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Composites Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Lead, Composites Manufacturing Engineer Job Code: 41047 Job Location: Huntsville, AL- AMF North Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hours per day, 4 days a week We are seeking a Lead, Composites ...

Materials Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Support multiple Leidos programs in the area of composites R&D, thermal protection systems, and ... Bachelor's Degree in Materials, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from an ABET ...

Support multiple Leidos programs in the area of composites R&D, thermal protection systems, and ... Bachelor's Degree in Materials, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from an ABET ...

Showing results 41-60

Composites Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$58.9K

$93.9K

$121.5K

How much do composites engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for composites engineer in Alabama is $93,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,600.00 and $107,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Composites Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectComposites EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering; certifications in composite materialsBachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering; certifications in materials testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, aerospace and automotive industriesResearch labs, manufacturing, product development across various industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in composite materials like carbon fiber and fiberglassBroader focus on metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites

Composites Engineers focus specifically on designing and testing composite materials used in aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. Materials Engineers have a broader scope, working with various materials to develop and improve products across multiple industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their focus areas and applications differ.

What are some common challenges faced by a composites engineer when transitioning from design to manufacturing?

One of the key challenges for a Composites Engineer is ensuring that the composite materials and layup techniques specified during the design phase can be effectively and consistently reproduced during manufacturing. Variations in material properties, tooling limitations, and process controls can lead to discrepancies between the designed and produced components. Successful Composites Engineers work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues, validate processes, and implement quality control measures, ensuring that final products meet both performance and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a composites engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Composites Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and expertise in composite materials, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and knowledge of manufacturing processes such as lay-up, resin transfer molding, and automated fiber placement is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish standout professionals in this field. These skills ensure the efficient design, analysis, and production of advanced composite structures that meet performance and safety standards.

What is a composites engineer?

Composites Engineers are professionals who design, analyze, and manufacture materials made from two or more constituent materials with different properties, known as composites. They work across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy to develop lightweight, strong, and durable components. Their responsibilities include material selection, structural analysis, prototyping, and testing to ensure products meet performance and safety standards. Composites Engineers play a crucial role in advancing material technology and creating innovative solutions for various engineering challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Composites Engineer jobs in AL? For Composites Engineer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Composites Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,898 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer- Composites

L3Harris Technologies

Somerville, AL

$81K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Sr Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer

Job Code: 40443

Job Location: Huntsville, AL-AMF South

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week

Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer to work at our new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF-South) in Huntsville, AL, which will be our inert manufacturing facility for fabrication and assembly of composite rocket motor hardware. 

The Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer is a senior professional with strong knowledge of job area and broad knowledge of project management. Manages complex projects or processes with general oversight. Communicates within and outside of own function to gain cooperation on operational processes, practices, and procedures. Makes moderate to substantial improvements to systems and processes. Contributes to achievement of departmental goals and operating plans with direct impact on the departmental results.

This is a dynamic team that requires motivated, self-starting individuals with hands-on experience. Manufacturing Engineers lead process management activities and create associated documentation for their assigned processes. They must be able to follow company procedures and requirements for the manufacture of advanced, man-rated, and high value aerospace hardware. 

Essential Functions:

  • Manages large, complex, and high‑visibility manufacturing projects with minimal oversight, often involving cross‑functional teams and tight customer or program constraints.
  • Leads process development, optimization, and troubleshooting for advanced fabrication methods, composite layup, curing, machining, and assembly.
  • Drives significant improvements in manufacturing systems, workflows, and technologies; may also contribute to the creation of new tools, fixtures, methods, or production concepts.
  • Communicates effectively across engineering, operations, suppliers, customers, and leadership, influencing others to adopt new approaches and process changes.
  • Performs complex root cause analysis, develops corrective/preventive actions, and implements robust long‑term solutions involving multiple functional areas.
  • Develops and executes operational plans for the manufacturing engineering function with short‑term measurable impact on program and business performance.
  • Provides guidance, coaching, and technical leadership to engineers and technicians across the company, supporting skill development within the manufacturing engineering discipline.
  • Ensures compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality systems; contributes to audit readiness and manufacturing risk reduction.
  • Travel: 5% travel may be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites, however, in times of high demand, more travel may be necessary.
  • Occasional off-shift work required to support manufacturing schedules.
  • Ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearence. 
  •  

 

Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor's Degree with 6 years Manufacturing Engineering experience, Graduate Degree with 4 years Manufacturing Engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior Manufacturing Engineering experience.

 

Preferred Additional Skills:

 

  • Surface preparation for bonding rubber, insulation, metallic, and composite substrates.
  • Experience in composite tape wrapping, including process development and machine programming.
  • Hand layup and cure of insulation and composite materials.
  • Experience writing specifications and supporting procurement for new manufacturing equipment.
  • Experience with composite rocket motor nozzle fabrication.
  • Structural bonding of metallic and composite substrates.
  • Programming, operation, and qualification of composite cure ovens and/or autoclaves.
  • Precision assembly of aerospace hardware.
  • Strong GD&T background supporting part validation and tooling/fixture development.
  • CAD modeling experience.
  • Experience with tape wrap lathes, robotic systems, presses, ovens, winders, CNC machines, cutting tables, and/or autoclaves.
  • Strong cross‑functional communication skills.
  • Strong problem‑solving and root cause analysis skills.
  • Adaptable to a changing work environment.

#LI-HW1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.