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Fea Structures Composites Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Fea Structures Composites Engineer information

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$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 Design Engineer, Omen

Senior Structures Design Engineer, Omen

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to join the Omen Team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Omen is Anduril's hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that packs the endurance, payload, and mission flexibility of much larger airplanes into a novel runway-independent Group 3 platform. Omen can operate from ship decks, beaches, or remote island clearings, providing true runway independence and freedom of maneuver across defense and civilian domains. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract, with an order of 50 systems representing a decisive investment that anchors production and accelerates the development of future systems.
You will work on new aircraft development in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Perform static and dynamic structural analyses of composites and metallics using first principles and appropriate analysis methods (hand calculations, spreadsheets, scripts, detailed FEA)
  • Develop and own FEM creation and organization at the global and subsystem level
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers to drive proper designs based on analytical results
  • Document analysis methodology and results in technical reports for internal teams and external stakeholders
  • Conduct and support validation testing, including instrumentation requirements, load requirements, data collection, and model correlation
  • Participate in flight testing including setting Do No Exceed values, monitoring loads, and dispositioning inspection findings
  • Ensure designs meet customer requirements, industry standards, and safety regulations
  • Stay current with advancements in analysis techniques, materials technology, and industry standards
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS or higher degree in engineering or applied physics with a focus in structures
  • Deep understanding of statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and materials properties
  • Structural testing experience (static, buckling, cyclic) including sensor selection, data acquisition, and data post-processing
  • Proficiency in FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN) solution sequences for linear and non-linear static and buckling analyses
  • Experience with CAD tools (NX, Solidworks)
  • Proficiency in Matlab or Python (or equivalent) for developing analytical models, data acquisition, and automation
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision
  • Very organized and willing to establish scope and requirements for ill- defined problems
  • Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
    • 5+ years of experience in a structures, dynamics, or loads related role with high ownership and accountability for hardware outcomes
    • MS or higher degree in engineering or applied physics with a focus in structures
    • Experience with high cycle fatigue and/or turbomachinery
    • Ability to develop workflow automation tools

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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