types
  • Support CAD admin duties such as tool and process development for designers

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred
  • 2+ years of experience in aircraft structural or airframe design, integration, and development (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
  • Strong understanding of airframe structural design for both metallic and composite components
  • Demonstrated experience across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (preferably Siemens NX or CATIA V5/V6)
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural certification requirements
  • Working knowledge of loads, stress, and fatigue principles and their influence on design decisions
  • Experience creating aerospace engineering drawings, design documentation, and configuration-controlled deliverables
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamwork
  • Ability to manage design tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced development environment

Bonus Points

  • Experience with hybrid-electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or other advanced aircraft development programs
  • Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layup
  • Experience with FEM tools (NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh)
  • Background in weight optimization, design-for-manufacturability, or design-to-cost
  • Knowledge of requirements management or PLM tools (JAMA, Teamcenter, etc.)
  • Experience coordinating with suppliers on design, fabrication, or integration activities
  • Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$92,000—$112,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.

Apply