Composites Aerospace Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Project Engineer I – Composites

The Project Engineer I supports aerospace composites manufacturing programs by assisting with technical coordination, process documentation, and customer communication. This entry-level role develops foundational knowledge of composite materials, fabrication processes, and program execution while supporting quality, schedule, and cost objectives.

Project Engineer II – Composites

In addition to the responsibilities of Project Engineer I – Composites, the Project Engineer II independently manages composites manufacturing projects from contract review through production and delivery. This role serves as a primary technical interface with customers and supports manufacturing engineering activities including process development, tooling coordination, and production support.

Project Engineer III – Composites

In addition to the responsibilities of Project Engineer II – Composites, the Project Engineer III leads complex composites programs and strategic customer accounts. This senior-level role drives cross-functional execution, advanced composites manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and commercial performance in a high-mix, low-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Technical Execution

Level I

• Support contract review and analysis of technical requirements

• Assist with review of engineering drawings, specifications, and composite layup instructions

• Track project milestones and update ERP systems

• Support new product introduction (NPI) and first article inspection (FAI) coordination

• Maintain accurate project and technical documentation

Level II

In addition to Level I responsibilities:

• Lead contract review and define scope, deliverables, and timelines

• Develop and manage project schedules

• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Planning, Production, Supply Chain)

• Support engineering change management and configuration control

• Monitor cost, schedule, and quality performance

Level III

In addition to Level I & II responsibilities:

• Lead complex, multi-phase composites programs

• Develop program strategies and execution plans

• Manage technical risks related to composite materials, processes, and tooling

• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies

• Mentor junior engineers

Composites Manufacturing Engineering

Level I

• Assist with development of work instructions for composite layup, curing, bonding, and finishing

• Support documentation of material specifications and process requirements

• Assist with tooling coordination and basic process setup

Level II

In addition to Level I responsibilities:

• Develop and improve composite manufacturing processes including layup, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, and bonding

• Support tooling design and fabrication for composite parts and assemblies

• Define process parameters and ensure compliance with engineering specifications

• Support root cause analysis for defects such as delamination, voids, or bonding failures

• Participate in process qualification and validation activities

Level III

In addition to Level I & II responsibilities:

• Lead development and optimization of advanced composite manufacturing processes

• Drive design-for-manufacturability initiatives for composite products

• Establish process controls, standard work, and best practices

• Lead troubleshooting of complex composite manufacturing issues

• Support capital equipment selection and process automation initiatives

Customer Service & Account Support

Level I

• Assist in responding to customer inquiries and status updates

• Participate in customer meetings with supervision

Level II

In addition to Level I responsibilities:

• Serve as primary technical contact for assigned customers

• Provide project updates, technical clarifications, and recovery plans

• Support customer audits and program reviews

Level III

In addition to Level I & II responsibilities:

• Manage strategic customer relationships

• Lead customer program reviews and performance discussions

• Identify opportunities for follow-on work or expanded scope

Customer Development & Sales Support

Level I

• Assist with RFQ reviews and technical data collection

• Support cost tracking and reporting

Level II

In addition to Level I responsibilities:

• Evaluate RFQs for technical feasibility and composite process risk

• Analyze cost structures and margin performance

• Support pricing recommendations

Level III

In addition to Level I & II responsibilities:

• Lead pricing strategy input for composite manufacturing programs

• Analyze long-term profitability and customer trends

• Support strategic business development initiatives

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related field) required

Required Experience

Level I:

• 0–2 years of engineering or manufacturing experience

Level II:

• 3–6 years of aerospace or composites manufacturing experience

• Experience supporting manufacturing processes

Level III:

• 7+ years of progressive composites manufacturing or program leadership experience

• Experience leading complex aerospace programs

Skills & Competencies

Level I

• Basic understanding of manufacturing and composite materials

• Ability to interpret technical drawings

• Strong organizational skills

Level II

• Strong understanding of composite manufacturing processes

• Project management and cross-functional coordination skills

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Level III

• Advanced composites engineering expertise

• Strong business and financial acumen

• Strategic thinking and leadership capability

• Ability to manage complex programs and technical challenges

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing

• Familiarity with ITAR and export control regulations

• Experience with composite materials (prepregs, resins, adhesives)

• Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or industrial programs

• PMP certification preferred (Level III)

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and composite processing areas

• Exposure to composite materials, curing ovens, and bonding processes

• Occasional travel to customer or supplier locations

• Extended hours during critical program phases

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods

• Ability to walk and stand on manufacturing floors

• Ability to lift materials or sample parts (up to 25 lbs)

Compliance & Other Requirements

• Adherence to AS9100 quality management system procedures

• Compliance with ITAR and export control regulations

• Ability to maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation

• Ability to handle sensitive technical and commercial data confidentially

• U.S. Person status may be required due to ITAR regulations

Compensation:

Pay Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401K and other voluntary plans

• Department: Engineering (#820)

• Reporting To: General Manager - Composites

• Location: Corona, CA

• Employment Type: Full-time

• Pay Type: Salaried, Exempt from Overtime

• EEO / Job Group: EEO-2, Professionals

Thermal Structures, a subsidiary of HEICO, is an industry-leading provider of insulation and composite products, backed by support that consistently exceeds customer expectations. We design and manufacture solutions that deliver superior performance in the most complex and demanding applications. From concept to completion, we have the resources to meet this challenge with world-class quality and value.