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Senior Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Composite Technician

Loveland, CO · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Position Overview Opterus is seeking a highly experienced Senior Composite Technician to lead the ... Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for ...

Position Overview Opterus is seeking a highly experienced Senior Composite Technician to lead the ... Collaborate directly with engineering to refine layup schedules, troubleshoot design-for ...

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Senior Composite Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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 are Senior Composite Engineers?

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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Composite Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Senior Composite Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Composite Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Composite Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Composite Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Composite Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Composite Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Composite Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Composite Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)

Senior Composite Engineer (SME1)

Amentum

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Join Our Journey
At Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED your growth is our priority! That's why we offer an array of exciting opportunities for your career development. From the transformative Team Lead Academy to education reimbursement, personalized mentoring, and engaging company-sponsored networking events, you have the power to shape your professional journey in a way that aligns with your aspirations.
Find Your Community
At the heart of our thriving business are the incredible people who make it all possible. We celebrate a vibrant array of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Here, we foster an environment where everyone-employees, clients, and partners alike-are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
Our extensive benefits package is designed with your health in mind. Enjoy wellness programs, paid holidays, generous time off, employee perks, and so much more. We're here to help you achieve a harmonious balance in your life-both at work and at home.
Together, We Soar
Our dynamic team consists of 10 companies united in a single mission: to venture from Moon to Mars and beyond. Join us on this extraordinary adventure!
Position Overview This role supports composite structures design, analysis, and manufacturing for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) programs. 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-specific requirements and advanced spaceflight applications. Must be a US citizen and have a STAR ID.
Key Responsibilities
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.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, materials engineering, or related field.
  • 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 high-quality technical documentation.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Qualifications
  • Experience supporting spaceflight, launch vehicle, or defense composite structures.
  • Exposure to cryogenic composites, pressure vessels, or large-scale aerospace structures.
  • Familiarity with NASA/MSFC standards or similar government requirements.
  • Experience with NDI methods such as UT, thermography, or X-ray.
  • Scripting or automation experience (Python, MATLAB).

Essential Functions
Work Environment:
Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (5%). Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).
Physical Requirements:
Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%).
Equipment and Machines:
Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).
Attendance:
Normal workday 7:30-4:30, Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity, and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.
Other Essential Functions:
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
#ESSCA #ASED #Amentum
Compensation Details:
SME1
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
07/02/2026 - 07/31/2026
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.