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Composite Material Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Material Process

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$83K - $125K/yr

... Processes (M&P) Engineer (Level 2) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within the ... or composite materials used in structures Active U.S. Government Secret clearance (with a ...

Composite M&P Engineer II

Bertram, TX

$88K - $116K/yr

Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs. * Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy ...

Composite M&P Engineer III

Bertram, TX · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs. * Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy ...

WI · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs. * Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy ...

Composite M&P Engineer II

Briggs, TX · On-site

$69K - $91K/yr

Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs. * Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy ...

Composite M&P Engineer III

Briggs, TX

$69K - $91K/yr

Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs. * Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy ...

Composite M&P Engineer II

Briggs, TX · On-site

$69K - $91K/yr

Research and select composite materials and processes for structural applications on existing or new designs. * Design, lead and perform related material testing and evaluations, such as microscopy ...

WI · On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

... processes (draping, infusion, RTM, compression molding, and curing) on composite material ... Apply software engineering best practices - including version control (Git/SVN), containerisation ...

Showing results 41-60

Composite Material Process Engineer information

See salary details

$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do composite material process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite material process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a composite material process engineer do?

A Composite Material Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for composite materials, which are materials made from two or more constituent substances with different properties. These engineers work on selecting appropriate materials, developing fabrication methods, and ensuring product quality and performance. They often collaborate with design, production, and quality teams to innovate and troubleshoot manufacturing processes, with applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. Their work ensures that composite components meet required specifications, are produced efficiently, and maintain structural integrity in their final applications.

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

To thrive as a Composite Material Process Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and composite manufacturing processes, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, chemical, or materials engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA), and industry-specific tools like ASTM testing standards is essential, along with knowledge of quality control systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills are critical for developing innovative, high-performance composite materials and ensuring efficient, reliable manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges faced by composite material process engineers and how can they be addressed?

Composite Material Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining material consistency, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring quality control during production. Variability in raw materials and complex curing cycles can impact the final product's performance and reliability. To address these issues, engineers typically collaborate closely with quality assurance, production, and R&D teams, utilize advanced testing methods, and implement continuous process improvements to ensure the integrity and efficiency of composite manufacturing.

What is the difference between Composite Material Process Engineer vs Composite Manufacturing Technician?

AspectComposite Material Process EngineerComposite Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or materials science; certifications like Six Sigma often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D facilities, manufacturing plantsProduction floors, assembly lines, quality control stations
ResponsibilitiesDesigning processes, optimizing manufacturing methods, troubleshooting issuesOperating equipment, assembling composite parts, inspecting products
Industry UsageUsed across aerospace, automotive, sports equipment industriesPrimarily in manufacturing and assembly sectors of composites

The Composite Material Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving manufacturing processes for composites, requiring technical degrees and analytical skills. In contrast, the Composite Manufacturing Technician handles hands-on production tasks, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in composite manufacturing, but they differ in scope, responsibilities, and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Composite Material Process Engineer jobs?

For Composite Material Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Composite Material Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Engineer Material Process

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$83K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an experienced Materials & Processes (M&P) Engineer (Level 2) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) Vehicle Engineering organization.

This position will be located in Palmdale ,CA or El Segundo, CA. In this role you will join an Integrated Product Team to develop, qualify, and optimize metallics, composites, sealants, and coating solutions for critical structural applications, performing root cause analysis and defining processing specifications. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in material failure analysis, test plan generation, and the chemistry physics of coatings and metals, and thrives in a collaborative engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities : Performs root cause analysis of material failures, provides effective solutions to production sealants & coatings issues OR metallics issues Generates test plans & reports Analyzes, researches, designs and develops materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems Applies principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop non-metallic processing specifications, fabrication and assembly processes OR metallic processing specifications, fabrication and associated assembly processes Develops, analyzes and applies material properties and design allowables, processing processes and quality engineering specifications Material analyses may include failure analysis of components, systems and subsystems, life predictions, and definition and requirement specifications Perform drawing reviews to ensure M&P requirements are satisfied Review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures Travel to subcontractor locations Basic Qualifications: Must have a Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 2 years of related professional/military experience; OR a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related professional/military experience. Professional experience with metallics, sealants and/or coatings applied to structural components Professional experience with metal or composite fabrication and/or design Demonstrated experience with repair processes for metal or composite materials used in structures Active U.S. Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years) Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access via a Program Access Request (PAR)

This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Preferred Qualifications: Final adjudicated U.S. Government Top Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)

Current or previous Program Access Request (PAR) approval Bachelor's (or higher) degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience with aircraft structures; included bonded composites and metallics Experience with military specs and standards Previous customer facing exposure and experience Material Review Board (MRB) Experience Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay

Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939