Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (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