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Senior Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mclaurin Aerospace

Senior Composite Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: Composite Design ...

Code Plus Inc

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

CODEplus is currently seeking Senior Composite Engineer SME to support our operations in Huntsville, AL. Position Overview This role supports composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing ...

Mclaurin Aerospace

Senior Composite Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: Composite Design ...

Mclaurin Aerospace

Senior Composite Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: Composite Design ...

Code Plus Inc

Senior Composite Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

CODEplus is currently seeking Senior Composite Engineer SME to support our operations in Huntsville, AL. Position Overview This role supports composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing ...

Amentum

Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft structures. This position is ideal for a strong composites engineer looking to grow into MSFC ...

Pae

Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft structures. This position is ideal for a strong composites engineer looking to grow into MSFC ...

Amentum

Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The engineer will work on composite components for launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft structures. This position is ideal for a strong composites engineer looking to grow into MSFC ...

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Senior Composite Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior composite engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior composite engineer?

Senior Composite Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize materials made from two or more constituent substances—known as composites—for use in a variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and sports equipment. They lead projects involving the selection, testing, and manufacturing of composite materials to ensure they meet specific performance and safety standards. These engineers often supervise teams, collaborate with other departments, and use advanced software tools to analyze material behaviors. Their expertise helps create lighter, stronger, and more durable products.

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

To thrive as a Senior Composite Engineer, you need expertise in composite materials, structural analysis, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and industry-specific standards like ASME or ASTM is often required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are crucial for managing projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure innovative, reliable composite solutions and successful project execution in high-performance engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior composite engineers in managing multidisciplinary project teams?

Senior Composite Engineers often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication between team members with different technical backgrounds, which is crucial for integrating composite materials into complex products. Balancing project timelines while addressing technical hurdles, such as material selection or process optimization, also requires strong project management skills. Proactively facilitating cross-functional meetings and providing clear documentation can help navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Senior Composite Engineer vs Composite Technician?

AspectSenior Composite EngineerComposite Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in composites (e.g., NDT, FAA certifications)High school diploma or technical training, certifications in composite layup and safety
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, R&D labs, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing floors, composite layup stations, quality control areas
Employer & Industry UsageAircraft, aerospace, automotive, sports equipment industriesComposite manufacturing and assembly facilities in similar industries
Common Search & ComparisonSenior Composite Engineer vs Composite Technician

The Senior Composite Engineer typically holds a higher level of education and oversees design, analysis, and development of composite materials. In contrast, the Composite Technician focuses on hands-on manufacturing, layup, and quality control. Both roles are essential in composite manufacturing but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

How much do senior composite engineers make in the US?

Senior composite engineers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require specialized knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and CAD tools, with higher salaries generally found in aerospace and automotive sectors.
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Cities with the most Senior Composite Engineer job openings:

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Senior Composite Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Composite Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Composite Engineer

Mclaurin Aerospace

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Composite Engineer to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. 

If selected you will:

Composite Design & Analysis

  • Perform design and analysis of composite components for aerospace structures.
  • Develop laminate schedules, evaluate material behavior, and assess structural performance under mechanical and thermal loads.
  • Support FEA modeling activities including linear and basic non-linear analysis, buckling checks, and failure assessments.
  • Participate in trade studies and support requirements development.

Program Support & Collaboration

  • Work directly with MSFC engineering teams, suppliers, and other contractors to develop composite solutions.
  • Support design reviews (PDR, CDR) by preparing presentation materials and technical documentation.
  • Contribute to testing plans, NDI evaluation, and verification activities as needed.

Manufacturing & Materials

  • Support composite fabrication activities including autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, and resin infusion processes.
  • Participate in tooling reviews, process development, and troubleshooting of manufacturing issues.
  • Assist with material evaluation, process documentation, and coordination with manufacturing engineering.

Testing & Verification

  • Support composite component testing, data review, and correlation activities.
  • Assist with structural test planning, failure investigation activities, and corrective action discussions.

General Responsibilities

  • Maintain configuration, documentation, and compliance with engineering processes.
  • Communicate effectively across disciplines and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • 10–15+ years of experience working with composite materials and structural components (aerospace preferred).
  • Experience with composite laminate design, basic FEA, and mechanical/thermal load assessment.
  • Hands-on familiarity with composite manufacturing processes such as autoclave layup, AFP/ATL, or RTM/VARTM.
  • Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Abaqus, ANSYS, or Nastran).
  • Ability to work within structured engineering processes and deliver highquality technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting spaceflight, launch vehicle, or defense composite structures.
  • Exposure to cryogenic composites, pressure vessels, or largescale aerospace structures.
  • Familiarity with NASA/MSFC standards or similar government requirements.
  • Experience with NDI methods such as UT, thermography, or Xray.
  • Scripting or automation experience (Python, MATLAB).

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work-life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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