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Senior Composite Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ascentaerospace

Composite Technician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

Interface with leads, supervisors, and engineers to solve problems and improve processes. * Perform composite repairs under supervision of more senior staff. * Fabricate composite molds and parts as ...

Ascent Aerospace

Composite Technician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$22 - $38/hr

Interface with leads, supervisors, and engineers to solve problems and improve processes. * Perform composite repairs under supervision of more senior staff. * Fabricate composite molds and parts as ...

Swift Engineering

Senior Engineer, Design

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description Sr. Engineer, Design has strong composites processing and manufacturing experience ... Strong emphasis on Composite Tool / fixture design * Create and maintain detailed manufacturing ...

Swift Engineering

Senior Engineer, Design

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Sr. Engineer, Design has strong composites processing and manufacturing experience. Responsible for ... Strong emphasis on Composite Tool / fixture design * Create and maintain detailed manufacturing ...

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Sr. Engineer, M&P - Test

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

As a Senior Materials Test Engineer in the Materials & Process Department, you will focus on the ... Familiarity with composite materials and processes used in the manufacture of composite aircraft ...

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All JobsComposite Engineer JobsSenior Composite Engineer JobsSenior Composite Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Composite Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.2K

$139.1K

$211.6K

How much do senior composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior composite engineer in California is $139,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,400.00 and $164,900.00 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.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Senior Composite Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Composite Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Composite Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Composite Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Composite Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Composite Engineer job openings:

Senior Composite Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Composite Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,136 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Senior Composite CNC Programmer/Machinist

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$27.50 - $37.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Composites/CNC team within Mechanical Services builds high-priority prototype hardware to advance Anduril's mission of protecting service members and securing national security. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with design engineers in a high-tempo environment, building parts directly from rapidly evolving CAD models. Our hardware transitions from concept to real-world vehicles in weeks, not years. This is a low-volume, prototype and development environment. No production.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a high-ownership Composite CNC Programmer/Operator to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will own the end-to-end manufacturing process-from CAM programming and 5-axis setup to operation and final part inspection. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on, R&D-focused position. You program it, set it up, run it, and inspect it. There is no production work here; you will solve complex, unique tooling and prototyping challenges daily, playing a critical role in bringing next-generation defense technologies to life.

WHAT YOU'LL DO 
  • Program, set up, and operate large-format 5-axis CNC gantry routers and mills for trimming, drilling, and surfacing advanced composite components.
  • Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers, providing real-time feedback on early-stage prototype models to optimize Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
  • Design and fabricate robust work holding, including custom vacuum fixtures for delicate, near-net-shape parts.
  • Machine master models and direct-to-part molds from foam, tooling board, and other pattern materials.
  • Troubleshoot unique machining challenges inherent to composites, including delamination, fiber pull-out, and thermal degradation.
  • Perform in-process quality control and dimensional verification to deliver high-quality prototype components with superior surface finishes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 4+ years of CAM programming experience (e.g., Esprit, hyperMILL) and 5+ years of hands-on CNC setup and operation.
  • Deep understanding of machining complex composite and tooling materials, including carbon fiber (pre-preg and wet-layup), fiberglass, Kevlar, honeycomb, foam cores, and high-density urethane/epoxy tooling boards (e.g., RenShape).
  • Strong command of G and M code, high-speed 5-axis machining, GD&T, and experience with large-gantry 5-axis machines (CMS) and Fanuc controls.
  • Expertise in cutting-tool selection for abrasive materials (e.g., PCD, diamond-coated routers, compression drills) and custom work holding.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing R&D environment with a strong bias for action and minimal supervision.
  • Passion for national security, defense technology, and solving critical hardware challenges.
  • Must be a U.S. Person as this position requires access to export-controlled data.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Advanced 5-axis simultaneous programming for complex surface contouring and trimming.
  • Experience with Siemens NX CAD and Teamcenter.
  • Familiarity with probing cycles and on-machine verification (e.g., Renishaw).
  • Experience with metallic machining and hybrid fabrication workflows.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

Social media

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