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Composite Materials Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, powder processing, furnacing, and inspection * Develop and improve ...

... materials * Complete tool setup, inspection, cleaning, and mold release preparation * Place and form composite plies against tool surfaces while maintaining correct fiber orientation per engineering ...

Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, powder processing, furnacing, and inspection * Develop and improve ...

Perform precise hand layup of composite materials, including prepregs, fabrics, adhesives, and films, to build parts that meet engineering and quality standards. * Cut, kit, and stage composite ...

You collaborate seamlessly with engineers, mechanics, and performance teams to chase reliability ... Maintain accurate records of all composite work performed, including materials used, labor hours ...

You collaborate seamlessly with engineers, mechanics, and performance teams to chase reliability ... Maintain accurate records of all composite work performed, including materials used, labor hours ...

You collaborate seamlessly with engineers, mechanics, and performance teams to chase reliability ... Maintain accurate records of all composite work performed, including materials used, labor hours ...

Composite Manufacturing Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Ability to produce engineering documentation following industry standards (Section Views, Detail ... Experience with Composite materials; Carbon, Fiberglass, Pre-impregnated material, BMI, Foam core ...

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Composite Materials Engineering information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do composite materials engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite materials engineering in the United States is $103,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Composite Materials Engineering vs Materials Science Engineering?

AspectComposite Materials EngineeringMaterials Science Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Engineering, specialized courses in compositesBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, broader focus on all materials
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing composite materials, manufacturing settingsResearch labs, manufacturing, development of various materials
Industry UsageAircraft, automotive, sports equipment, aerospaceElectronics, energy, manufacturing, research institutions

Composite Materials Engineering focuses specifically on designing and testing composite materials used in industries like aerospace and automotive. Materials Science Engineering covers a broader range of materials, including metals, polymers, and composites, often in research and development settings. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in specialization and application areas.

What are some common challenges faced by composite materials engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Composite materials engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, aerospace, and manufacturing engineering. One common challenge is ensuring that the unique properties and processing requirements of composites are understood and integrated into the overall design and manufacturing plan. Effective communication and documentation are essential, as misunderstandings can lead to costly redesigns or performance issues. Additionally, balancing the needs of performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability while meeting project deadlines requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What is composite materials engineering?

Composite materials engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and manufacturing materials made from two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties. These materials, known as composites, are engineered to produce a material with characteristics superior to the individual components. Common examples include carbon fiber reinforced polymers and fiberglass. Engineers in this field work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and construction to develop lightweight, strong, and durable materials. Their work involves material selection, testing, and optimization for various applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Composite Materials Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Composite Materials Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and chemistry, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and laboratory testing equipment is essential, along with familiarity with industry standards and certifications like ISO or ASTM. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the effective design, analysis, and implementation of advanced composite materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
More about Composite Materials Engineering jobs
What states have the most Composite Materials Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Composite Materials Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Composite Materials Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Composite Materials Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Composite Materials Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
R&D Materials Engineer

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Materials engineer collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials.  Activities include hands-on prototyping, continuous improvement of processes, testing, reporting, and interfacing with vendors, customers and various internal departments.  Work functions are broad and can include design, mold production, fabrication of fixtures, processing of materials (powder processing, mixing, furnacing, other), materials testing (in-process measurements, post-fabrication properties, other), process optimization (cycle time, quality, yield), and data collection.  In addition, work with external sources will leverage internal capabilities in the areas of toll processing, materials characterization, plating/coating and application tests.  All results will be documented (data summaries, Work Instructions, reports).  Successful new products will be transferred to manufacturing (specifying equipment, training personnel, monitoring results).  Position includes participation in Lean, Six-sigma, Kaizen, FMEA, 6S, and yield enhancement activities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, powder processing, furnacing, and inspection
  • Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composite materials
  • Perform materials characterization for microstructure, composition, mechanical behavior and thermal properties
  • Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Office, Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, Solidworks, others)
  • Continuous improvement via participation in Lean/Kaizen, ISO, 8D and other related activities
  • Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)
  • Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation, specifying equipment, conducting training, and monitoring results

Education & Experience

  • BS in Materials Engineering (or equivalent engineering education)
  • 0 to 5 years of experience in advanced materials field

Skills

  • Experience processing advanced materials (ceramics, metal matrix composites, other)
  • Background with materials processing equipment (powders, furnaces, mixers)
  • Knowledge of materials characterization methods (SEM, PSD, wet chemistry, thermal properties, mechanical properties)
  • Aptitude for external interfacing with both vendors and customers

Working Conditions

  • Position requires on-site activities for prototype fabrication (this is not a work from home position).
  • Work schedule is 5 days, 40 hrs per week, first shift.

Physical Requirements

Hands-on, lab-based job environment:

  • Required to frequently lift/push/pull a minimum of 35 lbs
  • Must be able to sit, bend, squat and walk about facility
  • Depending on project assignment, may be required to walk/stand for entire 8 hour day

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.