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Composite Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cadence Design Systems

WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Job Title: R&D Textile Composite Modeling Engineer Location: Mont Saint Guibert, Belgium Reports to: Sr Software Engineering Manager Job Overview As an R&D Textile Composite Modeling Engineer, you ...

TEAM PENSKE

Composite Engineer

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Review and provide engineering input for composite repair procedures. * Stay current with emerging ... Research advanced materials for new applications in motorsports. * Troubleshoot and resolve issues ...

Penske Racing South

Composite Engineer

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

Review and provide engineering input for composite repair procedures. * Stay current with emerging ... Research advanced materials for new applications in motorsports. * Troubleshoot and resolve issues ...

Penske Corporation

Composite Engineer

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Review and provide engineering input for composite repair procedures. * Stay current with emerging ... Research advanced materials for new applications in motorsports. * Troubleshoot and resolve issues ...

Alembic

Research Engineer - Causal AI

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

... Engineering * 5+ years developing and shipping research code in production environments * Strong ... Work with advanced AI/ML algorithms, composite AI solutions, private NVIDIA DGX clusters, and the ...

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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 ...

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Composite Research Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do composite research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite research engineer 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 does a composite research engineer do?

A Composite Research Engineer specializes in designing, analyzing, and testing materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. Their main role is to research and develop new composite materials or improve existing ones for use in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. They conduct experiments, evaluate material properties, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that composites meet specific performance, safety, and cost requirements. Additionally, they often use advanced simulation software and laboratory equipment to validate their findings.

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

To thrive as a Composite Research Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and composite fabrication, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or advanced studies. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA), and laboratory testing equipment is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards like ASTM or ISO. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you innovate and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of advanced composite materials and processes that meet performance, safety, and cost requirements in high-demand industries.

What are the typical challenges a composite research engineer faces when transitioning projects from the lab to large-scale manufacturing?

Composite Research Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up laboratory-developed materials or processes to full-scale production. Differences in material behavior, quality consistency, and process control can arise when moving from small test samples to manufacturing environments. Engineers must collaborate closely with production teams to adapt equipment and processes, ensure repeatability, and meet safety and performance standards. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for troubleshooting and optimizing the transition, making this a dynamic and rewarding aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Composite Research Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectComposite Research EngineerMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, specialized in compositesBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, aerospace, automotiveResearch labs, industrial settings, academia
Industry UsageDesigning and testing composite materials for structural applicationsDeveloping and analyzing various materials, including composites, metals, polymers

Composite Research Engineers focus on developing and testing composite materials for structural use, often working in engineering and manufacturing environments. Materials Scientists have a broader scope, working on various materials including composites, metals, and polymers, often in research or academic settings. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in specialization and application focus.

What cities are hiring for Composite Research Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Composite Research Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Composite Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Composite Research Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Composite Research Engineer jobs?

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

Composite Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composite Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Composites R&D Manufacturing Engineering Lead

South Burlington, VT • On-site

BETA Technologies
See more jobs at BETA Technologiesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Job description

BETA Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Composites R&D, to drive the next generation of composite manufacturing capability at BETA. This high-impact role will identify, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies that expand what our composites shop can produce - increasing capacity, enabling new product forms, and delivering step-change cost reductions. This leader will build and manage a team of manufacturing engineers while serving as the bridge between manufacturing and design, embedding early in the design process and developing authoritative design guides that shape future programs from day one. The ideal candidate balances hands-on technical depth in composite manufacturing with strategic vision and has the leadership skills to get us there.

How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:

  • Evaluate, select, and implement new composite manufacturing technologies (AFP, RTM, ATL, in-situ consolidation, etc.) to expand capability and reduce cost
  • Lead planning for facility expansion, equipment layouts, and infrastructure readiness to support growing capacity demands
  • Develop and maintain design guides defining manufacturing methods, constraints, material options, and best practices
  • Partner with design and R&D teams from concept through production, conducting formal manufacturability reviews at key milestones
  • Advance composite manufacturing methods (layup, resin infusion, autoclave, filament winding) from R&D validation through production-ready scale-up
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce cycle time
  • Recruit, develop, and lead a team of manufacturing engineers
  • Use DOE, SPC, and RCA to validate new technologies and guide investment decisions
  • Troubleshoot composite manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions
  • Create work instructions, process control plans, and technical documentation to support scale-up

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  • 8+ years in manufacturing engineering, leading teams through NPI and composite R&D process development
  • Proficiency in 2+ composite manufacturing methods (resin infusion, autoclave, AFP, hand layup, filament winding, etc.)
  • Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization with proven results
  • Proven NPI experience scaling production from prototype through high-rate manufacturing
  • Deep expertise in DFM, DFA, Design to Cost, and GD&T principles
  • Proficiency in DOE, SPC, MSA, RCA, and tolerance stack-ups
  • Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop cross-functional engineering teams
  • Experience with CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), statistical analysis (Minitab), and ERP/MES systems
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 21 production requirements and aerospace quality systems

Above and Beyond Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in composite structures for aerospace, eVTOL, or electric aircraft environments
  • Advanced degree (Master's) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
  • Experience with aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP certification)
  • Track record of step-change improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, or cost
  • Experience with manufacturing facility planning, greenfield/brownfield expansion, and equipment commissioning
  • Experience developing and publishing DFM handbooks or design guides for engineering organizations

Apply