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Remote Composite Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

... remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to jointhe Polymer Composite ...

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking scientists and engineers to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing ...

Remote Composite Engineer information

What is a remote composite engineer?

Remote Composite Engineers are professionals who specialize in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of composite materials and structures while working from a remote location. They use advanced engineering software and communication tools to collaborate with teams, develop composite parts, and optimize materials for industries like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. Their work often involves creating lightweight, high-strength components, testing material properties, and ensuring products meet safety and performance standards. Remote Composite Engineers typically have a background in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote composite engineer?

To thrive as a Remote Composite Engineer, you need a solid background in composite materials engineering, structural analysis, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and familiarity with industry standards like ASTM or ISO are typically required. Strong problem-solving, self-motivation, and clear virtual communication skills help you excel in distributed teams. Mastering these areas ensures high-quality, innovative composite solutions while effectively collaborating in a remote work environment.

What are some unique challenges faced by remote composite engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Composite Engineers often encounter challenges related to effective collaboration and communication with manufacturing teams, especially when troubleshooting material issues or design changes. Since hands-on access to prototypes or production lines may be limited, it is crucial to utilize detailed documentation, virtual meetings, and digital simulation tools to bridge these gaps. Building strong relationships with on-site colleagues and maintaining clear, proactive communication can significantly improve workflow and problem-solving efficiency. Adapting to different time zones and ensuring timely feedback are also important for keeping projects on schedule.

What is the difference between Remote Composite Engineer vs Remote Materials Engineer?

AspectRemote Composite EngineerRemote Materials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in compositesBachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering, certifications in materials testing
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D teams (remote options available)Research labs, manufacturing, testing facilities (remote roles possible)
Industry UsageAerospace, automotive, sports equipmentManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer products
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Remote Composite Engineer and Remote Materials Engineer roles share similarities in credentials and industry usage, often overlapping in aerospace and manufacturing sectors. While the Composite Engineer focuses on designing and testing composite materials, the Materials Engineer works broadly on various materials, including metals and polymers. Both roles can be remote, especially in research and development settings, but their core focus areas differ, making them distinct career paths within the materials and engineering fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Composite Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Composite Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Composite Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Composite Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Remote Composite Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Materials Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to jointhe Polymer Composite Manufacturing Departmentat the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions than can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role willsupport various research activities throughout the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division including manufacturing, characterization, and design of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, elastomers, ceramic matrix composites, and/or multi-material structures.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Support the research, design, development, and fabrication of advanced polymer and composite structures for defense and industrial applications

  • Perform and support fabrication, characterization, testing, and evaluation activities while ensuring technical quality and accuracy

  • Apply sound engineering judgment, critical thinking, and attention to detail to solve technical challenges and support project objectives

  • Contribute to white papers, technical proposals, project plans, customer meetings, and other business development initiatives

  • Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects while serving as a Task Lead or Principal Investigator, as appropriate

  • Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to sponsors, customers, and other stakeholders

  • Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, bills of materials, technical reports, presentations, and other formal project documentation

  • Execute assigned work in accordance with written and verbal instructions while proactively identifying and communicating technical issues and risks

  • Provide regular project status updates and technical progress reports to Principal Investigators, project leadership, and engineering staff

  • Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and technical milestones

  • Demonstrate initiative by seeking guidance, sharing knowledge, and engaging with supervisors and team members to ensure project success

  • Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment while adhering to established safety procedures and best practice

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness

  • Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning

  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students

  • Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Polymer structure-property relationships and the ability to produce new thermoset materials with specific properties

  • Thermoset elastomer development

  • Process development of prototype structures

  • Past success utilizing a wide range of materials characterization techniques including mechanical property testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and chemical analysis

  • Understanding of relationships between composition, microstructure, processing, and material properties

  • Polymer processing and characterization methods

  • Testing and characterization methods for composite materials

  • Project engineering or management

  • Past success providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension

  • Successful collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced composites

  • Leading projects and working with customers/sponsors

  • Developing new proposals and projects

  • Past success working on defense projects

  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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