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Fea Structures Composites Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Composites Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$78K - $103K/yr

Composites Engineer - Shape the Future of Advanced Materials Are you passionate about pushing the ... Experience with FEA tools applied to composite structures. * Understanding of quality systems such ...

Composites Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$78K - $103K/yr

Composites Engineer - Shape the Future of Advanced Materials Are you passionate about pushing the ... Experience with FEA tools applied to composite structures. * Understanding of quality systems such ...

Composites Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$78K - $103K/yr

Composites Engineer - Shape the Future of Advanced Materials Are you passionate about pushing the ... Experience with FEA tools applied to composite structures. * Understanding of quality systems such ...

Senior Composites Engineer

Livonia, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

The Senior Composites Engineer will provide engineering and program management support for the ... Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) abilities. * Knowledge of ...

Senior Composites Engineer

Livonia, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

The Senior Composites Engineer will provide engineering and program management support for the ... Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) abilities. * Knowledge of ...

Senior Composites Engineer

Livonia, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

The Senior Composites Engineer will provide engineering and program management support for the ... Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) abilities. * Knowledge of ...

UAS Composites Engineer

Bingen, WA ยท On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload ... Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability ...

UAS Composites Engineer

Bingen, WA ยท On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload ... Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability ...

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload ... Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability ...

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA

$89K - $117K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload ... Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability ...

UAS Composites Engineer

Bingen, WA ยท On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload ... Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability ...

UAS Composites Engineer

Sterling, VA

$89K - $117K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled UAS Engineer with a focus on composite structures and payload ... Perform structural analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate strength, stiffness, durability ...

Senior Plastics and Composites Engineer

Evans, GA ยท On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

The position offers the opportunity to be a Plastics and Composites Engineer and work on a variety ... Familiar with Mold Flow and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Experience: * 7+ years' experience is ...

Composite Engineer

Mooresville, NC ยท On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

The Composites Engineer will collaborate across design, manufacturing, and technical partner teams ... Perform structural calculations, FEA, and simulations to ensure the integrity and safety of ...

You'll build and validate advanced FEA models, guide design and material choices, and ensure parts ... structures. Working in a high-growth company, you will be wearing many hats: project management ...

You'll build and validate advanced FEA models, guide design and material choices, and ensure parts ... structures. Working in a high-growth company, you will be wearing many hats: project management ...

You'll build and validate advanced FEA models, guide design and material choices, and ensure parts ... structures. Working in a high-growth company, you will be wearing many hats: project management ...

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Fea Structures Composites Engineer information

See salary details

$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do fea structures composites engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fea structures composites engineer in the United States is $99,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FEA Structures Composites Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an FEA Structures Composites Engineer, you need a strong background in structural engineering, materials science (especially composites), and finite element analysis (FEA), usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN, along with knowledge of CAD tools and industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and conveying complex findings. These competencies ensure accurate modeling, efficient design, and the structural integrity of advanced composite components in demanding industries.

What are some common challenges faced by FEA Structures Composites Engineers when analyzing composite materials, and how are they addressed?

One of the main challenges FEA Structures Composites Engineers encounter is accurately modeling the complex behavior of composite materials, which can be anisotropic and have varying properties depending on fiber orientation and layup. Additionally, simulating failure modes such as delamination or matrix cracking requires specialized knowledge and advanced simulation techniques. These challenges are usually addressed through continual learning, using validated material models, close collaboration with materials scientists, and leveraging advanced FEA software tools that support composite-specific analysis features.

What is the difference between Fea Structures Composites Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFea Structures Composites EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering; certifications in FEA softwareBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, aerospace or automotive industriesManufacturing plants, design offices, R&D departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, automotive, and advanced composites sectorsBroadly across manufacturing, energy, automotive, and aerospace

Fea Structures Composites Engineers focus on analyzing and designing composite structures using finite element analysis, often within aerospace and automotive sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, their specific applications and work environments differ.

What are Fea Structures Composites Engineers?

FEA Structures Composites Engineers are professionals who use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to design, analyze, and optimize composite structures. They work with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other advanced composites to ensure that structures meet required strength, durability, and performance standards. Their role is critical in industries like aerospace, automotive, and marine, where lightweight and strong materials are essential. These engineers create detailed simulations to predict how composite structures will behave under various loads and conditions, enabling safer and more efficient designs.
Infographic showing various Fea Structures Composites Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Senior Structures & Composites Engineer (Rocket Motor Cases)

Castelion Corporation

Rio Rancho, NM โ€ข On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the job Senior Structures & Composites Engineer (Rocket Motor Cases)
Why Castelion, Why Now
Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts.
This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact.
Senior Structures & Composites Engineer (Rocket Motor Cases)
We are seeking a Senior Structures & Composites Engineer to design and deliver high-performance rocket motor cases for Castelion's long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. This role is critical to enabling lightweight, high-strength propulsion structures capable of withstanding extreme pressure and thermal environments. You will work hands-on with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, analyze, build, and validate composite and metallic motor case structures in a fast-paced, hardware-driven environment.
Responsibilities

  • Design and develop rocket motor case structures, including composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) and filament-wound composite cases
  • Lead the architecture and detailed design of motor cases, including load paths, interfaces, domes, bosses, and attachment features
  • Perform structural analysis of pressure vessels under internal pressure, thermal loads, and dynamic environments to ensure performance and reliability
  • Develop and analyze composite layups, fiber orientations, and manufacturing approaches to optimize strength, stiffness, and mass
  • Work closely with propulsion, materials, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure seamless integration of motor cases with propulsion systems
  • Support material selection, processing, and characterization for composite and high-temperature materials
  • Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations, driving design improvements and risk reduction
  • Define and execute qualification and environmental test plans, including pressure testing, proof/burst testing, and vibration testing
  • Support prototyping, fabrication, and hardware bring-up, including troubleshooting manufacturing and structural performance issues
  • Optimize designs for mass efficiency, manufacturability, and operational reliability
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in composite and pressure vessel design
  • Partner closely with program leadership to make technical trades aligned with mission success
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in structural and composite design for aerospace or high-performance pressure vessel applications
  • Strong background in composite materials, including filament winding, laminate theory, and failure criteria (e.g., Tsai-Wu, Hashin)
  • Experience designing pressure vessels, COPVs, or rocket motor cases for high-pressure applications
  • Proficiency in structural analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or equivalent)
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes for composites, including winding, curing, and inspection methods (e.g., NDI/NDT)
  • Experience with proof/burst testing and structural validation of pressure vessels
  • Experience with hardware build, test, and troubleshooting in a lab or production environment
  • Strong problem-solving mindset, thriving in a fast-paced, hardware-rich, high test cadence environment
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Benefits And Perks All full-time employees are granted meaningful long-term equity, sharing in the company's significant growth trajectory. We offer four (4) weeks of paid time off, ten (10) company-paid holidays, and comprehensive health benefits - including 100% employee-covered medical and strong dependent coverage, along with dental and vision plans. We also provide paid parental leave to support growing families, a $100 monthly fitness stipend to promote health and performance, and onsite EV charging for convenience. In addition, employees enjoy perks like catered meals, company-covered food during high-demand periods, and a fully stocked kitchen to stay fueled throughout the day. While this position does not currently require a U.S government-issued security clearance, it may in the near future. Therefore, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance. Affirmative Action/EEO Statement Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.