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Composites Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Composites Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$102.7K

$132.8K

How much do composites engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 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 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Composites Engineer jobs in VA?

For Composites Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Composites Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $102,707 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Materials & Process Engineer - Composites

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Marion, VA • On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

114th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 2+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree and 6 months of job-related experience. Agile experience preferred,

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


Imagine a world-class engineering environment. Now add a team of exceptional talent along with technologies that are so advanced they're often classified. That's what you'll find at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Here you'll work with amazing engineers as they invent the technologies, products and services that help our service members, intelligence analysts and first responders keep our nation safe. If you want the chance to lead, it's time to bring your talent to General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS).

At GDMS, we provide premium systems, services, and products for the Department of Defense, government agencies and commercial clients. We are a technology leader in numerous areas including technology insertion; acoustic sensors; signal processing; combat systems; torpedoes; cyber security; knowledge management; and electronic warfare.

As a Materials & Process Engineer - Composites (Sr Mech Engr) for the ACS in Marion, VA, you'll be a member of our M&P department, a cross-functional team responsible for:

  • Supporting Production Program root cause investigations relating to materials and processes, and recommending solutions
  • Supporting Development Program qualification testing, including writing test plans, supporting on-site testing, and writing test reports
  • Supporting Internal Research and Development projects
  • Understanding and interpreting the technical, organizational, and process aspects of assigned tasks as they relate to the overall project or organization

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these skills or experiences:
  • Experience with polymer matrix composite manufacturing processes including hand lay-up/autoclave cure, adhesive bonding, and resin transfer molding (RTM)
  • Knowledge of the polymer chemistry of epoxy, bismaleimide (BMI), polyimide, and cyanate ester resins as they relate to pre-impregnated fabrics and unidirectional tapes used in fiber-reinforced composite structures and adhesive systems
  • Experience developing and writing process specifications and work instructions for composite fabrication operations
  • Experience with composites materials testing and qualification methods, both mechanical and thermal

What you'll experience:
  • Root cause investigations and solutions development supporting both production and development programs
  • Qualification testing for development programs, including test plan authorship and on-site test support
  • Contribution to Internal Research and Development projects
  • Collaboration across a cross-functional M&P team on technically complex composite programs
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

What sets you apart:
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications with strong attention to detail
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication methods, as well as technical, government, and industry standards
  • Analytic and problem-solving skills applied to composite materials and process challenges
  • Experience leading teams in project design, testing, and prototype fabrication
  • Knowledge of composite manufacturing processes including hand lay-up, autoclave cure, adhesive bonding, and RTM

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:

This position is 100% on-site in Marion, VA. While on-site, you will be a part of the ACS Marion Facility. We are not offering a relocation package at this time.


This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $86,500.00 - USD $92,500.00 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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