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Composites Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

UAS Composites Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA

$89K - $117K/yr

UAS Composites Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people--we build our ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA

$89K - $117K/yr

UAS Composites Engineer Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our ...

MATSYS

Supply Chain Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

... composites, engineered metals, polymers, chemicals) Background with long-lead, sole-source, or regulated materials Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, energy, or other quality-intensive ...

KBR

Materials Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Materials Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Lead small-group project teams to propose, select, qualify, and test metals and composites for ...

KBR, Inc.

Materials Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Materials Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Lead small-group project teams to propose, select, qualify, and test metals and composites for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsComposites Engineer JobsComposites Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Composites Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$102.7K

$132.8K

How much do composites engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for composites engineer in Virginia is $102,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $118,000.00 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 are Composites Engineers?

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 Virginia? For Composites Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Composites Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Composites Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Composites Engineer jobs in VA? For Composites Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Composites Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Composites Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,707 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

UAS Composites Engineer

Heven AeroTech

Sterling, VA • On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Title: UAS Composites Engineer
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.
We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart-those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.
Role Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload integration to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role bridges airframe engineering and mission capability, ensuring that composite structures and payload systems are efficiently integrated, structurally sound, and optimized for performance.
The ideal candidate combines hands-on experience with composite materials, strong systems-level thinking, and a design-for-manufacturing mindset to integrate sensors, electronics, and mission-specific payloads into robust, flight-ready platforms.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, analyze, and optimize highly manufacturable composite airframe structures (fuselage, wings, mounts, enclosures), applying Design for Manufacturing principles to ensure scalable and reliable production.
  • Select appropriate composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, resins, cores) based on performance, weight, reliability, and manufacturability trade-offs.
  • Develop CAD models, drawings, and documentation for composite components using tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX.
  • Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability, and performance margins with attention to detail and analytical rigor.
  • Support fabrication processes including layup, curing, trimming, and finishing with a focus on repeatable, high-quality manufacturing outcomes.
  • Lead integration of payload systems including sensors, cameras, communication modules, and mission-specific equipment, ensuring cross-disciplinary collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and software teams.
  • Define mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces between payloads and airframe, ensuring robust integration and system reliability.
  • Design mounting solutions that ensure stability, vibration isolation, serviceability, and operational durability.
  • Manage payload weight, balance, and power constraints while applying systems thinking to evaluate impacts on flight performance, CG, endurance, and structural loads.
  • Conduct trade studies to balance payload capability with range, endurance, and overall mission performance.
  • Support system architecture development and configuration control across evolving UAS platforms.
  • Plan and execute ground and flight tests for structural and payload validation, leveraging test data to iterate and improve designs.
  • Troubleshoot integration issues in fast-paced development cycles and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Develop and document repeatable manufacturing processes for composite components in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
  • Support transition from prototype to low-rate and full-rate production environments.

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in UAS, aerospace, or related industries.
  • Strong experience with composite materials and fabrication methods.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or equivalent).
  • Experience with payload integration at the mechanical and/or systems level.
  • Understanding of structural analysis and basic FEA tools.
  • Familiarity with UAS platforms, flight dynamics, and system-level constraints.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on reliability and performance.
  • Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, iterative engineering environments.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience with small to medium UAS platforms.
  • Knowledge of vibration isolation and thermal management for payload systems.
  • Hands-on experience with composite layup and rapid prototyping.
  • Familiarity with avionics, sensors, and communication systems.
  • Experience with 3D printing, CNC machining, and tooling design.
  • Understanding of regulatory considerations (FAA, MIL standards, etc.).

Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Salary Range:
$70,000-$150,000 USD

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