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Thermoplastic Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Familiarity with composite materials (thermoplastic or thermoset) preferred; strong willingness to learn required * Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and written work instructions

Familiarity with composite materials (thermoplastic or thermoset) preferred; strong willingness to learn required * Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and written work instructions

Familiarity with composite materials (thermoplastic or thermoset) preferred; strong willingness to learn required * Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and written work instructions

Sales Application Engineer Position available in: Must be located in South-east Region of USA ... Manufacturing applications with thermoset or thermoplastic composite materials * Factory assembly ...

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Thermoplastic Composite Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do thermoplastic composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermoplastic composite engineer in the United States is $103,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Thermoplastic Composite Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and composite manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and industry standards for composite materials is crucial, along with knowledge of thermoplastic processing equipment. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout engineers apart in this role. These skills enable the development of innovative, high-performance composite solutions essential for industries like aerospace and automotive.

What does a Thermoplastic Composite Engineer do?

A Thermoplastic Composite Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and testing composite materials made from thermoplastic polymers and reinforcing fibers. They work to improve material performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness for applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction. Their responsibilities may include selecting appropriate materials, optimizing processing techniques, and collaborating with other engineers to integrate composites into products. Thermoplastic composites offer advantages such as recyclability, rapid processing, and toughness compared to traditional thermoset composites. These engineers play a key role in advancing lightweight and sustainable material solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Thermoplastic Composite Engineers when integrating new materials into existing manufacturing processes?

Thermoplastic Composite Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring material compatibility with current production equipment, optimizing processing parameters for new composites, and maintaining quality control during scale-up. Adapting existing tooling and workflows can require significant adjustments, and engineers must collaborate closely with manufacturing, design, and quality teams to address any technical hurdles. Staying updated on material innovations and regulatory requirements is also crucial to successful integration.

What is the difference between Thermoplastic Composite Engineer vs Thermoset Composite Engineer?

AspectThermoplastic Composite EngineerThermoset Composite Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in materials science, mechanical engineering; certifications in composite materialsBachelor's or higher in materials science, mechanical engineering; certifications in composite manufacturing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, aerospace, automotive industriesComposite manufacturing facilities, aerospace, defense, automotive sectors
Industry UsageDesigning and testing thermoplastic composites for lightweight, recyclable partsDeveloping thermoset composites for high-strength, heat-resistant components

The main difference between a Thermoplastic Composite Engineer and a Thermoset Composite Engineer lies in the materials they work with. Thermoplastic engineers focus on recyclable, flexible composites, while thermoset engineers specialize in heat-resistant, durable composites. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries, but their material focus and application areas differ.

More about Thermoplastic Composite Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Thermoplastic Composite Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Thermoplastic Composite Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Thermoplastic Composite Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Thermoplastic Composite Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Thermoplastic 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 $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
Staff Technical Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing

Staff Technical Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA โ€ข On-site

$149K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead the development, maturation, and industrialization of advanced joining technologies for high-performance thermoplastic composite aircraft structures. This role will be responsible for defining and executing technology development programs focused on joining carbon fiber reinforced PEEK, PEKK, and other high-performance thermoplastic materials using welding and consolidation processes.
Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, materials, and certification teams, this individual will establish robust manufacturing processes and generate the data necessary to support future aircraft structural applications. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in composite materials and joining technologies with extensive aerospace program leadership experience and a passion for hands-on technology development.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the technical strategy, planning, and execution of development programs focused on thermoplastic composite joining technologies for aerospace structures.
  • Develop and mature manufacturing processes utilizing resistance, induction, ultrasonic, laser, conduction, and other thermoplastic welding and consolidation methods.
  • Define and execute material characterization and test programs to establish preliminary design allowables and joint performance databases across relevant loading and environmental conditions.
  • Develop formal manufacturing process specifications, work instructions, qualification plans, and supporting technical documentation suitable for production and certification.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning design engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, testing, quality, and certification to achieve program objectives.
  • Provide technical leadership in process development, fixture design, equipment selection, process controls, and manufacturability for thermoplastic composite assemblies.
  • Serve as the technical interface with equipment suppliers, research organizations, universities, and industry partners supporting technology maturation.
  • Drive project execution through schedule management, technical risk reduction, resource planning, milestone tracking, and executive communication.
  • Remain actively engaged in laboratory and manufacturing development activities, participating directly in process development, testing, troubleshooting, and validation.

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Advanced Degree preferred
  • 10+ years of experience developing aerospace structures, manufacturing processes, or advanced composite technologies
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary aerospace technology development programs from concept through qualification
  • Deep understanding of high-performance thermoplastic composites including carbon fiber reinforced PEEK, PEKK, PEAK, and related materials
  • Extensive experience with thermoplastic joining technologies including one or more of:
    • Resistance welding
    • Induction welding
    • Ultrasonic welding
    • Laser welding
    • Thermal consolidation
    • Automated joining processes
  • Strong understanding of aerospace materials and process development, qualification methodologies, and certification best practices
  • Experience developing manufacturing process specifications, qualification plans, and engineering standards
  • Familiarity with composite structural testing, mechanical characterization, environmental conditioning, and statistical analysis of material performance
  • Excellent technical communication skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and communicate with executive leadership
  • Willingness to work onsite in Santa Cruz, California, with significant laboratory and manufacturing floor engagement

Desired
  • 20+ years of experience developing aerospace structures, manufacturing processes, or advanced composite technologies
  • Experience developing primary or secondary aircraft composite structures
  • Knowledge of FAA or military certification approaches for composite structures
  • Experience establishing structural design allowables and supporting certification by analysis and test
  • Familiarity with automated composite manufacturing equipment, robotics, and process automation
  • Experience working with research organizations, government programs, or technology maturation initiatives
  • Demonstrated success transitioning emerging manufacturing technologies into production environments

Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $156,000 - $214,500The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer